MADISON GAS & ELECTRIC CO
S-3, 1994-03-02
ELECTRIC & OTHER SERVICES COMBINED
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<PAGE>
 
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MARCH 2, 1994
         
                                                       REGISTRATION NO. 33-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                               ----------------
 
                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                               ----------------
 
                        MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
                               ----------------
 
               WISCONSIN                               39-0444025
    (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF       (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
     INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
                             133 SOUTH BLAIR STREET
                              POST OFFICE BOX 1231
                         MADISON, WISCONSIN 53701-1231
                                 (608) 252-7000
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                               ----------------
 
                                 GARY J. WOLTER
                  VICE PRESIDENT--ADMINISTRATION AND SECRETARY
                             133 SOUTH BLAIR STREET
                              POST OFFICE BOX 1231
                         MADISON, WISCONSIN 53701-1231
                                 (608) 252-7292
 (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 as determined by
market conditions.
 
  If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, 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]
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  TITLE OF EACH CLASS      AMOUNT    PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED MAXIMUM
     OF SECURITIES          TO BE     OFFERING PRICE     AGGREGATE        AMOUNT OF
    TO BE REGISTERED     REGISTERED     PER UNIT*     OFFERING PRICE*  REGISTRATION FEE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>         <C>              <C>              <C>
Debt Securities........  $40,000,000       100%         $40,000,000        $12,500
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
 
                               ----------------
 
  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 THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
  PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF RULE 429 OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE
PROSPECTUS FILED AS PART OF THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT WILL BE USED AS A
COMBINED PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE
REGISTRANT'S REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3, REGISTRATION NO. 33-46192.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<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 STATE.                                                                    +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                   SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 2, 1994
 
PROSPECTUS
 
                                  $45,000,000
 
                        MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
                                DEBT SECURITIES
 
                DUE FROM 9 MONTHS TO 35 YEARS FROM DATE OF ISSUE
 
                                  -----------
 
  Madison Gas and Electric Company (the "Company") may offer from time to time
up to $45,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its Debt Securities (the "Debt
Securities"), consisting of one or more series of its First Mortgage Bonds (the
"Bonds") and one or more series of its notes secured by a collateral series of
first mortgage bonds (the "Secured Notes"). The Debt Securities may be offered
with maturities ranging from 9 months to 35 years from the date of issue and in
amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at the time or times of sale.
For each offering of Debt Securities (the "Offered Securities") with respect to
which this Prospectus is being delivered, the accompanying Prospectus
Supplement (the "Prospectus Supplement") sets forth the specific designation,
aggregate principal amount, maturity or maturities, initial public offering
price or prices, interest rate or rates (which may be fixed or, in the case of
Secured Notes, variable), any sinking fund provisions, any listing on a
securities exchange, any terms for redemption at the option of the Company or
the holder, and any other special terms in respect of the Offered Securities.
 
  The Debt Securities may be issued in registered form, in bearer form with
coupons attached or both. In addition, all or a portion of the Debt Securities
of any series may be issued in permanent registered global form, which will be
exchangeable only under certain conditions into definitive Debt Securities. See
"Description of Debt Securities--Global Securities."
 
  The Company may sell the Debt Securities to or through underwriters or
dealers, directly to other purchasers or through agents. See "Plan of
Distribution." The names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, any applicable
commissions, discounts or allowances and the proceeds to the Company from the
sale of the Offered Securities are set forth in the Prospectus Supplement.
 
                                  -----------
 
 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.  ANY
      REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                                  -----------
 
                   THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS    , 1994.
<PAGE>
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
  The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy 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 its regional offices at Seven World Trade Center, New York,
New York 10048 and 500 West Madison Street, 14th Floor, Chicago, Illinois
60661. Copies of such material can be obtained from the Public Reference
Section of the Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. The
Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-3
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with
respect to the Debt Securities. This Prospectus does not contain all of the
information set forth in such Registration Statement, certain portions of which
are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission. For
further information, reference is made to such Registration Statement.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
  The following documents filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to
the Exchange Act (File Number 0-1125) are incorporated in this Prospectus by
reference and made a part hereof:
 
    1. The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
  31, 1992;
 
    2. The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended
  March 31, 1993, June 30, 1993 and September 30, 1993; and
 
    3. The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 11, 1994.
 
  All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act, after the date of this Prospectus and prior to the
termination of the offering made by this Prospectus, shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the
respective dates of filing of such documents. Any statement contained in a
document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this
Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this Prospectus or in
any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus modifies or supersedes such
statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed,
except as so modified and superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
  The Company will provide without charge to each person, including any
beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this Prospectus is delivered, upon written
or oral request of such person, a copy of any or all of the documents referred
to above which have been incorporated in this Prospectus by reference, other
than certain exhibits to such documents. Such requests should be directed to
Joseph T. Krzos, Vice President--Finance, Madison Gas and Electric Company,
Post Office Box 1231, Madison, Wisconsin 53701-1231 (Telephone: (608) 252-
7923).
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  The Company, a Wisconsin corporation organized as such in 1896, is a public
utility located in Madison, Wisconsin. It is engaged in generating and
transmitting electric energy and distributing it to approximately 117,000
customers throughout 250 square miles in Dane County. The Company also
distributes and transports natural gas to approximately 97,000 customers
throughout 975 square miles in Dane, Columbia, Iowa, Juneau, Monroe and Vernon
counties. The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 133
South Blair Street, Post Office Box 1231, Madison, Wisconsin 53701-1231, and
its telephone number is (608) 252-7000.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  Except as may be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement, the Company intends
to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Debt Securities for its general
corporate purposes, including the financing of capital expenditures, the
refinancing of indebtedness, the replacement of an accounts receivable
facility, and possible business investments and acquisitions. Pending such
applications, the net proceeds would be temporarily invested in marketable
securities.
 
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
                    (000'S EXCEPT RATIO AND PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                     1989     1990     1991     1992     1993
                                   -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S>                                <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Operating Revenues
  Electric........................ $131,961 $140,493 $146,378 $142,646 $147,201
  Gas.............................   85,627   80,075   85,822   85,356   96,932
                                   -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
    Total......................... $217,588 $220,568 $232,200 $228,002 $244,133
                                   ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Net Operating Income..............   33,606   34,798   36,374   35,062   34,230
Net Income........................   20,596   22,029   24,880   23,807   24,675
Earnings on Common Stock..........   20,038   21,488   24,356   23,301   24,186
Earnings per share of Common
 Stock(1).........................     1.95     2.04     2.28     2.18     2.26
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
 Charges(2).......................     2.84     3.24     3.88     3.60     4.15
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              AS OF DECEMBER 31
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                          1992                   1993
                                   ---------------------- ----------------------
                                    AMOUNT     PERCENTAGE  AMOUNT     PERCENTAGE
                                   --------    ---------- --------    ----------
<S>                                <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>
CAPITALIZATION:
Long-Term Debt (First Mortgage
 Bonds)..........................  $122,363(3)    39.7%   $120,396(3)    38.8%
Redeemable Preferred Stock (Net
 of $100 current sinking fund re-
 quirement)......................     5,600        1.8       5,400        1.7
Common Shareholders' Equity......   180,367       58.5     184,995       59.5
                                   --------      -----    --------      -----
  Total Capitalization...........  $308,330      100.0%   $310,791      100.0%
                                   ========      =====    ========      =====
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Adjusted to reflect a three-for-two common stock split in the form of a
    dividend distributed January 21, 1992.
(2) For the purpose of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
    earnings have been calculated by adding to income before interest expense,
    current and deferred federal and state income taxes, investment tax credits
    deferred and restored charged (credited) to operations and the estimated
    interest component of rentals. Fixed charges represent interest expense,
    amortization of debt discount, premium and expense, and the estimated
    interest component of rentals.
(3) Excluding $25,925 and $18,982, respectively, of construction funds held by
    a trustee pending disbursement.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
 
GENERAL
 
  The Debt Securities may consist of one or more series of Bonds and one or
more series of Secured Notes. Any such Bonds will be issued pursuant to and
secured by the Company's Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of
January 1, 1946 (the "Original Mortgage") to First Wisconsin Trust Company (now
known as Firstar Trust Company), as trustee (the "Mortgage Trustee"), as now or
hereafter supplemented and amended (the Original Mortgage as so supplemented
and amended being hereinafter referred to as the "Mortgage" and all bonds now
or hereafter issued under the Mortgage being hereinafter referred to as the
"bonds"). Any such Secured Notes will be issued pursuant to the Company's
Indenture to be dated as of March 1, 1994 (the "Note Indenture") to M&I First
National Bank, as trustee (the "Note Trustee"), and will be secured by one or
more First Mortgage Bonds, 2029 Series (the "Collateral Bonds"), to be issued
by the Company pursuant to the Mortgage and pledged to the Note Trustee.
 
  Included in this Prospectus are descriptions of the Mortgage, the Note
Indenture, the Bonds and the Secured Notes. Such descriptions are brief
summaries of the provisions referred to and do not purport to be complete. The
respective forms of the Mortgage and the Note Indenture are filed as exhibits
to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, and reference
is made thereto for the definitive provisions of such documents. The
descriptions herein are qualified in their entirety by such reference. Certain
capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings respectively set forth in
the Mortgage and the Note Indenture.
 
  Subject to the limitations contained herein, the Prospectus Supplement will
set forth the following terms relating to the Offered Securities: (1) the
specific designation of the Offered Securities and whether the Offered
Securities constitute Secured Notes or Bonds; (2) any limit on the aggregate
principal amount of the Offered Securities; (3) the date or dates, if any, on
which the Offered Securities will mature; (4) the rate or rates per annum
(which may be fixed or, in the case of Secured Notes, variable) at which the
Offered Securities will bear interest, if any, the date or dates on which any
such interest will be payable and the Record Dates for any interest payable on
the Offered Securities which are Registered Securities; (5) any mandatory or
optional redemption or sinking fund provisions, including the period or periods
within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon
which the Offered Securities may be redeemed or purchased at the option of the
Company or otherwise; (6) whether the Offered Securities will be issuable in
registered form or bearer form or both, and, if issuable in bearer form, the
restrictions as to the offer, sale and delivery of the Offered Securities in
bearer form and as to exchanges between registered and bearer form; (7) whether
the Offered Securities will be issuable in the form of one or more temporary or
permanent Global Securities and, if so, the identity of the Depository for such
Global Securities; (8) each office or agency where the principal of and any
premium and interest on the Offered Securities will be payable, and each office
or agency where the Offered Securities may be presented for registration of
transfer or exchange; (9) any applicable United States Federal income tax
consequences, including whether and under what circumstances the Company will
pay additional amounts with respect to the Offered Securities to a non-United
States Person (as defined in such Prospectus Supplement) on account of any tax,
assessment or governmental charge withheld or deducted and, if so, whether the
Company will have the option to redeem such Offered Securities rather than pay
such additional amounts; and (10) any other terms of the Offered Securities not
inconsistent with the Mortgage or the Note Indenture, as the case may be,
including covenants and events of default relating solely to the Offered
Securities. Offered Securities may be issued bearing no interest or interest at
a rate below the prevailing market rate at the time of issuance, to be offered
and sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. United States
Federal income tax consequences and other special considerations applicable
thereto or to other Offered Securities offered and sold at par which are
treated as having been issued at a discount for United States Federal income
tax purposes will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE MORTGAGE AND THE BONDS
 
  General. Any Bonds offered hereby will be issued in an aggregate principal
amount not in excess of $45,000,000. Such Bonds, which will mature not more
than 35 years from date of issue, will be issuable only
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
in definitive fully registered form in the denomination of $1,000 or any
multiple thereof. The Bonds will be transferable and exchangeable without
charge to the holder except for any tax or other governmental charge. Both
principal and interest will be payable at the office of the Mortgage Trustee in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Subject to certain exceptions, the Mortgage provides for
the payment of interest on each interest payment date only to the persons in
whose names the Bonds are registered on the record date, i.e., the tenth
business day prior to such interest payment date. At the option of the Company
the interest on the Bonds will be payable by check mailed to the registered
owners.
 
  Maintenance and Replacement Fund. The Supplemental Indenture or Indentures
creating or securing any Series of Debt Securities will not provide for a
maintenance and replacement fund. However, the supplemental indentures with
respect to two outstanding series of bonds provide for a maintenance and
replacement fund, so long as any of such series of bonds are outstanding, with
a combined maintenance and replacement requirement equivalent to 3 1/4% per
annum of the average amount of the Company's depreciable electric and gas
property in service for the period for which the requirement is calculated.
Provision is made for certification upon specified bases of unbonded net
property additions, reacquired bonds or prior lien bonds, or the deposit with
the Mortgage Trustee of cash, equal to the excess of total maintenance and
replacement requirements for expired periods over the aggregate of amounts
expended for repairs and maintenance of the mortgaged property and for property
additions in renewal or replacement of, or in substitution for, property
retirements during such periods. There are generally similar maintenance and
replacement requirements with respect to another series of bonds, except that
the annual requirement is 2 1/2%. The latest stated maturity of outstanding
bonds with respect to which there are maintenance and replacement requirements
occurs in 2006. (Article IV of the Fifth, Seventh and Tenth Supplemental
Indentures.)
 
  Withdrawal of Certain Cash. Cash deposited with the First Mortgage Trustee as
a basis for the issue of additional bonds may be withdrawn by the Company in
the amount of:
 
    (1) 60% of the lesser of the cost or fair value of unbonded net property
  additions made after December 31, 1945 (subject to appropriate deductions
  if such property additions secure prior lien bonds);
 
    (2) the principal amount of unbonded retired prior lien bonds theretofore
  deducted in connection with the withdrawal or reduction in cash or 166 2/3%
  of the principal amount of any prior lien bonds theretofore so deducted at
  166 2/3% of their principal amount; or
 
    (3) the principal amount of unbonded retired bonds. (Article VIII of the
  Original Mortgage.)
 
  Dividend Covenant. The Company will covenant that, so long as any Debt
Securities are outstanding, it will not declare or pay any dividend on its
common stock (other than dividends payable solely in shares of its common
stock) or make any other distribution on or purchase any shares of its common
stock, unless, after giving effect thereto, the aggregate of all such
dividends, distributions and purchases, subsequent to December 31, 1945, shall
not exceed the earned surplus (retained income) of the Company available for
dividends on its common stock accumulated subsequent to December 31, 1945. The
supplemental indentures relating to each of the seven outstanding series of
bonds contain a similar dividend covenant, but three of them contain an
additional requirement that, so long as any bonds issued thereunder are
outstanding, the Company will not declare or pay any such dividend or make any
such distribution or so purchase any shares of its common stock unless the
remainder of such earned surplus so accumulated, after giving effect to such
dividend, distribution or purchase, shall be at least equal to the amount, if
any, by which the aggregate of the charges to income of the Company for
maintenance of and repairs to, and as provision for depreciation of, the
mortgaged property, from the beginning of the calendar year in which the
relevant bonds were issued to the end of the calendar year preceding such
dividend, distribution or purchase, shall be less than the cumulative
maintenance and replacement requirement with respect to outstanding bonds at
the end of such later calendar year. The latest stated maturity of outstanding
bonds with respect to which such additional dividend covenant is applicable
occurs in 2006. As of December 31, 1993, none of these covenants operated to
restrict retained income. (Article V of the Fifth, Seventh and Tenth
Supplemental Indentures and Article IV of the Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth
and Seventeenth Supplemental Indentures.)
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
  Modifications of the Mortgage. In general, modifications or alterations of
the Mortgage, and of the rights or obligations of the Company and of the
bondholders, as well as waivers of compliance with the Mortgage, may with the
approval of the Company be made at bondholders' meetings upon the affirmative
vote of 66 2/3% of the bonds entitled to vote thereat with respect to matters
involved. Provisions relating to such modifications or alterations and waivers
of compliance are subject to certain conditions designed to safeguard the
position of the bondholders and the Mortgage Trustee with respect to certain
matters of basic importance, including payment of principal of and interest on
bonds and creation of liens ranking prior to or on a parity with the lien of
the Mortgage as to any property. (Article XIV of the Original Mortgage.)
 
  Security and Priority. The Mortgage constitutes a direct first mortgage lien
upon substantially all of the fixed property, and upon the permits and
licenses, owned by the Company, subject to "permissible encumbrances" (as
defined in the Mortgage). The Mortgage contains provisions subjecting to the
lien thereof fixed property, and permits and licenses, which the Company may
subsequently acquire, subject, however, to "permissible encumbrances" and to
liens existing or placed upon such property at the time of acquisition thereof
by the Company. The Mortgage obligates the Company not to create prior or
parity liens or permit them to exist, except for "permissible encumbrances,"
liens upon property acquired after the date of the Original Mortgage existing
thereon at the date of acquisition thereof, and purchase money mortgages
created by the Company at the time of the acquisition of such property. The
Mortgage provides that no property subject to a prior lien, other than
"permissible encumbrances," may be acquired if immediately thereafter the
amount of outstanding indebtedness secured by all such liens would exceed the
greater of $675,000 or 15% of the principal amount of outstanding bonds, unless
at the date of acquisition (i) the outstanding indebtedness secured by such
liens shall not exceed 60% of the cost of such property to the Company, and
(ii) the net earnings of such property available for interest for a twelve-
month period preceding the acquisition shall have been at least twice the
annual interest charges on all indebtedness secured by such liens. (Granting
Clauses, Articles I and V of the Original Mortgage.)
 
  The Collateral Bonds and the Bonds will rank equally and ratably (except as
to any sinking or other fund which is or may be established for the exclusive
benefit of one or more particular series of bonds) with all bonds, regardless
of series, at any time issued and outstanding under the Mortgage.
 
  Outstanding and Additional Series. At December 31, 1993, bonds of seven
series were outstanding. Additional bonds may be issued under the Mortgage in
principal amounts (unlimited except as provided by law) equal to:
 
    (1) 60% of the cost or fair value, whichever is less, of unbonded net
  property additions made after December 31, 1945 (subject to deductions if
  such net property additions secure prior lien bonds);
 
    (2) the principal amount of bonds previously issued under the Mortgage
  and of prior lien bonds theretofore deducted for purposes of the Mortgage,
  which have been retired or are then being retired and have not been bonded;
  and
 
    (3) the amount of cash deposited with the Mortgage Trustee for such
  purpose;
 
but in each case subject to specified net earnings requirements, unless the
bonds are being issued under certain conditions under (2) above. Additional
bonds may not be issued whenever 60% of the lesser of the cost or fair value of
restricted property (in essence, bonded additions subject to prior liens, other
than "permissible encumbrances," or not used or useful in the electric or gas
utility business) would exceed 10% of the aggregate principal amount of
outstanding bonds and prior lien bonds. (Articles I, Ill and V of the Original
Mortgage.)
 
  At December 31, 1993, unbonded net property additions amounted to
approximately $79,600,000 and unbonded bond retirements were $142,500,000. The
Collateral Bonds and the Bonds may be issued upon a combination of unbonded
property additions, unbonded bond retirements and deposited cash.
 
  Except as set forth above, the Mortgage does not limit the amount of
additional bonds which can be issued; and it does not contain any restrictions
on the issuance of unsecured indebtedness. The Mortgage
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
does not prohibit a merger or sale of substantially all of the Company's assets
or a comparable transaction unless the lien of the Mortgage is impaired, and
does not address the effects on the bondholders of a highly leveraged
transaction, however effected. A leveraged buyout initiated or supported by
management would be treated no differently from any other highly leveraged
transaction.
 
  Concerning the Mortgage Trustee. The Mortgage Trustee is Firstar Trust
Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Mortgage Trustee, Firstar Bank, Milwaukee
and Firstar Bank, Madison are all affiliated. The Company has for a number of
years maintained lines of credit with one or more of such affiliates of the
Mortgage Trustee.
 
  Default and Notice Thereof. The Mortgage provides that each of the following
shall constitute events of default:
 
    (a) Failure to make due and punctual payment of any installment of
  interest on any bonds or of any sinking fund obligation if such default
  continues for a period of 60 days, or failure to pay the principal of any
  bonds when due and payable.
 
    (b) Failure to make due and punctual payment of any installment of
  interest on any prior lien bonds if such default continues for any
  applicable grace period, or failure to pay the principal of any prior lien
  bonds when due and payable.
 
    (c) The Company's failure to perform or observe any other covenant,
  agreement or condition in the Mortgage or in any indenture supplemental
  thereto or in the bonds issued thereunder or in any prior lien or prior
  lien bonds and continuance of such failure for 90 days after written notice
  to the Company by the Mortgage Trustee or by holders of not less than 25%
  of the bonds.
 
    (d) Any written admission by the Company of its inability to pay its
  debts generally, or any petition in voluntary bankruptcy, or any general
  assignment for the benefit of creditors or consent to the appointment of a
  receiver by the Company, or any seeking by the Company of a reorganization;
  or any adjudication that the Company is bankrupt or insolvent or any
  appointment of a receiver without the Company's consent, or any decree
  approving a plan of reorganization of the Company, or any assumption of
  control over the Company by a court, if such adjudication, order,
  appointment or decree shall not be vacated within 90 days. (Article IX of
  the Original Mortgage.)
 
  In case of a default the Mortgage Trustee or the holders of not less than 25%
of the bonds may declare the principal and accrued and unpaid interest on all
bonds, if not already due, to be immediately due and payable. The Mortgage
Trustee shall, upon written request of the holders of a majority of the bonds,
waive any such default and rescind such declaration if such default is remedied
or cured to the reasonable satisfaction of the Mortgage Trustee. (Article IX of
the Original Mortgage.)
 
  The Mortgage Trustee shall give the holders of the bonds notice of any
default known to it within 90 days after the occurrence thereof (disregarding
any periods of grace or notice) unless such default shall have been cured.
However, except in case of default in the payment of principal or of interest
on the bonds or in the payment of any sinking fund installment, the Mortgage
Trustee may withhold such notice if in good faith it determines that the
withholding of such notice is in the interest of the holders of the bonds.
(Article XII of the Original Mortgage.)
 
  The holders of a majority of the bonds shall have the right to direct the
time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy open to the
Mortgage Trustee and of exercising any power or trust conferred upon the
Mortgage Trustee under the Indenture. (Article IX of the Original Mortgage.)
 
  The Mortgage Trustee is not required to take action to enforce any remedy
unless provided with satisfactory indemnity against costs, expenses and
liabilities which may be incurred thereby. (Articles IX and XII of the Original
Mortgage.)
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
  Compliance with certain provisions of the Mortgage is required to be
evidenced by various written statements or certificates filed with the Mortgage
Trustee, and various certificates and other papers are required to be so filed
annually and upon the happening of various events. No periodic evidence is
required to be furnished as to the absence of default or as to compliance with
the terms of the Mortgage; however, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, requires that annual certificates as to the absence of such defaults
be furnished to the Mortgage Trustee. (Article V of the Original Mortgage.)
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTE INDENTURE AND THE SECURED NOTES.
 
  General. The Secured Notes will be issuable under the Note Indenture and
secured by the Collateral Bonds to be issued by the Company and pledged to the
Note Trustee. The Note Indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount
of Secured Notes which may be issued thereunder, except that no Secured Notes
shall be issued if, after giving effect to such issuance, the aggregate
principal amount of the Outstanding Secured Notes would exceed the aggregate
Stated Principal Amount (as defined below) of the Outstanding Collateral Bonds.
Subject to the foregoing limitation, Secured Notes may be issued under the Note
Indenture from time to time in one or more series. Each series of Secured Notes
shall be denominated and bear interest in United States currency and shall
mature on a date not less than 9 months nor more than 35 years after the date
of issuance (but in no event shall any Secured Note mature after January 15,
2029, the date of maturity of the Collateral Bonds). (Article Two of the Note
Indenture.)
 
  Security; The Collateral Bonds. The payment of the principal of, premium (if
any) and interest on the Secured Notes will be secured by a pledge to the Note
Trustee of the Collateral Bonds. The Collateral Bonds will be issued under and
secured by the Mortgage, equally and ratably with all other bonds now or
hereafter issued and Outstanding thereunder. The aggregate principal amount of
the Collateral Bonds will be limited to the lesser of (a) the dollar amount set
forth therein (the "Stated Principal Amount") or (b) the aggregate principal
amount of the Secured Notes from time to time Outstanding. The interest payable
on the Collateral Bonds shall be equal to the aggregate interest payable with
respect to the Secured Notes, but such interest shall not exceed an amount
computed using a fixed interest rate of 25% per annum. Both principal and
interest with respect to the Collateral Bonds will be payable to the Note
Trustee. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
interest will be payable on the Collateral Bonds semi-annually on January 15
and July 15 of each year during which Secured Notes are Outstanding. Principal,
premium (if any) and interest payments with respect to the Secured Notes shall
be deemed to be payments of the principal, premium (if any) and interest due
with respect to the Collateral Bonds. For a description of the Mortgage, the
bonds issued thereunder and the rights of the holders of such bonds, see
"Description of Debt Securities--Description of the Mortgage and the Bonds"
herein. The Note Trustee shall be deemed and treated as the sole holder of the
Collateral Bonds for all purposes under the Mortgage. (Article Twelve of the
Note Indenture.)
 
  The Collateral Bonds will not be entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund.
 
  The Collateral Bonds are subject to redemption upon the demand of the Note
Trustee on the occurrence of an Event of Default under the Note Indenture and
the resulting acceleration of the maturity of the Secured Notes. The redemption
price shall be equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the
Outstanding Secured Notes of all series plus accrued interest thereon to the
date fixed for redemption. At any time after any such acceleration of the
Secured Notes, but before a judgment or decree for the immediate payment of the
Secured Notes has been obtained, and so long as the Collateral Bonds have not
been accelerated, the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Secured Notes may, under certain circumstances described in the
Note Indenture, rescind the acceleration of the Secured Notes and the demand
for redemption of the Collateral Bonds. (Article Five of the Note Indenture.)
 
  Global Securities. The Secured Notes may be issued in the form of a global
security which is deposited with and registered in the name of the depository
(or a nominee of the depository) specified in the accompanying Prospectus
Supplement. So long as the depository for a global security, or its nominee, is
the
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
registered owner of the global security, the depository or its nominee, as the
case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the Secured Notes
represented by such global security for all purposes under the Note Indenture.
Except as provided in the Note Indenture, owners of beneficial interests in
Secured Notes represented by a global security will not (a) be entitled to have
such Secured Notes registered in their names, (b) receive or be entitled to
receive physical delivery of certificates representing such Secured Notes in
definitive form, (c) be considered the owners or holders thereof under the Note
Indenture or (d) have any rights under the Note Indenture with respect to such
global security. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for
individual certificates evidencing the Secured Notes represented thereby, a
global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depository for
such global security to a nominee of such depository or by a nominee of such
depository to such depository or another nominee of such depository or by the
depository or any nominee to a successor depository or any nominee of such
successor. The Company, in its sole discretion, may at any time determine that
any series of Secured Notes issued or issuable in the form of a global security
shall no longer be represented by such global security and such global security
shall be exchanged for securities in definitive form pursuant to the Note
Indenture. (Sections 2.3, 2.4, 2.8 and 7.3 of the Note Indenture.)
 
  Upon issuance of a global security, the depository will credit, on its book-
entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of
such global security to the accounts of participants. Ownership of interests in
a global security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be
effected only through, records maintained by the depository (with respect to
interests of participants in the depository), or by participants in the
depository or persons that may hold interests through such participants (with
respect to persons other than participants in the depository). Ownership of
beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to participants or
persons that hold interests through participants.
 
  Exchange and Transfer. Secured Notes may be presented for exchange and
registered Secured Notes may be presented for registration of transfer at the
offices and subject to the restrictions set forth therein and in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement without service charge, but upon payment of any taxes or
other governmental charges due in connection therewith, subject to any
applicable limitations contained in the Note Indenture. Secured Notes in bearer
form and the coupons appertaining thereto, if any, will be transferable by
delivery. (Section 2.8 of the Note Indenture.)
 
  Payment. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
payment of the principal of and the premium and interest, if any, on all
Secured Notes in registered form (other than a Registered Global Security) will
be made at the office of the Note Trustee in the City of West Bend, Wisconsin,
except that, at the option of the Company, payment of any interest may be made
(i) by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such
address shall appear in the Note Register or (ii) by wire transfer to an
account maintained by the Person entitled to such payment as specified in the
Note Register. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, payment of any interest due on Secured Notes in registered form
will be made to the Persons in whose name such Secured Notes are registered at
the close of business on the Record Date for such interest payments. (Sections
3.1 and 3.2 of the Note Indenture.)
 
  Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following events with respect
to the Secured Notes of any series will constitute an "Event of Default" with
respect to the Secured Notes of such series: (a) default for 30 days in the
payment of any interest on any of the Secured Notes of such series; (b) default
in the payment of any of the principal of or the premium, if any, on any of the
Secured Notes of such series, whether at maturity, upon redemption, by
declaration or otherwise; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund
payment in respect of Secured Notes of such series; (d) default for 60 days by
the Company in the performance or observance of any other covenant or agreement
contained in the Note Indenture relating to the Secured Notes of such series
after written notice thereof as provided in the Note Indenture; (e) the
occurrence of an event of default under the Mortgage and the Mortgage Trustee,
the Company or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
Outstanding Secured Notes of such series shall have
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
given written notice thereof to the Note Trustee; or (f) the occurrence of
certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization relating to the
Company. Additional Events of Default may be prescribed for the benefit of the
Holders of a particular series of Secured Notes, and any such additional Events
of Default will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
 
  If an Event of Default due to a default in the payment of the principal of or
the premium or interest, if any, on any series of Secured Notes shall have
occurred and be continuing, either the Note Trustee or the Holders of not less
than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Secured Notes of such series then
Outstanding may declare the principal of all Secured Notes of such series and
the interest, if any, accrued thereon to be due and payable immediately. If an
Event of Default due to a default in the observance or performance of any other
covenant or agreement of the Company contained in the Note Indenture and
applicable to the Secured Notes of one or more (but less than all) series then
Outstanding shall have occurred and be continuing, either the Note Trustee or
the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Secured
Notes of the affected series then Outstanding (voting as one class) may declare
the principal of all Secured Notes of each such affected series and the
interest, if any, accrued thereon to be due and payable immediately. If any
Event of Default due to a default in the observance or performance of any other
covenant or agreement of the Company contained in the Note Indenture applicable
to all Secured Notes then Outstanding or due to certain events of bankruptcy,
insolvency or reorganization relating to the Company shall have occurred and be
continuing, either the Note Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in
aggregate principal amount of all Secured Notes then Outstanding (voting as one
class) may declare the principal of all Secured Notes and the interest, if any,
accrued thereon to be due and payable immediately.
 
  Upon any such acceleration of the Secured Notes, the Note Trustee is
empowered to cause the mandatory redemption of the Collateral Bonds at 100% of
the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the redemption date. At
any time after an acceleration of the Secured Notes has been declared, but
before a judgment or decree for the immediate payment of the principal amount
of the Secured Notes has been obtained and so long as the Collateral Bonds have
not been accelerated, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Secured Notes may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul
such acceleration and its consequences.
 
  Upon certain conditions, any such declaration of the Secured Notes may be
rescinded and annulled if all Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of
accelerated principal, with respect to the Secured Notes of all such affected
series then Outstanding shall have been cured or waived as provided in the Note
Indenture by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Secured Notes of the affected series then Outstanding (voting as one class,
except in the case of Events of Default described in clauses (a), (b) and (c)
above, as to which each series so affected will vote as a separate class). See
"Modification of the Note Indenture" below. Reference is made to the Prospectus
Supplement relating to any series of Original Issue Discount securities for the
particular provisions relating to the acceleration of a portion of the
principal amount thereof upon the occurrence and continuance of an Event of
Default with respect thereto.
 
  The Note Indenture provides that, subject to the duty of the Trustee to act
with the requisite standard of care in case default with respect to a series of
Secured Notes shall have occurred and be continuing, the Note Trustee will be
under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Note
Indenture at the request, order or direction of the Holders of the Secured
Notes, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Note Trustee reasonable
indemnity. Subject to such provisions for indemnity and certain other
limitations contained in the Note Indenture, the Holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Secured Notes of each affected series then
Outstanding will have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Note Trustee, or
exercising any trust or power conferred on the Note Trustee, with respect to
the Secured Notes of such affected series.
 
  The Note Indenture provides that no Holder of Secured Notes may institute any
action against the Company under the Note Indenture (except actions for payment
of overdue principal, premium or interest)
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
unless such Holder previously shall have given to the Note Trustee notice of
default and continuance thereof and unless the Holders of not less than 25% in
aggregate principal amount of the Secured Notes of the affected series then
Outstanding (voting as one class) shall have requested the Note Trustee to
institute such action and shall have offered the Note Trustee reasonable
indemnity, the Note Trustee shall not have instituted such action within 60
days of such request and the Note Trustee shall not have received direction
inconsistent with such request by the Holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Secured Notes of the affected series then Outstanding
(voting as one class). (Article Five of the Note Indenture.)
 
  The Note Indenture requires the Company to furnish to the Note Trustee
annually a statement as to the Company's compliance with all conditions and
covenants under the Note Indenture. The Note Indenture provides that the Note
Trustee may withhold notice to the Holders of the Secured Notes of any series
of any default affecting such series (except defaults as to payment of
principal, premium or interest on the Secured Notes of such series) if it
considers such withholding to be in the interests of the Holders of the Secured
Notes of such series. (Sections 4.3 and 5.11 of the Note Indenture.)
 
  Consolidation, Merger or Sale of Assets. The Note Indenture provides that the
Company may consolidate with or merge into, or sell, lease or convey its
property as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to, any other
corporation if (a) such corporation assumes the obligations of the Company
under the Secured Notes and the Note Indenture and is organized and existing
under the laws of the Untied States of America, any State thereof or the
District of Columbia, (b) immediately after such consolidation, merger, sale,
lease or conveyance, such other corporation shall have assumed and become
liable for all of the obligations of the Company under and with respect to the
Mortgage and the Collateral Bonds and the Note Indenture and (c) no such
consolidation, merger or sale shall have impaired the lien of the Mortgage or
any of the rights and powers of the holder of the Collateral Bonds. The term
"impaired" is not defined in the Mortgage, but the Company believes that an
impairment would occur thereunder if any such transaction had the effect or
releasing any property from the first mortgage lien created by the Mortgage or
subjecting any property subject to such lien to any prior lien except as
expressly permitted by the Mortgage. (Article Nine of the Note Indenture.)
 
  Modification of the Note Indenture. The Note Indenture permits the Company
and the Note Trustee to enter into supplemental indentures thereto without the
consent of the Holders of the Secured Notes to: (a) additionally secure the
Secured Notes of one or more series, (b) evidence the assumption by a successor
corporation of the obligations of the Company under the Note Indenture and the
Secured Notes then Outstanding, (c) add covenants for the protection of the
Holders of the Secured Notes, (d) cure any ambiguity or correct any
inconsistency in the Note Indenture, (e) establish the form and terms of the
Secured Notes of any series and (f) evidence the acceptance of appointment by a
successor Note Trustee.
 
  The Note Indenture also permits the Company and the Note Trustee, with the
consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the Secured Notes of each series then Outstanding and affected, to
add any provisions to, or change in any manner or eliminate any of the
provisions of, the Note Indenture or modify in any manner the rights of the
Holders of the Secured Notes of each such affected series; provided, however,
that the Company and the Note Trustee may not, without the consent of the
Holder of each Secured Note then Outstanding and affected thereby: (a) extend
the time of payment of the principal (or any installment) of any Secured Note,
or reduce the principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend the time
of payment of interest thereon, or reduce any amount payable on the redemption
thereof, or impair the security interest of the Note Trustee in the Collateral
Bonds, or reduce the amount payable on any Original Issue Discount Notes upon
acceleration or provable in bankruptcy, or impair the right to institute suit
for the enforcement of any payment on any Secured Note when due; or (b) reduce
the percentage in principal amount of the Secured Notes of the affected series,
the consent of whose Holders is required for any such modification or for any
waiver provided for in the Note Indenture. (Article Eight of the Note
Indenture.)
 
  Prior to the acceleration of the maturity of any Secured Notes, the Holders
of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Secured Notes of all series
at the time Outstanding with respect to which a default or
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (voting as one class)
may on behalf of the Holders of all such affected Secured Notes waive any past
default or Event of Default and its consequences, except a default or an Event
of Default in respect of a covenant or provision of the Note Indenture or of
any Secured Note which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the
Holder of each Secured Note affected. (Section 5.10 of the Note Indenture.)
 
  Defeasance and Discharge. The Note Indenture provides that, at the option of
the Company: (a) the Company will be discharged from any and all obligations in
respect of the Secured Notes of a particular series then Outstanding (except
for certain obligations to register the transfer of or exchange the Secured
Notes of such series, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated Secured Notes of
such series, to maintain paying agencies and to maintain the trust described
below), or (b) the Company need not comply with and shall have no liability in
respect of certain restrictive covenants of the Note Indenture (including those
described under "Consolidation, Merger or Sale of Assets"), and the failure to
comply with such covenants shall not be an Event of Default, in each case if
the Company irrevocably deposits in trust with the Note Trustee money, and/or
securities backed by the full faith and credit of the United States which,
through the payment of the principal thereof and the interest thereon in
accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay
all the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Secured Notes of
such series on the stated maturity of such Secured Notes and any mandatory
sinking fund or analogous payment on the dates on which such payments are due
and payable in accordance with the terms thereof. To exercise such option, the
Company is required, among other things, to deliver to the Note Trustee an
opinion of independent counsel to the effect that the exercise of such option
would not cause the Holders of the Secured Notes of such series to recognize
income, gain or loss for United Stated Federal income tax purposes as a result
of such defeasance, and such Holders will be subject to United States Federal
income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as
would have been the case if such defeasance had not occurred, and, in the case
of a discharge in clause (a) of the preceding sentence, such opinion is to be
accompanied by a private letter ruling to the same effect received from the
Internal Revenue Service, a revenue ruling to such effect pertaining to a
comparable form of transaction published by the Internal Revenue Service or
appropriate evidence that since the date of the Note Indenture there has been a
change in the applicable Federal income tax law. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
such option may not be exercised by the Company if (i) any Event of Default, or
event which with notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of
Default, has occurred and is continuing under the Note Indenture, (ii) any such
deposit of money and/or securities would result in a breach or violation of, or
constitute a default under, the Note Indenture or any other agreement to which
the Company is a party or by which it is bound, or (iii) any such deposit would
cause any Secured Note of the affected series then listed on any national
securities exchange to be delisted.
 
  In the event the Company exercises its option to effect a covenant defeasance
with respect to the Secured Notes of any series as described in the preceding
paragraph and the Secured Notes of such series are thereafter declared due and
payable because of the occurrence of any Event of Default other than an Event
of Default caused by failing to comply with the covenants which are defeased,
and the amount of money and securities on deposit with the Trustee would be
insufficient to pay amounts due on the Secured Notes of such series at the time
of their accelerated maturity, the Company would remain liable for such
accelerated amounts.
 
  The Company may also obtain a discharge of the Note Indenture with respect to
all Secured Notes then Outstanding (except for the rights of Noteholders in the
property deposited and to receive payments of principal and interest when due,
the rights of the Note Trustee and certain obligations to register the transfer
of or exchange such Secured Notes, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated Secured
Notes, to maintain paying agencies and to maintain the trust described below)
by irrevocably depositing in trust with the Note Trustee money, and/or
securities backed by the full faith and credit of the United States which,
through the payment of the principal thereof or the interest thereon in
accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay
all the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Secured Notes on
the stated maturities thereof and any mandatory sinking fund or analogous
payments on the dates on which such
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
payments are due and payable, provided that such Secured Notes are by their
terms due and payable, or are to be called for redemption, within one year.
(Article Ten of the Note Indenture.)
 
CONCERNING THE NOTE TRUSTEE.
 
  M&I First National Bank, the trustee under the Note Indenture, is one of a
number of banks with which the Company maintains ordinary banking
relationships, including, in certain cases, credit facilities.
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
  The Company may sell the Debt Securities being offered hereby in four ways:
(i) directly to purchasers, (ii) through agents, (iii) through underwriters and
(iv) through dealers.
 
  Offers to purchase Debt Securities may be solicited by agents designated by
the Company from time to time. Any such agent, who may be deemed to be an
underwriter as that term is defined in the Securities Act, involved in the
offer or sale of the Debt Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is
delivered, will be named, and any commissions payable by the Company to such
agent will be set forth, in the Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise
indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best
efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
 
  If underwriters are utilized in the sale, the Company will execute an
underwriting agreement with such underwriters at the time of sale to them and
the names of the underwriters and the terms of the transaction will be set
forth in the Prospectus Supplement, which will be used by the underwriters to
make resales of the Debt Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is
delivered to the public. Any underwriters will acquire Debt Securities for
their own account and may resell such Debt Securities from time to time in one
or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at fixed public
offering prices or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Debt
Securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates
represented by managing underwriters, or directly by the managing underwriters.
Only underwriters named in the Prospectus Supplement are deemed to be
underwriters in connection with the Debt Securities offered thereby. If any
underwriters are utilized in the sale of the Debt Securities, the underwriting
agreement will provide that the obligations of the underwriters are subject to
certain conditions precedent and that the underwriters with respect to a sale
of Debt Securities will be obligated to purchase all such Debt Securities, if
any are purchased.
 
  If a dealer is utilized in the sale of the Debt Securities in respect of
which this Prospectus is delivered, the Company will sell such Debt Securities
to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell such Debt Securities to
the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of
resale.
 
  Agents, underwriters and dealers may be entitled under agreements entered
into with the Company to indemnification by the Company against certain civil
liabilities (including liabilities under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act
or other federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or
otherwise) or to contribution with respect to payments which the agents,
underwriters or dealers may be required to make in respect thereof. Agents,
underwriters and dealers may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or
perform services for the Company in the ordinary course of business.
 
  Offers to purchase Debt Securities may be solicited directly by the Company
and sales thereof may be made by the Company directly to institutional
investors or others. The terms of any such sales will be described in the
Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
 
  If so indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the Company will authorize
agents and underwriters to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase
Debt Securities from the Company at the public offering price set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement pursuant to Delayed Delivery Contracts ("Contracts")
providing for
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
payment and delivery on the date stated in the Prospectus Supplement. Each
Contract will be for an amount not less than, and unless the Company otherwise
agrees the aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities sold pursuant to
Contracts shall be not less nor more than, the respective amounts stated in the
Prospectus Supplement. Institutions with whom 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 shall in all cases be subject to the approval of the Company.
Contracts will not be subject to any conditions except that the purchase by an
institution of the Debt 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. A commission indicated in the
Prospectus Supplement will be paid to underwriters and agents soliciting
purchases of Debt Securities pursuant to Contracts accepted by the Company.
 
  The place and time of delivery for the Debt Securities in respect of which
this Prospectus is delivered are set forth in the Prospectus Supplement.
 
                                 LEGAL OPINIONS
 
  Legal matters with respect to the Debt Securities will be passed upon for the
Company by Michael, Best & Friedrich, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The financial statements and financial statement schedules included (or
incorporated by reference) in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1992, incorporated by reference herein, have been
audited by Arthur Andersen & Co., independent public accountants, as indicated
in their report with respect thereto, and are so incorporated by reference
herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing in giving said report. The financial statements included in the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 11, 1994 for the year ended
December 31, 1993, incorporated by reference herein, have been audited by
Coopers & Lybrand, independent accountants, as indicated in their report with
respect thereto, and are so incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon
the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing matters. Any
financial statements and schedules hereafter incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part that have been
audited and are the subject of a report by independent accountants will be so
incorporated by reference in reliance upon such reports and upon the authority
of such firms as experts in accounting and auditing to the extent covered by
consents filed with the Commission.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                               <C>
     Registration Fee--Securities and Exchange Commission............. $ 12,500
     Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Fee.......................    1,500
     Legal Fees and Expenses..........................................   65,000
     Blue Sky Fees and Expenses.......................................    7,500
     Accounting Fees and Expenses.....................................   22,000
     Printing Expenses................................................   15,000
     Trustee Fees and Expenses........................................   20,000
     Miscellaneous....................................................   20,000
                                                                       --------
       Total.......................................................... $163,500
                                                                       ========
</TABLE>
 
  All of the above items except the Registration Fee are estimated.
 
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
  Pursuant to the provisions of the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law and
Article IX of the Registrant's By-Laws, director and officers of the Registrant
are entitled to mandatory indemnification from the Registrant against certain
liabilities (which may include liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933)
and expenses (i) to the extent such officers or directors are successful in the
defense of a proceeding; and (ii) in proceedings in which the director or
officer is not successful in defense thereof, unless it is determined that the
director or officer breached or failed to perform his or her duties to the
Registrant and such breach or failure constituted: (a) a willful failure to
deal fairly with the Registrant or its shareholders in connection with a matter
in which the director or officer had a material conflict of interest; (b) a
violation of criminal law unless the director or officer had reasonable cause
to believe his or her conduct was lawful or had no reasonable cause to believe
his or her conduct was unlawful; (c) a transaction from which the director or
officer derived an improper personal profit; or (d) willful misconduct.
Additionally, under the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law, directors of the
Registrant are not subject to personal lability to the Registrant, its
shareholders or any person asserting rights on behalf thereof, for certain
breaches or failures to perform any duty resulting solely from their status as
directors, except in circumstances paralleling those outlined above.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                             NATURE OF EXHIBIT
 -------                            -----------------
 <C>     <S>
   1.1   Form of Agency Agreement.
   1.2   Form of Underwriting Agreement.
  *4.1   Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust between the Company and First
         Wisconsin Trust Company (now known as Firstar Trust Company), as
         Trustee, dated as of January 1, 1946 (Exhibit 7-D to file No. 2-6059),
         and the following indentures supplemental thereto, respectively, the
         Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 1966 (Exhibit 4-B-6
         to file No. 2-25244), the Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of
         January 15, 1971 (Exhibit 2.08 to file No. 2-38980), the Tenth
         Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 1, 1976 (Exhibit 2.03 to
         file No. 2-60227), the Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of
         April 1, 1992 (Exhibit 4C to file No. 0-1125), the Fifteenth
         Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 1992 (Exhibit 4D to file
         No. 0-1125), the Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October
         1, 1992 (Exhibit 4E to file No. 0-1125), and the Seventeenth
         Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 1, 1993 (Exhibit 4F to
         file No. 0-1125).
   4.2   Form of Note Indenture.
         Form of Eighteenth Supplemental Indenture creating the Collateral
   4.3   Bonds.
         Form of Supplemental Indenture to create one or more series of Bonds
   4.4   to be issued.
   4.5   Form of Fixed Rate Note.
   4.6   Form of Floating Rate Note.
   4.7   Form of Calculation Agency Agreement.
   5     Opinion of Michael, Best & Friedrich.
  12     Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
  23.1   Consent of Arthur Andersen & Co.
  23.2   Consent of Coopers & Lybrand.
  23.3   Consent of Michael, Best & Friedrich (included in Exhibit Number 5).
  24     Powers of Attorney (included in signature page).
  25.1   Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the Trust
         Indenture Act of 1939 of Firstar Trust Company.
  25.2   Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the Trust
         Indenture Act of 1939 of M&I First National Bank.
</TABLE>
- --------
* The exhibits listed above and marked with an asterisk were filed as exhibits
  to Registration Statements or Reports previously filed with the Commission
  under the exhibit number and Registration or File number as shown after each
  such exhibit, and they are hereby 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 this Registration Statement (or the most recent
    post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
 
    or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information
    set forth in this Registration Statement; or
 
      (iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of
    distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration Statement or
    any material change to such information in this Registration Statement;
 
provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if 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 this Registration Statement.
 
    (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
  Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
  to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered
  therein, and the offering of such securities at the 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.
 
    (4) That, for purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
  Act of 1933, each filing of the 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 this 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.
 
  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 in Item 15, 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, 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, THEREUNTO DULY
AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF MADISON, STATE OF WISCONSIN, ON FEBRUARY 28, 1994.
 
                                         Madison Gas and Electric Company
 
                                                    /s/ David C. Mebane
                                         By: __________________________________
                                                      DAVID C. MEBANE
                                            PRESIDENT, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                                                AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE CAPACITIES
INDICATED ON FEBRUARY 28, 1994.
 
  Each person whose signature below constitutes and appoints David C. Mebane
and Joseph T. Krzos, and each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution, for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this
Registration Statement (including post-effective amendments), and to file the
same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto such attorneys-in-
fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about
the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying all that such attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of
them or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
 
              SIGNATURE                                  TITLE
 
       /s/ Frank C. Vondrasek            Chairman and Director
- -------------------------------------
           FRANK C. VONDRASEK
         
         /s/ David C. Mebane             President, Chief Executive Officer,
- -------------------------------------     Chief Operating Officer and
           DAVID C. MEBANE                Director (Principal Executive
                                          Officer)
 
         /s/ Joseph T. Krzos             Vice President--Finance (Principal
- -------------------------------------     Financial Officer and Principal
           JOSEPH T. KRZOS                Accounting Officer)
 
     /s/ Jean Manchester Biddick         Director
- -------------------------------------
       JEAN MANCHESTER BIDDICK       
       
        /s/ Richard E. Blaney            Director
- -------------------------------------
           RICHARD E. BLANEY
          
         /s/ Robert M. Bolz              Director
- -------------------------------------
           ROBERT M. BOLZ
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
              SIGNATURE                                   TITLE
 
       /s/ Donald J. Helfrecht            Director
- -------------------------------------
         DONALD J. HELFRECHT
 
        /s/ Frederic E. Mohs              Director
- -------------------------------------
          FREDERIC E. MOHS
 
       /s/ Robert B. Rennebohm            Director
- -------------------------------------
         ROBERT B. RENNEBOHM
 
        /s/ Phillip C. Stark              Director
- -------------------------------------
          PHILLIP C. STARK
 
                                          Director
- -------------------------------------
           H. LEE SWANSON
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                         NATURE OF EXHIBIT                          PAGE
 -------                        -----------------                          ----
 <C>     <S>                                                               <C>
   1.1   Form of Agency Agreement.
   1.2   Form of Underwriting Agreement.
  *4.1   Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust between the Company and
         First Wisconsin Trust Company (now known as Firstar Trust
         Company), as Trustee, dated as of January 1, 1946 (Exhibit 7-D
         to file No. 2-6059), and the following indentures supplemental
         thereto, respectively, the Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated
         as of June 1, 1966 (Exhibit 4-B-6 to file No. 2-25244), the
         Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 15, 1971
         (Exhibit 2.08 to file No. 2-38980), the Tenth Supplemental
         Indenture dated as of November 1, 1976 (Exhibit 2.03 to file
         No. 2-60227), the Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of
         April 1, 1992 (Exhibit 4C to file No. 0-1125), the Fifteenth
         Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 1992 (Exhibit 4D to
         file No. 0-1125), the Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as
         of October 1, 1992 (Exhibit 4E to file No. 0-1125), and the
         Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 1, 1993
         (Exhibit 4F to file No. 0-1125).
   4.2   Form of Note Indenture.
   4.3   Form of Eighteenth Supplemental Indenture creating the
         Collateral Bonds.
   4.4   Form of Supplemental Indenture to create one or more series of
         Bonds to be issued.
   4.5   Form of Fixed Rate Note.
   4.6   Form of Floating Rate Note.
   4.7   Form of Calculation Agency Agreement.
   5     Opinion of Michael, Best & Friedrich.
  12     Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
  23.1   Consent of Arthur Andersen & Co.
  23.2   Consent of Coopers & Lybrand.
  23.3   Consent of Michael, Best & Friedrich (included in Exhibit
         Number 5).
  24     Powers of Attorney (included in signature page).
  25.1   Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the
         Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Firstar Trust Company.
  25.2   Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the
         Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of M&I First National Bank.
</TABLE>
- --------
* The exhibits listed above and marked with an asterisk were filed as exhibits
  to Registration Statements or Reports previously filed with the Commission
  under the exhibit number and Registration or File number as shown after each
  such exhibit, and they are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
 
                                      II-6

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 1.1
                                                                     -----------

                                  $45,000,000

                        MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

                      Secured Medium-Term Notes, Series A

                Due from 9 Months to 35 Years from Date of Issue


                                AGENCY AGREEMENT
                                ----------------

                                                      __________________, 1994

[Agent(s)]
[Address(es)]


Dear Sirs:

          Madison Gas and Electric Company, a Wisconsin corporation (the
"Company"), confirms its agreement with each of you (individually, an "Agent"
and collectively, the "Agents") with respect to the issue and sale by the
Company of up to an aggregate of $45,000,000 in gross proceeds of its Secured
Medium-Term Notes, Series A (the "Notes").  The Notes are to be issued from time
to time pursuant to an indenture, dated as of March 1, 1994 (as it may be
supplemented or amended from time to time, the "Indenture"), between the Company
and M&I First National Bank, as trustee (the "Trustee"), and will be secured by
the Company's first mortgage bond, 2029 Series (the "Collateral Bond") in the
maximum principal amount of $45,000,000.  The Collateral Bond will be issued
under and secured as provided by the Company's Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of
Trust dated as of January 1, 1946, under which Firstar Trust Company (formerly
known as First Wisconsin Trust Company) is the trustee (the "First Mortgage
Trustee"), as amended or supplemented by seventeen supplemental indentures
thereto and as to be further amended and supplemented by an Eighteenth
Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 1, 1994 (the "First Mortgage
Supplemental Indenture") in the form heretofore delivered to the Agents (such
Indenture as so amended and supplemented is herein referred to as the "First
Mortgage Indenture" and the First Mortgage Indenture and the Collateral Bond are
herein referred to collectively as the "Mortgage Documents").

          The Notes shall have the maturity ranges, annual interest rates,
redemption provisions and other terms set forth in the Prospectus referred to in
Section 1(a) as such Prospectus may be amended or supplemented from time to
time, including any supplement providing for the interest rate, maturity of and
other
<PAGE>
 
terms applicable to any Note (a "Pricing Supplement").  The Notes will be
issued, and the terms thereof established, from time to time, by the Company in
accordance with the Indenture and the Procedures referred to below.  This
Agreement shall only apply to sales of the Notes and not to sales of any other
securities or evidences of indebtedness of the Company.

          SECTION 1.  Representations and Warranties.
                      ------------------------------ 

          The Company represents and warrants to each Agent as of the date
hereof, as of the Closing Date (defined herein) and as of the times referred to
in Sections 6(a) and 6(b) hereof (the Closing Date and each such time being
hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "Representation Date"), as follows:

          (a)  General.  A registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 33-
               -------                                                    
________) with respect to the registration of $40,000,000 aggregate principal
amount of the Notes and the First Mortgage Bonds of the Company, including a
combined prospectus ("registration statement No. 33-______"), has been prepared
and filed by the Company in conformity with the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), and the rules and regulations (the "Rules
and Regulations") of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
thereunder, and was declared effective under the Act on _____________, 1994.  In
addition, a registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-46192) for the
registration of $65,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's First
Mortgage Bonds ("registration statement No. 33-46192"), of which an aggregate of
$60,000,000 principal amount has been previously issued under the Act, has been
prepared and filed by the Company in conformity with the requirements of the Act
and the Rules and Regulations of the Commission, and was declared effective
under the Act on March 27, 1992.  The Indenture and the First Mortgage Indenture
have each been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the
"Trust Indenture Act").  As used in this Agreement, the term (i) "Registration
Statement" means such registration statement No. 33-______, as it may be amended
or supplemented at a particular time, together with such registration statement
No. 33-46192, as it may be amended or supplemented at a particular time,
including, in the case of either such registration statement, all exhibits
thereto and all documents which are, or are deemed to be, incorporated by
reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 under the Act; (ii) "Basic
Prospectus" means at a particular time the combined prospectus included in the
Registration Statement; and (iii) "Prospectus" means the Basic Prospectus and
any amendments or supplements (including the applicable prospectus supplement
and Pricing Supplement) relating to the Notes, as filed with the Commission
pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 424 of the Rules and Regulations.  The
Commission has not issued any order preventing or suspending the use of the
Prospectus.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
          (b)  Registration Statement, Prospectus and Indenture; Contents.  The
               ----------------------------------------------------------      
Registration Statement and each Prospectus contain, and the Registration
Statement and each Prospectus will contain as of the applicable Representation
Date and at all times during each period during which, in the opinion of counsel
for the Agents, a prospectus relating to the Notes is required to be delivered
under the Act (each a "Marketing Period"), all statements which are required by
the Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"),
the Trust Indenture Act, and the rules and regulations of the Commission under
such Acts; the Indenture and the First Mortgage Indenture, including any
amendments and supplements to either thereof, each conform with the requirements
of the Trust Indenture Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission
thereunder; and the Registration Statement and each Prospectus do not, and will
not as of the applicable Representation Date and at all times during each
Marketing Period, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that the Company makes no
                                   --------  -------                           
representation or warranty as to information contained in or omitted from the
Registration Statement or any Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with
written information furnished to the Company by the Agents specifically for
inclusion therein or as to any statements in or omissions from the respective
statements of eligibility and qualification on Form T-1 (each a "Form T-1") of
the Trustee and the First Mortgage Trustee under the Trust Indenture Act.

          (c)  Due Incorporation and Qualification.  The Company and each of its
               -----------------------------------                              
subsidiaries (as defined in Rule 405 of the Rules and Regulations, and
hereinafter called the "Subsidiaries") has been duly incorporated and is validly
existing under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of incorporation, is duly
qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which
its respective ownership of properties or the conduct of its respective
businesses requires such qualification, and has the power and authority
necessary to own or hold its respective properties and to conduct the businesses
in which it is engaged, as described in the Prospectus.  The Company has full
power and authority to execute and deliver and to perform its obligations under
this Agreement, the Notes, the Indenture and each of the Mortgage Documents.

          (d)  No Defaults; Due Authorization.  Neither the Company nor any of
               ------------------------------                                 
its Subsidiaries is in violation of its corporate charter or by-laws or in
default under any agreement, indenture or instrument, the effect of which
violation or default would be material to the Company or the Company and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole; the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement, the Indenture, each applicable Purchase Agreement (as defined in
Section 11), if any, and the Mortgage Documents and compliance by the Company
with the provisions thereof have been duly authorized by all necessary

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
corporate action and will not conflict with, result in the creation or
imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any of the assets of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the lien created by the First
Mortgage Indenture) pursuant to the terms of, or constitute a default under, any
agreement, indenture or instrument, or result in a violation of the corporate
charter or by-laws, of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any order, rule
or regulation of any court or governmental agency having jurisdiction over the
Company, any of its Subsidiaries or their respective properties.  The Wisconsin
Public Service Commission (the "Wisconsin PSC") has entered its order dated
____________, 1994 (the "Order") duly approving the issuance and delivery of the
Notes, the execution and delivery of and performance by the Company of its
obligations under the Indenture, the execution, delivery and performance of the
First Mortgage Supplemental Indenture and the issuance of the Collateral Bond
and the pledge thereof to secure the Notes as provided in the Indenture; the
Order is in full force and effect and have not been modified or repealed in any
respect; and, except as required by the Act, the Trust Indenture Act, the
Exchange Act and applicable state securities laws, no other consent,
authorization or order of, or filing or registration with, any court or
governmental agency is required for the execution, delivery and performance of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, each applicable Purchase
Agreement, if any, the Indenture or the Mortgage Documents.

          (e)  Material Changes or Material Transactions.  Except as described
               -----------------------------------------                      
in the Registration Statement and each Prospectus, (i) there has not been any
material adverse change in, or any adverse development which materially affects,
the business, properties, condition (financial or other), results of operations
or prospects of the Company or the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole, and (ii) there has been no material transaction entered into by the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries other than those in the ordinary course of
business.

          (f)  Accountants.  Coopers & Lybrand, whose report appears in the
               -----------                                                 
Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated by
reference in each Prospectus, are independent public accountants with respect to
the Company and its Subsidiaries as required by the Act and the Rules and
Regulations.

          (g)  Validity of the Indenture, the Notes and the Mortgage Documents.
               ---------------------------------------------------------------  
(i) Each of the Indenture, the First Mortgage Indenture, the First Mortgage
Supplemental Indenture and the Collateral Bond has been duly authorized,
executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes the valid and legally
binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms
(except as enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors'
rights generally and by general equity principles); (ii) the Notes have been
validly

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
authorized for issuance and sale pursuant to this Agreement and, when the terms
of the Notes and of their issue and sale have been duly established in
accordance with the Indenture and this Agreement so as not to violate any
applicable law or agreement or instrument then binding on the Company, and the
Notes have been duly executed, authenticated, delivered and paid for as provided
in this Agreement and the Indenture, the Notes will be validly issued and
outstanding, and will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the
Company entitled to the benefits of the Indenture and the security of the
Collateral Bond; and (iii) the Notes, the Indenture and the Mortgage Documents
conform to the descriptions thereof contained in each Prospectus.

          (h)  Execution and Delivery of this Agreement and Any Purchase
               ---------------------------------------------------------
Agreement.  This Agreement and the Purchase Agreement (if any), with respect to
- ---------                                                                      
the Notes, have been duly authorized, and have been, or will be, as the case may
be, duly executed and delivered by the Company.

          (i)  Lien of First Mortgage Indenture.  The First Mortgage Indenture
               --------------------------------                               
constitutes a valid perfected and directly enforceable first mortgage lien on
all of the properties, rights and assets of the Company except certain
properties which are not used or useful in the public utility business of the
Company or are otherwise excluded from the lien of the First Mortgage Indenture
by the terms thereof.

          (j)  Legal Proceedings.  There is no litigation or proceeding pending,
               -----------------                                                
or to the knowledge of the Company threatened, which challenges the validity or
enforceability of the Order, the Notes, the Indenture, the First Mortgage
Indenture, the First Mortgage Supplemental Indenture or the Collateral Bond or
which seeks to enjoin the performance by the Company of its obligations
thereunder or hereunder and, except as described in the Prospectus, there is no
litigation or proceeding pending, or to the knowledge of the Company threatened,
which might result in any material adverse change in the condition (financial or
other), results of operations, business, property or prospects of the Company
(or of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole) or which is required
to be disclosed in the Registration Statement.

          (k)  Financial Statements.  The audited financial statements included
               --------------------                                            
or incorporated by reference in each Prospectus present and will present as of
the applicable Representation Date and at all times during each Marketing
Period, fairly, the consolidated financial condition and results of operations,
changes in common stock, stockholders' equity and cash flows of the entities
purported to be shown thereby, at the dates and for the periods indicated, and
have been, and will be as of the applicable Representation Date and at all times
during each Marketing Period, prepared in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles applied on a consistent basis throughout the period or
periods involved except as noted

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
therein; and the supporting schedules included or incorporated by reference in
each Prospectus present, and will present as of the applicable Representation
Date and at all times during each Marketing Period, fairly the information
required to be stated therein.  The unaudited financial statements of the
Company, if any, and the related notes, included or incorporated by reference in
each Prospectus are, and will be, as of the applicable Representation Date and
at all times during each Marketing Period, true, complete and correct, subject
to normally recurring changes resulting from year-end adjustments, and prepared
in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q or Form 8-K (as the case may
be).

          (l)  Documents Incorporated by Reference.  The documents incorporated
               -----------------------------------                             
by reference into any Prospectus have been, and will be as of the applicable
Representation Date and at all times during each Marketing Period, prepared by
the Company in conformity with the applicable requirements of the Act and the
Rules and Regulations and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the
Commission thereunder; and such documents have been, or will be, as of the
applicable Representation Date and at all times during each Marketing Period,
timely filed as required thereby.  Such documents, when read together with the
other information in the Prospectus, do not, and will not on any Representation
Date, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.

          (m)  Exhibits to Registration Statement.  There are no contracts or
               ----------------------------------                            
other documents which are required to be filed as exhibits to the Registration
Statement by the Act or by the Rules and Regulations, or which were required to
be filed as exhibits to any documents incorporated by reference in any
Prospectus by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission
thereunder, which have not been filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement
or to such document or incorporated therein by reference as permitted by the
Rules and Regulations or the rules and regulations of the Commission under the
Exchange Act, as the case may be.

          (n)  Licenses, Approvals and Consents.  The Company and each
               --------------------------------                       
Subsidiary has all licenses, approvals and consents for the conduct of its
respective businesses the failure to have which would have a material adverse
effect on the business of the Company (or of the Company and its Subsidiaries
taken as a whole).

          (o)  True and Complete Documents.  The certificates delivered pursuant
               ---------------------------                                      
to paragraph (g) of Section 5 hereof and all other documents delivered by the
Company or its representatives in connection with the issuance and sale of the
Notes and the issuance and pledge of the Collateral Bond were on the dates on

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
which they were delivered, or will be on the dates on which they are to be
delivered, in all material respects true and complete.

          SECTION 2.  Solicitations as Agent.
                      ---------------------- 

          (a)  Appointment.  Subject to the terms and conditions stated herein,
               -----------                                                     
the Company hereby appoints each of the Agents as the exclusive agents of the
Company for the purpose of soliciting or receiving offers to purchase the Notes
from the Company by others.  On the basis of the representations and warranties
contained herein, but subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, each
Agent agrees, as the exclusive agents of the Company, to use its reasonable best
efforts to solicit offers to purchase the Notes upon the terms and conditions
set forth in the Prospectus.  Except as otherwise provided herein, so long as
this Agreement shall remain in effect with respect to any Agent, the Company
shall not, without the consent of each such Agent, solicit or accept offers to
purchase Notes otherwise than through one of the Agents; provided, however, that
the Company expressly reserves the right to sell Notes directly to investors and
to appoint other persons, partnerships or corporations ("Additional Agents") to
act as its agent to solicit offers for the purchase of Notes pursuant to this
Agreement; provided, further, each Additional Agent shall execute this Agreement
and become a party hereto and thereafter the term "Agent" as used in this
Agreement shall mean the Agents named herein and such Additional Agents.
Nothing in this Agreement shall limit the ability of the Company to sell Debt
Securities other than the Notes through agents or underwriters other than the
Agents.

          (b)  Suspension of Solicitation.  The Company reserves the right, in
               --------------------------                                     
its sole discretion, to suspend solicitation of offers to purchase the Notes
commencing at any time for any period of time or permanently.  Upon receipt of
at least one business day's prior written notice from the Company, the Agents
will forthwith suspend solicitation of offers to purchase Notes from the Company
until such time as the Company has advised the Agents that such solicitation may
be resumed.  For the purpose of the foregoing sentence, "business day" shall
mean any day which is not a Saturday or Sunday and which in New York City is not
a day on which banking institutions are generally authorized or obligated by law
to close.

          (c)  Agent's Commission.  Promptly upon the closing of the sale of any
               ------------------                                               
Notes sold by the Company as a result of a solicitation made by an Agent, the
Company agrees to pay such Agent a commission in accordance with the schedule
set forth in Exhibit A hereto.

          (d)  Solicitation of Offers.  The Agents are authorized to solicit
               ----------------------                                       
offers to purchase the Notes only in denominations of $1,000 or any amount in
excess thereof which is an integral multiple of $1,000, at a purchase price
equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof or such other principal amount as
shall

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
be specified by the Company.  Each Agent shall communicate to the Company,
orally or in writing, each reasonable offer to purchase Notes received by it as
Agent.  The Company shall have the sole right to accept offers to purchase the
Notes and may reject any such offer in whole or in part.  Each Agent shall have
the right, in its discretion reasonably exercised without advising the Company,
to reject any offer to purchase the Notes received by it, in whole or in part,
and any such rejection shall not be deemed a breach of its agreement contained
herein.

          (e)  Administrative Procedures.  Administrative procedures respecting
               -------------------------                                       
the sale of Notes (the "Procedures") are set forth in Exhibit B hereto and may
be amended in writing from time to time by the Agents and the Company.  Each
Agent and the Company agree to perform the respective duties and obligations
specifically provided to be performed by each of them herein and in the
Procedures.

          (f)  Delivery of Documents.  The documents required to be delivered by
               ---------------------                                            
Section 5 hereof shall be delivered at the offices of ________________________,
______________, ___________, not later than 10:00 A.M., New York time, on the
date of this Agreement or at such later time as may be mutually agreed upon by
the Company and the Agents, which in no event shall be later than the time at
which the Agents commence solicitation of offers to purchase Notes hereunder
(the "Closing Date").

          SECTION 3.  Covenants of the Company.
                      ------------------------ 

          The Company covenants and agrees:

          (a)  Delivery of Signed Registration Statement and Prospectus.  To
               --------------------------------------------------------     
furnish promptly to the Agents and to their counsel a signed copy of the
Registration Statement as originally filed and each amendment or supplement
thereto, all documents incorporated therein by reference and all consents and
exhibits filed therewith;

          (b)  Delivery of Other Documents.  To deliver promptly to the Agents,
               ---------------------------                                     
and in such number as they may reasonably request, each of the following
documents:  (i) conformed copies of the Registration Statement, (ii) the Basic
Prospectus, (iii) each Prospectus and (iv) any documents incorporated by
reference in the Prospectus;

          (c)  Revisions to Prospectus - Material Changes.  If, during any
               ------------------------------------------                 
Marketing Period, any event occurs as a result of which the Prospectus would
include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material
fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or if it is
necessary at any time to amend any Prospectus to comply with the Act, to notify
the Agents promptly, in writing, to suspend solicitation of purchases of the
Notes; and if the Company shall decide to amend or supplement the Registration
Statement or any Prospectus,

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
to promptly advise the Agents by telephone (with confirmation in writing) and to
promptly, in writing, prepare and file with the Commission an amendment or
supplement which will correct such statement or omission or an amendment which
will effect such compliance; provided, however, that if during the period
                             --------  -------                           
referred to above any Agent shall own any Notes which it has purchased from the
Company as principal with the intention of reselling them, the Company shall
promptly prepare and timely file with the Commission any amendment or supplement
to the Registration Statement or any Prospectus that may, in the judgment of the
Company or the Agents, be required by the Act or requested by the Commission;

          (d)  Commission Filings.  To timely file with the Commission during
               ------------------                                            
any Marketing Period, all documents (and any amendments to previously filed
documents) required to be filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c),
14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;

          (e)  Copies of Filings with Commission.  Prior to filing with the
               ---------------------------------                           
Commission during any Marketing Period, (i) any amendment or supplement to the
Registration Statement, (ii) any amendment or supplement to any Prospectus or
(iii) any document incorporated by reference in any of the foregoing or any
amendment of or supplement to any such incorporated document, to furnish a copy
thereof to the Agents;

          (f)  Notice to Agent of Certain Events.  To advise the Agents
               ---------------------------------                       
immediately (i) when any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement
relating to or covering the Notes becomes effective, (ii) of any request or
proposed request by the Commission for an amendment or supplement to the
Registration Statement, to any Prospectus, to any document incorporated by
reference in any of the foregoing or for any additional information and to
afford the Agents a reasonable opportunity to comment on any such proposed
amendment or supplement, (iii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop
order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any part
thereof or any order directed to any Prospectus or any document incorporated
therein by reference or the initiation or threat of any stop order proceeding or
of any challenge to the accuracy or adequacy of any information included or
document incorporated by reference in any Prospectus, (iv) of receipt by the
Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification
of the Notes for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threat of any
proceeding for that purpose, (v) of any downgrading in the rating of the Notes
or any other debt securities of the Company, or any proposal to downgrade the
rating of the Notes or any other debt securities of the Company, by any
"nationally recognized statistical rating organization" (as defined for purposes
of Rule 436(g) under the Act), as soon as the Company learns of any such
downgrading or proposal to downgrade, (vi) any modification, extension,
expiration or revocation of the Order and (vii) of the happening of any event

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
which makes untrue any statement of a material fact made in the Registration
Statement or any Prospectus or which requires the making of a change in the
Registration Statement or any Prospectus in order to make any material statement
therein not misleading;

          (g)  Stop Orders.  If, during any Marketing Period, the Commission
               -----------                                                  
shall issue a stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
Statement, to make every reasonable effort to obtain the lifting of that order
at the earliest possible time;

          (h)  Earnings Statements.  As soon as practicable, but not later than
               -------------------                                             
18 months, after the date of each acceptance by the Company of an offer to
purchase Notes hereunder, to make generally available to its security holders an
earnings statement covering a period of at least 12 months beginning after the
latest of (i) the effective date of the Registration Statement, (ii) the
effective date of the most recent post-effective amendment to the Registration
Statement to become effective prior to the date of such acceptance or (iii) the
date of the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the
Commission prior to the date of such acceptance which will satisfy the
provisions of Section 11(a) of the Act and Rule 158 of the Rules and
Regulations;

          (i)  Copies of Reports, Releases and Financial Statements.  So long as
               ----------------------------------------------------             
any of the Notes are outstanding, to furnish to the Agents, not later than the
time the Company makes the same available to others, copies of all public
reports or releases and all reports and financial statements furnished by the
Company to any securities exchange on which the Notes are listed pursuant to any
requirements of or agreements with such exchange or to the Commission pursuant
to the Exchange Act or any rule or regulation of the Commission thereunder; and

          (j)  Blue Sky Qualifications.  To endeavor, in cooperation with the
               -----------------------                                       
Agents, to qualify the Notes for offering and sale under the securities laws of
such jurisdictions as the Agents may designate, and to maintain such
qualifications in effect for as long as may be required for the distribution of
the Notes; and to file such statements and reports as may be required by the
laws of each jurisdiction in which the Notes have been qualified as above
provided.

          (k)  Certain State Requirements.  The Company confirms as of the date
               --------------------------                                      
hereof, and each acceptance by the Company of an offer to purchase Notes will be
deemed to be an affirmation, that the Company is in compliance with all
provisions of Section 1 of the Laws of Florida, Chapter 92-198, An Act Relating
                                                                ---------------
to Disclosure of Doing Business with Cuba, and the Company further agrees that
- -----------------------------------------                                     
if it commences engaging in business with the government of Cuba or with any
person or affiliate located in Cuba after the date the Registration Statement
becomes or has become effective with the Securities and Exchange Commission or

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
with the Florida Department of Banking and Finance (the "Department"), whichever
date is later, or if the information reported in the Prospectus, if any,
concerning the Company's business with Cuba or with any person or affiliate
located in Cuba or with any person or affiliate located in Cuba changes in any
material way, the Company will provide the Department notice of such business or
change, as appropriate, in a form acceptable to the Department.

          SECTION 4.  Payment of Expenses.
                      ------------------- 

          The Company will pay:

          (i)  the costs incident to the authorization, issuance, sale and
     delivery of the Notes, the issuance and pledge of the Collateral Bond and
     any taxes payable in either connection,

          (ii)  the costs incident to the preparation, printing and filing under
     the Act of the Registration Statement and any amendments and exhibits
     thereto (including the Indenture and the Mortgage Documents),

          (iii)  the costs incident to the preparation, printing and filing of
     any document and any amendments and exhibits thereto required to be filed
     by the Company under the Exchange Act,

          (iv)  the costs of distributing the Registration Statement, as
     originally filed, and each amendment and post-effective amendment thereof
     (including exhibits), the Basic Prospectus, each Prospectus, any supplement
     or amendment to any Prospectus and any documents incorporated by reference
     in any of the foregoing documents,

          (v)  the fees and disbursements of the Trustee, the Mortgage Trustee,
     any paying agent, any calculation agent and any other agent appointed by
     the Company, and their respective counsel,

          (vi)  the costs and fees in connection with the recording and filing
     of the First Mortgage Supplemental Indenture,

          (vii)  the costs and fees in connection with the listing of the Notes
     on any securities exchange,

          (viii)  the cost of any filing with the National Association of
     Securities Dealers, Inc.,

          (ix)  the fees and disbursements of counsel to the Company and counsel
     to the Agents,

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
          (x) the fees paid to rating agencies in connection with the rating of
     the Notes,

          (xi)  the fees and expenses of qualifying the Notes under the
     securities laws of the several jurisdictions as provided in Section 3(j)
     hereof and of preparing and printing a Blue Sky Memorandum and a memorandum
     concerning the legality of the Notes as an investment (including fees and
     expenses of counsel for the Agents in connection therewith),

          (xii)  all advertising expenses in connection with the offering of the
     Notes incurred with the consent of the Company and

          (xiii)  other costs and expenses incident to the performance of the
     Company's obligations under this Agreement.

          SECTION 5.  Conditions of Obligations of Agents.
                      ----------------------------------- 

          The obligation of the Agents, as agents of the Company, under this
Agreement to solicit offers to purchase the Notes, the obligation of any person
who has agreed to purchase Notes to make payment for and take delivery of such
Notes, and the obligation of any Agent to purchase Notes pursuant to any
Purchase Agreement, is subject to the accuracy, on each Representation Date, of
the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein, to the
accuracy of the statements of the Company's officers made in any certificate
furnished pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance by the Company
of its obligations hereunder, and to each of the following additional terms and
conditions:

          (a)  Registration Statement.  No stop order suspending the
               ----------------------                               
effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any part thereof nor any order
directed to any document incorporated by reference in any Prospectus shall have
been issued, no stop order proceeding shall have been initiated or threatened by
the Commission and no challenge shall have been made to the accuracy or adequacy
of any information included or document incorporated by reference in any
Prospectus; any request of the Commission for inclusion of additional
information in the Registration Statement or any Prospectus or otherwise shall
have been complied with by the Company or withdrawn by the Commission; and the
Company shall not have filed with the Commission any amendment or supplement to
the Registration Statement or any Prospectus (or during any Marketing Period any
document incorporated by reference therein) without the consent of the Agents.

          (b)  No Suspension of Sale of the Notes.  No order suspending the sale
               ----------------------------------                               
of the Notes in any jurisdiction designated by the Agents pursuant to Section
3(j) hereof shall have been

                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
issued, and no proceeding for that purpose shall have been initiated or
threatened.

          (c)  No Material Omissions or Untrue Statements.  The Agents shall not
               ------------------------------------------                       
have discovered and disclosed to the Company that the Registration Statement or
any Prospectus contains an untrue statement of a fact which, in the opinion of
counsel for the Agents, is material or omits to state a fact which, in the
opinion of such counsel, is material and is required to be stated therein or is
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.

          (d)  First Mortgage Indenture Requirements.  All conditions precedent
               -------------------------------------                           
and other requirements provided in Article III of the First Mortgage Indenture
in connection with the authentication and delivery of the Collateral Bond shall
have been duly satisfied by the Company and the Mortgage Trustee.

          (e)  Legal Matters Satisfactory to Counsel.  All corporate proceedings
               -------------------------------------                            
and other legal matters incident to the authorization, form and validity of this
Agreement, the Notes, the Indenture, the Mortgage Documents, the form of the
Registration Statement, each Prospectus (other than financial statements and
other financial data) and all other legal matters relating to this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated hereby shall be satisfactory in all respects to
counsel for the Agents and the Company shall have furnished to such counsel all
documents and information that they may reasonably request to enable them to
pass upon such matters.

          (f)  Opinion of Company Counsel.  On the Closing Date, the Agents
               --------------------------                                  
shall have received the opinion, addressed to the Agents and dated the Closing
Date, of Michael, Best & Friedrich, counsel for the Company, in form and
substance satisfactory to the Agents and their counsel, to the effect that:

          (i)  The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as
     a corporation under the laws of the State of Wisconsin, with corporate
     authority to own and operate its properties, and valid franchises, licenses
     and permits adequate for the conduct of its business, as described in the
     Prospectus;

          (ii) The Notes are in a form contemplated by the Indenture and have
     been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and, when the terms
     of the Notes and of their issue and sale have been duly established in
     accordance with the Indenture and this Agreement so as not to violate any
     applicable law or agreement or instrument then binding on the Company, and
     when the Notes have been duly executed and authenticated as specified in
     the Indenture and delivered against payment therefor in accordance with
     this Agreement, the Notes will be legal, valid and binding obligations of
     the Company enforceable in

                                      -13-
<PAGE>
 
     accordance with their terms (except as enforcement thereof may be limited
     by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws
     relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and by general equity
     principles), and entitled to the benefits of the Indenture and the security
     of the Collateral Bond;

          (iii)  The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the
     Purchase Agreements, if any, the Indenture and the Mortgage Documents and
     compliance by the Company with the provisions thereof will not conflict
     with, or result in any charge or encumbrance upon any of the assets of the
     Company (other than pursuant to the First Mortgage Indenture) pursuant to
     the terms of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement,
     indenture or instrument known to such counsel, or result in a violation of
     the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or by-laws of the
     Company (as in effect on the date of such opinion) or any material order,
     rule or regulation (also as in effect on the date of such opinion) known to
     such counsel of any court or governmental agency having jurisdiction over
     the Company;

          (iv)  The First Mortgage Indenture has been duly and validly
     authorized by the necessary corporate action, has been duly executed and
     delivered and constitutes a valid and legally binding instrument
     enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement thereof may
     be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other
     similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting the
     enforcement of mortgagees' and other creditors' rights or by general
     principles of equity; and the Collateral Bonds and the First Mortgage
     Indenture conform as to legal matters in all material respects with the
     statements concerning them made in the Prospectus;

          (v)  The First Mortgage Indenture constitutes a valid, direct first
     mortgage lien for the benefit of all bonds issued thereunder, including the
     Collateral Bonds, subject to such permissible encumbrances as are defined
     therein, upon substantially all the permanent fixed properties of the
     Company (with the exception of such properties as are expressly excepted
     and excluded from such lien) now owned or hereafter acquired by the
     Company;

          (vi)  The First Mortgage Indenture has been qualified under the Trust
     Indenture Act;

          (vii) The order of the Wisconsin Commission authorizing the issuance
     and sale of the Notes and the pledge of the Collateral Bonds has been duly
     entered and, to the best knowledge of such counsel, is still in force and
     effect; and no further approval, authorization, consent, certificate or
     order of any state or federal commission or regulatory authority is
     necessary with respect to the execution and

                                      -14-
<PAGE>
 
     delivery of the First Mortgage Supplemental Indenture, the issuance and
     sale of the Notes or the pledge of the Collateral Bonds, except that the
     offering and sale of the Notes and the pledge of the Collateral Bonds in
     certain jurisdictions may be subject to the securities or "blue sky" laws
     thereof, as to which such counsel need express no opinion;

          (viii) The Registration Statement has become effective under the Act;
     to the best knowledge of such counsel, no stop order suspending the
     effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no
     proceedings for such purpose have been instituted or threatened under
     Section 8 of the Act; the Registration Statement, at the Effective Date,
     and the Prospectus, at the date it was filed with, or transmitted for
     filing to, the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) (other than the financial
     statements and other financial and statistical information contained or
     incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus,
     as to which such counsel need express no opinion), complied as to form in
     all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Act and the
     Trust Indenture Act and the applicable instructions, rules and regulations
     of the Commission thereunder; and the documents or portions thereof filed
     with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act and deemed to be
     incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus
     (other than the financial statements and other financial and statistical
     information contained therein, as to which such counsel need express no
     opinion), at the time they were filed with the Commission, complied as to
     form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the
     Exchange Act and the applicable instructions, rules and regulations of the
     Commission thereunder;

          (ix)  Except as expressly stated in such counsel's opinion pursuant to
     the requirements of this Section 5(f), but otherwise without any
     independent check or verification, such counsel has no reason to believe
     that the Registration Statement, at the Effective Date (other than the
     financial statements and other financial and statistical information
     contained therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion),
     contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any
     material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
     statements therein not misleading or that the Prospectus, at the date it
     was filed with, or transmitted for filing to, the Commission pursuant to
     Rule 424(b) or at the date of such opinion (other than the financial
     statements and other financial and statistical information contained
     therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion) included any
     untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact
     required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements

                                      -15-
<PAGE>
 
     therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
     misleading;

          (x)  To the best knowledge or such counsel, there is no default under
     any material indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, lease or other material
     agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which the
     Company, or any of its property, is bound arising from the consummation of
     the transactions contemplated by, and the fulfillment of the terms of, this
     Agreement or arising from compliance by the Company with all the terms and
     provisions of the First Mortgage Indenture;

          (xi)  Except as described in the Prospectus, there is, to the best
     knowledge of such counsel, no action, suit, proceeding or investigation at
     law or in equity before or by any court, public board or body, pending or,
     to the best knowledge of such counsel, threatened against or affecting the
     Company wherein an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding would adversely
     affect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the validity or
     enforceability against the Company of this Agreement, the First Mortgage
     Indenture, the Notes or the Collateral Bonds; and

          (xii) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered
     by the Company.

          The Agents shall also be entitled to rely upon the opinions of such
counsel delivered to the First Mortgage Trustee in connection with the issuance
and authentication of the Collateral Bond.

          (g)  Opinion of Counsel for the Agents.  The Agents shall have
               ---------------------------------                        
received the opinion, addressed to the Agents and dated the Closing Date, of
__________________________, counsel for the Agents, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Agents and covering such matters as they shall request.
____________ shall be entitled to rely on the opinion of Michael, Best &
Friedrich with respect to matters of Wisconsin law.

          (h)  Officers' Certificate.  The Company shall have furnished to the
               ---------------------                                          
Agents on the Closing Date a certificate, dated the Closing Date, of its
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer and of any Vice
President stating that:

          (i)  The representations, warranties and agreements of the Company in
     Section 1 hereof are true and correct as of the Closing Date; the Company
     has complied with all its agreements contained herein; and the conditions
     set forth in Sections 5(a), 5(b) and 5(d) hereof have been fulfilled; and

          (ii) They have carefully examined the Registration Statement and the
          Prospectus and, in their opinion, (A) the

                                      -16-
<PAGE>
 
     Registration Statement, as of its effective date, did not contain any
     untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact
     required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
     not misleading, (B) the Prospectus does not contain any untrue statement of
     a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated
     therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light
     of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and (C)
     since the effective date of the Registration Statement there has not
     occurred any event required to be set forth in an amended or supplemented
     prospectus which has not been so set forth.

          (i)  Accountant's Letter.  The Company shall have furnished to the
               -------------------                                          
Agents on the Closing Date a letter of Coopers & Lybrand, addressed jointly to
the Company and the Agents and dated the Closing Date, of the type described in
the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Statement on Auditing
Standards No. 72, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agents,
confirming that they are independent accountants with respect to the Company and
its Subsidiaries within the meaning of the Act and the applicable published
Rules and Regulations thereunder and stating in effect that:

          (i)  In their opinion, the financial statements and schedules audited
     by them and included in the Prospectus contained in the Registration
     Statement comply in form in all material respects with the applicable
     accounting requirements of the Act and the related published Rules and
     Regulations;

          (ii)  They have made a review of any unaudited financial statements
     included in the Prospectus in accordance with certain procedures specified
     in such letter;

          (iii)  On the basis of the review referred to in (ii) above and a
     reading of the latest available interim financial statements of the
     Company, inquiries of officials of the Company who have responsibility for
     financial and accounting matters and other specified procedures, nothing
     came to their attention that caused them to believe that:

               (A)  the unaudited financial statements, if any, included in the
          Prospectus do not comply in form in all material respects with the
          applicable accounting requirements of the Act and the related
          published Rules and Regulations or are not in conformity with
          generally accepted accounting principles applied on a basis
          substantially consistent with that of the audited financial statements
          included in the Prospectus;

               (B)  the unaudited capsule information, if any, included in the
          Prospectus does not agree with the amounts set forth in the unaudited
          consolidated

                                      -17-
<PAGE>
 
          financial statements from which it was derived or was not determined
          on a basis substantially consistent with that of the audited financial
          statements included in the Prospectus;

               (C)  at the date of the latest available balance sheet read by
          such accountants, or at a subsequent specified date not more than five
          days prior to the Closing Date, there was any change in the capital
          stock, any increase in short-term indebtedness or long-term debt of
          the Company and its Subsidiaries or, at the date of the latest
          available balance sheet read by such accountants, there was any
          decrease in consolidated net current assets or net assets as compared
          with amounts shown on the latest balance sheet included in the
          Prospectus; or

               (D)  for the period from the date of the latest income statement
          included in the Prospectus to the closing date of the latest available
          income statement read by such accountants there were any decreases, as
          compared with the corresponding period of the previous year, in
          operating revenues, operating income, income before interest and other
          charges, net income or the ratio of earnings to fixed charges;

          (iv)  They have compared specified dollar amounts (or percentages
     derived from such dollar amounts) and other financial information contained
     in the Prospectus (in each case to the extent that such dollar amounts,
     percentages and other financial information are derived from the general
     accounting records of the Company and its Subsidiaries subject to the
     internal controls of the Company's accounting system or are derived
     directly from such records by analysis or computation) with the results
     obtained from inquiries, a reading of such general accounting records and
     other procedures specified in such letter and have found such dollar
     amounts, percentages and other financial information to be in agreement
     with such results, except as otherwise specified in such letter.

          All financial statements and schedules included in material
incorporated by reference into the Prospectus shall be deemed included in the
Prospectus for purposes of this subsection.

          (j)  Additional Conditions.  There shall not have occurred:  (i) any
               ---------------------                                          
change, or any development involving a prospective change, in or affecting
primarily the business, properties, condition (financial or other), results of
operations or prospects of the Company or the Company and its Subsidiaries taken
as a whole which materially impairs the investment quality of the Notes; (ii) a
suspension or material limitation in trading in securities generally on the New
York Stock Exchange or the

                                      -18-
<PAGE>
 
establishment of minimum prices on such exchange; (iii) a general moratorium on
commercial banking activities declared by Federal or New York State or Wisconsin
authorities; (iv) any downgrading in the rating accorded the Company's debt
securities by any "nationally recognized statistical rating organization," as
that term is defined by the Commission for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the
Act, or any public announcement that any such organization has under
surveillance or review its rating of any debt securities of the Company (other
than an announcement with positive implications of a possible upgrading, and no
implication of a possible downgrading, of such rating); (v) any outbreak or
escalation of hostilities, any declaration of war by Congress or any other
substantial national calamity or emergency; or (vi) any material adverse change
in the existing financial, political or economic conditions in the United
States, including any effect of international conditions on the financial
markets in the United States, that in the judgment of the Agents makes it
impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the solicitation of offers to
purchase Notes or the purchase of Notes from the Company as principal pursuant
to the applicable Purchase Agreement, as the case may be.

          (k)  Other Information and Documentation.  Prior to the Closing Date,
               -----------------------------------                             
the Company shall have furnished to the Agents such further information,
certificates and documents as the Agents or counsel to the Agents may reasonably
request.

          All opinions, letters, evidence and certificates mentioned above or
elsewhere in this Agreement shall be deemed to be in compliance with the
provisions hereof only if they are in the form and substance satisfactory to the
Agents.

          SECTION 6.  Additional Covenants of the Company.
                      ----------------------------------- 

          The Company covenants and agrees that:

          (a)  Acceptance of Offer Affirms Representations and Warranties.  Each
               ----------------------------------------------------------       
acceptance by it of an offer for the purchase of Notes shall be deemed to be an
affirmation that the representations and warranties of the Company contained in
this Agreement and in any certificate theretofore given to the Agents pursuant
hereto are true and correct at the time of such acceptance, and an undertaking
that such representations and warranties will be true and correct at the time of
delivery to the purchaser or his agent of the Notes relating to such acceptance
as though made at and as of each such time (and it is understood that such
representations and warranties shall relate to the Registration Statement and
the Prospectus as amended or supplemented to each such time).

          (b)  Subsequent Delivery of Officers' Certificates.  The Company
               ---------------------------------------------              
agrees that during each Marketing Period, each time that the Registration
Statement or any Prospectus shall be amended or supplemented (other than by a
Pricing Supplement

                                      -19-
<PAGE>
 
providing solely for the interest rates or maturities of the Notes or the 
principal amount of Notes remaining to be sold or similar changes) or the
Company files with the Commission any document incorporated by reference into
any Prospectus, the Company shall, absent the submission of a certificate as
provided below, be deemed to have represented to the Agents, (i) as of the date
of such amendment, supplement or filing or (ii) if such amendment, supplement or
filing was not filed during a Marketing Period, as of the first day of the next
succeeding Marketing Period, that the statements contained in the certificate
referred to in Section 5(h) hereof which was last furnished to the Agents are
true and correct at the time of such amendment, supplement or filing, as the
case may be, as though made at and as of such time (except that such statements
shall be deemed to relate to the Registration Statement and each Prospectus as
amended and supplemented to such time) or, in lieu of such representation, the
Company may submit to the Agents a certificate of the same tenor as the
certificate referred to in said Section 5(h), modified as necessary to relate to
the Registration Statement and each Prospectus as amended and supplemented to
the time of delivery of such certificate.

          (c)  Subsequent Delivery of Legal Opinion.  The Company agrees that
               ------------------------------------                          
during each Marketing Period, each time that the Registration Statement or any
Prospectus shall be amended or supplemented (other than by a Pricing Supplement
providing solely for the interest rates or maturities of the Notes or the
principal amount of Notes remaining to be sold or similar changes) or the
Company files with the Commission any document incorporated by reference into
the Prospectus (other than such a document setting forth or incorporating by
reference financial statements or other information as of and for a fiscal
quarter, unless in your reasonable judgment such financial statements or other
information is of such a nature that an opinion of counsel should be furnished),
the Company shall, (i) concurrently with such amendment, supplement or filing or
(ii) if such amendment, supplement or filing was not filed during a Marketing
Period, on the first day of the next succeeding Marketing Period, furnish the
Agents and their counsel with the written opinion of Michael, Best & Friedrich,
counsel for the Company, addressed to the Agents and dated the date of delivery
of such opinion, in form satisfactory to the Agents, to the same effect as the
opinion referred to in Section 5(f) hereof, but modified, as necessary, to
relate to the Registration Statement and each Prospectus as amended or
supplemented to the time of delivery of such opinion; provided, however, that in
                                                      --------  -------         
lieu of such opinion, such counsel may furnish the Agents with a letter to the
effect that the Agents may rely on such prior opinion to the same extent as
though it was dated the date of such letter authorizing reliance (except that
statements in such prior opinion shall be deemed to relate to the Registration
Statement and each Prospectus as amended or supplemented to the time of delivery
of such letter authorizing reliance).

                                      -20-
<PAGE>
 
          (d)  Subsequent Delivery of Accountant's Letters.  The Company agrees
               -------------------------------------------                     
that during each Marketing Period, each time that the Registration Statement or
any Prospectus shall be amended or supplemented to include additional financial
information or the Company files with the Commission any document incorporated
by reference into any Prospectus which contains additional financial
information, the Company shall cause Coopers & Lybrand (or other independent
accountants of the Company acceptable to the Agents) to furnish the Agents, (i)
concurrently with such amendment, supplement or filing or (ii) if such
amendment, supplement or filing was not filed during a Marketing Period, on the
first day of the next succeeding Marketing Period, a letter, addressed jointly
to the Company and the Agents and dated the date of delivery of such letter, in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agents, to the same effect as
the letter referred to in Section 5(i) hereof but modified to relate to the
Registration Statement and each Prospectus, as amended and supplemented to the
date of such letter, with such changes as may be necessary to reflect changes in
the financial statements and other information derived from the accounting
records of the Company; provided, however, that if the Registration Statement or
                        --------  -------                                       
any Prospectus is amended or supplemented solely to include financial
information as of and for a fiscal quarter, such accountants may limit the scope
of such letter to the unaudited financial statements included in such amendment
or supplement unless there is contained therein any other accounting, financial
or statistical information that, in the reasonable judgment of the Agents,
should be covered by such letter, in which event such letter shall also cover
such other information.

          (e)  Additional Requests for Settlement Date.  On any settlement date
               ---------------------------------------                         
for the sale of Notes, the Company shall, if requested by the Agent that
solicited or received the offer to purchase any Notes being delivered on such
settlement date, furnish such Agent with a written opinion of Michael, Best &
Friedrich, counsel for the Company, an officers' certificate and/or an
accountant's letter, dated such settlement date, in form satisfactory to such
Agent, to the effect set forth in Section 5(f), Section 5(h) or Section 5(i)
hereof, as the case may be, but modified, as necessary, to relate to the
Prospectus relating to the Notes to be delivered on such settlement date;
provided, however, that such request shall have been made by such Agent and
- --------  -------                                                          
agreed to by the Company concurrently with the trade to which it relates; and
provided, further, that in lieu of such opinion described in Section 5(f), such
- --------  -------                                                              
counsel may furnish the Agents with a letter to the effect that the Agents may
rely on such prior opinion to the same extent as though it was dated such
settlement date (except that statements in such prior opinion shall be deemed to
relate to the Registration Statement and such Prospectus as amended or
supplemented to the time of delivery of such letter authorizing reliance).

                                      -21-
<PAGE>
 
          (f)  Notices Regarding the Order.  The Company agrees to notify each
               ---------------------------                                    
Agent promptly of any modification, extension or revocation of the Order, and
the Company shall immediately instruct each Agent to cease soliciting offers to
purchase Notes to the extent that the Order expired or is revoked.

          SECTION 7.  Indemnification and Contribution.
                      -------------------------------- 

          (a)  The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Agent and each
person, if any, who controls any Agent within the meaning of the Act from and
against any loss, claim, damage or liability, joint or several, and any action
in respect thereof, to which such Agent or controlling person may become
subject, under the Act, the Exchange Act or other federal or state statutory law
or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such loss, claim, damage,
liability or action arises out of, or is based upon, any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration
Statement or the Prospectus, or arises out of, or is based upon, the omission or
alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and shall reimburse
each Agent and controlling person for any reasonable legal and other expenses
when and as incurred by such Agent or controlling person in investigating or
defending or preparing to defend against any such loss, claim, damage, liability
or action; provided, however, that the Company shall not be liable in any such
           --------  -------                                                  
case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action arises
out of, or is based upon, any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or
omission or alleged omission made in either Form T-1 or made in the Registration
Statement or the Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with written
information furnished to the Company by the Agents specifically for inclusion
therein; provided, further, that as to any Prospectus included in the
         --------  -------                                           
Registration Statement before it became effective under the Act (a "Preliminary
Prospectus") this indemnity agreement shall not inure to the benefit of any
Agent on account of any loss, claim, damage, liability or action arising from
the sale of Notes to any person by that Agent if that Agent failed to send or
give a copy of the Prospectus, as the same may be amended or supplemented, to
that person within the time required by the Act, and the untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to
state a material fact in such Preliminary Prospectus was corrected in the
Prospectus, unless such failure resulted from noncompliance by the Company with
Section 3(b).  The foregoing indemnity agreement is in addition to any liability
which the Company may otherwise have to any Agent or controlling person.

          (b)  Each Agent agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and
hold harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who
signed the Registration Statement and any person who controls the Company within
the meaning of the Act from and against any loss, claim, damage or liability,
joint or

                                      -22-
<PAGE>
 
several, and any action in respect thereof, to which the Company or any such
director, officer or controlling person may become subject, under the Act, the
Exchange Act or federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or
otherwise, insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or action arises out
of, or is based upon, any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or
arises out of, or is based upon, the omission or alleged omission to state
therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading, but in each case only to the extent that the
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was
made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to
the Company by such Agent specifically for inclusion therein, and shall
reimburse the Company or any such director, officer or controlling person for
any reasonable legal and other expenses when and as incurred by such indemnified
party in investigating or defending or preparing to defend against any such
loss, claim, damage, liability or action.  The foregoing indemnity agreement is
in addition to any liability which any Agent may otherwise have to the Company
or any of its directors, officers or controlling persons.

          (c)  Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section
of notice of any claim or the commencement of any action, the indemnified party
shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying
party under this Section, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the claim
or the commencement of that action; provided, however, that the failure to
                                    --------  -------                     
notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it
may have to an indemnified party otherwise than under this Section.  If any such
claim or action shall be brought against an indemnified party, and it shall
notify the indemnifying party thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled
to participate therein, and, to the extent that it wishes, jointly with any
other similarly notified indemnifying party, to assume the defense thereof with
counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party.  After notice from the
indemnifying party to the indemnified party of its election to assume the
defense of such claim or action, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to
the indemnified party under this Section for any legal or other expenses
subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the defense
thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation; provided, however, that
                                                      --------  -------      
the Agents shall have the right to employ counsel to represent the Agents who
may be subject to liability arising out of any claim in respect of which
indemnity may be sought by the Agents against the Company under this Section if,
in the reasonable judgment of the Agents, it is advisable for the Agents to be
represented by separate counsel, and in that event the fees and expenses of such
counsel shall be paid by the Company.  The indemnifying party shall not be
liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written
consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for
the plaintiff, the indemnifying party agrees to

                                      -23-
<PAGE>
 
indemnify the indemnified party from and against any loss or liability by reason
of such settlement or judgment.  Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at
any time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to
reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel, the
indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any
proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is
entered into more than 30 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the
aforesaid request and (ii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed the
indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such
settlement.  No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of
the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened
proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a
party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party,
unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified
party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such
proceeding.

          (d)  If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 shall for
any reason be unavailable to an indemnified party under Section 7(a) or 7(b)
hereof in respect of any loss, claim, damage or liability, or any action in
respect thereof, referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall, in
lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, contribute to the amount paid or
payable by such indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or
liability, or action in respect thereof, (i) in such proportion as shall be
appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one
hand and any Agents on the other from the offering of the Notes or (ii) if the
allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in
such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits
referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company on
the one hand and any Agents on the other with respect to the statements or
omissions which resulted in such loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in
respect thereof, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.  The
relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and any Agent on the
other with respect to such offering shall be deemed to be in the same proportion
as the total net proceeds from the offering of the Notes (before deducting
expenses) received by the Company bears to the total commissions received by
such Agent with respect to such offering.  The relative fault shall be
determined by reference to whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates
to information supplied by the Company or any Agent, the intent of the parties
and their relative knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct
or prevent such statement or omission.  The Company and the Agents agree that it
would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this Section 7(d)
were to be determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Agents were treated as
one entity for

                                      -24-
<PAGE>
 
such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take into
account the equitable considerations referred to herein.  The amount paid or
payable by an indemnified party as a result of the loss, claim, damage or
liability, or action in respect thereof, referred to above in this Section 7(d)
shall be deemed to include, for purposes of this Section 7(d), any legal or
other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with
investigating or defending any such action or claim.  Notwithstanding the
provisions of this Section 7(d), no Agent shall be required to contribute any
amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Notes sold
through such Agent and distributed to the public were offered to the public
exceeds the amount of any damages which such Agent would have otherwise paid or
become liable to pay by reason of any untrue or alleged untrue statement or
omission or alleged omission.  No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation
(within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to
contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent
misrepresentation.

          SECTION 8.  Status of Each Agent.
                      -------------------- 

          In soliciting offers to purchase the Notes from the Company pursuant
to this Agreement (other than offers to purchase pursuant to Section 11), each
Agent is acting solely as agent for the Company and not as principal.  Each
Agent will make reasonable efforts to assist the Company in obtaining
performance by each purchaser whose offer to purchase Notes from the Company has
been solicited by such Agent and accepted by the Company, but such Agent shall
have no liability to the Company in the event any such purchase is not
consummated for any reason.  If the Company shall default in its obligations to
deliver Notes to a purchaser whose offer it has accepted, the Company shall (i)
hold the Agents harmless against any loss, claim or damage arising from or as a
result of such default by the Company and (ii) in particular, pay to the Agents
any commission to which they would be entitled in connection with such sale.

          SECTION 9.  Representations and Warranties to Survive Delivery.
                      -------------------------------------------------- 

          All representations and warranties of the Company contained in this
Agreement, or contained in certificates of officers of the Company submitted
pursuant hereto, shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless
of the termination or cancellation of this Agreement or any investigation made
by or on behalf of any Agent or any person controlling such Agent or by or on
behalf of the Company, and shall survive each delivery of and payment for any of
the Notes.

          SECTION 10.  Termination.
                       ----------- 

          This Agreement may be terminated for any reason with respect to any
party hereto, at any time, by any party hereto

                                      -25-
<PAGE>
 
upon the giving of one day's written notice of such termination to the other
parties hereto; provided, however, such termination shall be effective only with
respect to such terminating party.  If, at the time of a termination, an offer
to purchase any of the Notes has been accepted by the Company but the time of
delivery to the purchaser has not occurred, the provisions of Sections 3(c),
3(i) and (j) shall remain in effect until such Notes are delivered.  The
provisions of Sections 3(c), 3(d), 3(h), 4, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13 and 14 hereof shall
survive any such termination.

          SECTION 11.  Purchases as Principal.
                       ---------------------- 

          Each sale of Notes to any Agent as principal, for resale to one or
more investors or to another broker-dealer (acting as principal for purposes of
resale), shall be made in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and a
Purchase Agreement, whether oral (and confirmed in writing, which may be by
facsimile transmission) or in writing, which will provide for the sale of such
Notes to, and the purchase thereof by, such Agent.  A Purchase Agreement may
also specify certain provisions relating to the reoffering of such Notes by such
Agent including without limitation, the reallowance to any broker or dealer
included in a selling group for the Notes of any portion of any discount or
commission payable pursuant to a Purchase Agreement.  The commitment of any
Agent to purchase Notes of the Company pursuant to any Purchase Agreement shall
be deemed to have been made on the basis of the representations and warranties
of the Company herein contained and shall be subject to the terms and conditions
herein set forth.  Each Purchase Agreement shall contain the information
specified in Exhibit C hereto.  Such Purchase Agreement shall also specify any
requirements for delivery of opinions of counsel and officers' certificates
pursuant to Section 5 hereof.

          SECTION 12.  Notices.
                       ------- 

          Except as otherwise provided herein, all notices and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been
duly given if mailed or transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication.
Notices to the respective Agents shall be directed as follows:
_____________________, ____________________________, _______________________.
Notices to the Company shall be directed to it as follows:  Madison Gas and
Electric Company, 133 South Blair Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53703, Attention:
Vice President-Finance.

          SECTION 13.  Binding Effect; Benefits.
                       ------------------------ 

          This Agreement shall be binding upon each Agent, the Company and their
respective successors.  This Agreement and the terms and provisions hereof are
for the sole benefit of only those persons, except that (a) the representations,
warranties, indemnities and agreements of the Company contained in this
Agreement shall also be deemed to be for the benefit of the

                                      -26-
<PAGE>
 
person or persons, if any, who control any Agent within the meaning of Section
15 of the Act, and (b) the indemnity agreement of the Agents contained in
Section 7 hereof shall be deemed to be for the benefit of directors of the
Company, officers of the Company who have signed the Registration Statement and
any person controlling the Company.  Nothing in this Agreement is intended or
shall be construed to give any person, other than the persons referred to in
this Section, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect
of this Agreement or any provision contained herein.

          SECTION 14.  Governing Law; Counterparts.
                       --------------------------- 

          This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of _________________.  This Agreement may be executed in
counterparts and the executed counterparts shall together constitute a single
instrument.

          SECTION 15.  Paragraph Headings.
                       ------------------ 

          The paragraph headings used in this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only, and are not to affect the construction hereof or be taken into
consideration in the interpretation hereof.

          If the foregoing correctly sets forth our agreement, please indicate
your acceptance hereof in the space provided for that purpose below.

                                    Very truly yours,

                                    MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC
                                    COMPANY


                                    By 
                                       --------------------------
                                       Title:
CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED, as of
 the date first above written:

[AGENT]

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

[AGENT]

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

                                      -27-
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                        Madison Gas and Elecric Company
                      Secured Medium-Term Notes, Series A
                Due from 9 Months to 35 Years from Date of Issue
                              Schedule of Payments

          The Company agrees to pay each Agent a commission equal to the
following percentage of the aggregate dollar equivalent of the principal amount
of Notes sold through such Agent:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                  Term                          Commission Rate
                  ----                          ---------------
<S>                                                  <C> 
9 months to less than 12 months                       .125%
12 months to less than 18 months                      .150%
18 months to less than 2 years                        .200%
2 years to less than 3 years                          .250%
3 years to less than 4 years                          .350%
4 years to less than 5 years                          .450%
5 years to less than 6 years                          .500%
6 years to less than 7 years                          .550%
7 years to less than 10 years                         .600%
10 years to less than 15 years                        .625%
15 years to less than 20 years                        .650%
20 years and longer                                   .750%

</TABLE> 


                                     A-1

<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT B



                        Madison Gas and Electric Company
                      Secured Medium-Term Notes, Series A
                Due from 9 Months to 35 Years from Date of Issue
                           Administrative Procedures


          Secured Medium-Term Notes, Series A, due from 9 months to 35 years
from date of issue (the "Notes") are to be offered on a continuing basis by
Madison Gas and Electric Company (the "Company").  _______________ and
__________________, as agents (each an "Agent" and collectively, the "Agents"),
have each agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to solicit offers to
purchase the Notes.  The Notes are being sold pursuant to an Agency Agreement
between the Company and the Agents dated _________________, 1994 (as it may be
supplemented or amended from time to time, the "Agency Agreement") to which
these administrative procedures are attached as an exhibit.  The Notes will be
issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of March 1, 1994 (as it may be amended
or supplemented from time to time, the "Indenture"), between the Company and M&I
First National Bank, as trustee (the "Trustee") and the Company will issue its
first mortgage bond, 2029 Series (the "Collateral Bond") and pledge it to the
Trustee to secure the Notes.  The Notes have been registered with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Commission").  Terms defined in the Prospectus
relating to the Notes (the "Prospectus") and in the Agency Agreement shall have
the same meaning when used in this exhibit.  Special administrative procedures
for Global Securities relating to Book-Entry Notes follow these administrative
procedures.

          Administrative responsibilities, document control and record-keeping
functions to be performed by the Company will be performed by or under the
direction of its Vice President-Finance.  Administrative procedures for the
offering are explained below.

Price to Public
- ---------------

          Each Note will be issued at 100% of principal amount, unless 
otherwise determined by the Company.

Date of Issuance
- ----------------

          Each Note will be dated and issued as of the date of its
authentication by the Trustee.

Maturities
- ----------

          Each Note will mature on a Business Day (as defined below) selected by
the purchaser and agreed upon by the Company, such date being at least 9 months
but not more than 35 years from
<PAGE>
 
the date of issuance.  Each Floating Rate Note will mature on an Interest
Payment Date (as defined below).

          "Business Day" shall mean any day which is not a Saturday or Sunday
and which is not a day on which banking institutions are generally authorized or
obligated by law to close in Milwaukee, Wisconsin or The City of New York.

Registration
- ------------

          Notes will be issued only in fully registered form as either a Book-
Entry Note or a Certificated Note.  Certificated Notes may be presented for
registration of transfer or exchange at the Trustee's New York office.

Denominations
- -------------

          The Notes (other than Notes represented by Global Securities) will be
issued and payable in U.S. dollars in the denomination (unless otherwise
specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement) of $1,000 and any larger
denomination which is an integral multiple of $1,000.

Interest Payments
- -----------------

          Each Note bearing interest at a fixed rate (a "Fixed Rate Note") will
bear interest from its issue date at the annual rate stated on the face thereof,
payable on January 15 and July 15 of each year (each an "Interest Payment Date"
with respect to such Fixed Rate Note) and at Stated Maturity or upon redemption,
if applicable.

          Special provisions are set forth in the Prospectus relating to Notes
bearing interest at a rate or rates determined by reference to an interest rate
formula ("Floating Rate Notes") at a rate determined pursuant to the formula
stated on the face thereof, payable in arrears on such dates as are specified
therein (each an "Interest Payment Date" with respect to such Floating Rate
Note).

          Interest on Fixed Rate Notes will be calculated and paid on the basis
of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.  Unless otherwise provided in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, interest will be payable to the person in whose
name such Note is registered at the close of business on the January 1 or July 1
(whether or not a Business Day) next preceding the respective January 15 or July
15 Interest Payment Date with respect to Fixed Rate Notes or the fifteenth day
(whether or not a Business Day) next preceding an Interest Payment Date with
respect to Floating Rate Notes (the "Record Dates"); provided, however, that
                                                     --------  -------      
interest payable at Stated Maturity will be payable to the person to whom
principal shall be payable.  Any payment of principal and interest on such Note
required to be paid on an Interest Payment Date or at Stated Maturity or upon
redemption, if applicable,

                                      B-2
<PAGE>
 
which is not a Business Day shall be postponed to the next day which is a
Business Day.  The first payment of interest on any Note originally issued
between a Record Date and an Interest Payment Date will be made on the Interest
Payment Date following the next succeeding Record Date.  All interest payments,
excluding interest payments made at Stated Maturity or upon redemption, if
applicable, will be made by check mailed to the person entitled thereto as
provided above, or, at the option of the Company, by wire transfer to an account
maintained by such person with a bank located in the United States.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holder of $1 million or more in aggregate
principal amount of Notes with the same Interest Payment Date may request
interest payment by wire transfers.

          On the fifth Business Day immediately preceding each Interest Payment
Date, the Trustee will furnish the Company with the total amount of the interest
payments to be made on such Interest Payment Date.  The Trustee (or any duly
selected paying agent) will provide monthly to the Company's Treasury Department
a list of the principal and interest to be paid on Notes maturing in the next
succeeding month.  The Company will provide to the Trustee not later than the
payment date sufficient moneys to pay in full all principal and interest
payments due on such payment date.  The Trustee will assume responsibility for
withholding taxes on interest paid as required by law.

Acceptance and Rejection of Offers
- ----------------------------------

          The Company shall have the sole right to accept offers to purchase
Notes and may reject any such offer in whole or in part.  Each Agent shall
promptly communicate to the Company, orally or in writing, each reasonable offer
to purchase Notes from the Company received by it other than those rejected by
such Agent.  Each Agent shall have the right, in its discretion reasonably
exercised without advising the Company, to reject any offers in whole or in
part.

Settlement
- ----------

          The receipt of immediately available funds in U.S. Dollars by the
Company in payment for a Note (less the applicable commission) and the
authentication and issuance of such Note shall, with respect to such Note,
constitute "Settlement."  All offers accepted by the Company will be settled
from one to five Business Days from the date of acceptance by the Company
pursuant to the timetable for Settlement set forth below unless the Company and
the purchaser agree to Settlement on a later date; provided, however, that the
                                                   --------  -------          
Company will so notify the Trustee of any such later date on or before the
Business Day immediately prior to the Settlement date.

                                      B-3
<PAGE>
 
Settlement Procedures
- ---------------------

          In the event of a purchase of Notes by an Agent, as principal,
appropriate Settlement details will be set forth in the applicable Purchase
Agreement to be entered into between such Agent and the Company pursuant to the
Agency Agreement.

          Settlement procedures with regard to each Note sold through each
Agent shall be as follows:

          A.  Such Agent (the "Presenting Agent") will advise the Company by
     telephone confirmed in writing or by telex or facsimile of the following
     Settlement information:

          1.   Exact name in which the Note is to be registered ("Registered
               Owner").

          2.   Exact address of the Registered Owner and address for payment of
               principal and interest, if any.

          3.   Taxpayer identification number of the Registered Owner.

          4.   Principal amount of the Note (and, if multiple Notes are to be
               issued, denominations thereof).

          5.   Settlement date.

          6.   Stated Maturity.

          7.   Issue Price and any OID information (e.g., total amount of OID,
               the yield to maturity and the initial accrual period OID).

          8.   Trade Date/Original Issue Date.

          9.   Interest rate:

               (a)  Fixed Rate Notes:

                    i)   interest rate
                    ii)  overdue rate, if any

               (b)  Floating Rate Notes:

                       i)   interest rate basis
                      ii)   initial interest rate
                     iii)   spread or spread multiplier, if any
                      iv)   interest rate reset periods
                       v)   interest payment dates
                      vi)   index maturity
                     vii)   maximum and minimum interest rates, if any
                    viii)   record dates

                                      B-4
<PAGE>
 
                      ix)   interest determination dates
                       x)   overdue rate, if any

          10.  The date on or after which the Notes are redeemable at the option
               of the Company, and additional redemption or repurchase
               provisions, if any.

          11.  Wire transfer information.

          12.  Presenting Agent's Commission (to be paid in the form of a
               discount from the proceeds remitted to the Company upon
               Settlement).

          B.  The Company will confirm the above Settlement information to the
Trustee by telephone, telex or facsimile, and the Trustee will assign a Note
number to the transaction.  If the Company rejects an offer, the Company will
promptly notify the Presenting Agent and the Trustee by telephone.

          C.  The Trustee will complete the first page of the preprinted 4-ply
Note packet (Note:  Such a packet need not be prepared if the Company is
             ----                                                       
utilizing the book-entry system, see procedures below), the form of which was
                                 ---                                         
previously approved by the Company, the Agents and the Trustee.

          D.  The Trustee will deliver the Note (with the attached white
confirmation) and the yellow and blue stubs to the Presenting Agent.  Such Agent
will acknowledge receipt of the Note by completing the yellow stub and returning
it to the Trustee.

          E.  The Presenting Agent will cause to be wire transferred to a bank
account designated by the Company immediately available funds in U.S. dollars in
the amount of the principal amount of the Note, less the applicable commission
or discount, if any.

          F.  The Presenting Agent will deliver the Note (with the attached
white confirmation) to the purchaser against payment in immediately available
funds in the amount of the principal amount of the Note.  The Presenting Agent
will deliver to the purchaser a copy of the most recent Prospectus applicable to
the Note with or prior to any written offer of Notes, delivery of the Note and
the confirmation and payment by the purchaser for the Note.

          G.  The Presenting Agent will obtain the acknowledgement of receipt
for the Note and Prospectus by the purchaser through the purchaser's completion
of the blue stub.

          H.  The Trustee will mail the pink stub to the Company's Vice
President-Finance.

                                      B-5
<PAGE>
 
Settlement Procedures Timetable
- -------------------------------

          For offers accepted by the Company, Settlement procedures "A" through
"H" set forth above shall be completed on or before the respective times set
forth below:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

     Settlement
     Procedure           Time  (New York)
     ----------          ----            
      <S>                <C> 
          A              5 PM on date of order
          B              3 PM on the Business Day prior to Settlement date
          C-D            12 noon on the Settlement date
          E              2:15 PM on the Settlement date
          F-G            3 PM on the Settlement date
          H              5 PM on Business Day after the Settlement date

</TABLE> 

Fails
- -----

          In the event that a purchaser of a Note shall either fail to accept
delivery of or make payment for such Note on the date fixed by the Company for
Settlement, the Presenting Agent will immediately notify the Trustee and the
Company's Treasurer by telephone, confirmed in writing, of such failure and
return the Note to the Trustee.  Upon the Trustee's receipt of the Note from the
Presenting Agent, the Company will promptly return to the Presenting Agent an
amount of immediately available funds in U.S. dollars equal to any amount
previously transferred to the Company in respect of the Note pursuant to
advances made by such Agent.  Such returns will be made on the Settlement date,
if possible, and in any event not later than 12 noon (New York City time) on the
Business Day following the Settlement date.  The Company will reimburse the
Presenting Agent on an equitable basis for its loss of the use of the funds
during the period when the funds were credited to the account of the Company.
Upon receipt of the Note in respect of which the default occurred, the Trustee
will mark the Note "cancelled," make appropriate entries in its records and
deliver the Note to the Company with an appropriate debit advice.  The
Presenting Agent will not be entitled to any commission with respect to any Note
which the purchaser does not accept or make payment for.

Redemption
- ----------

          Except as otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement and
on the Notes, the Notes will not be redeemable prior to their Stated Maturity.
If so specified in a Pricing Supplement and on the Note, such Note will be
subject to redemption by the Company, at any time on or after the date set forth
on such supplement and the Note, in whole or from time to time in part, at the
option of the Company, at the redemption price set forth therein, together with
interest accrued thereon on the date of redemption.

                                      B-6
<PAGE>
 
          Notice of redemption shall be given by first-class mail postage
prepaid, mailed not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days prior to the date of
redemption, to each holder of Notes to be redeemed, in accordance with the
Indenture.  In the event of redemption in part of any Note, a new Note for the
amount of the unredeemed portion shall be issued in the name of the Holder upon
cancellation of the redeemed Note.

Maturity
- --------

          Upon presentation of each Note at Stated Maturity the Trustee (or any
duly appointed paying agent) will pay the principal amount thereof, together
with accrued interest through the date of redemption.  Such payment shall be
made in immediately available funds in U.S. dollars, provided that the Note is
presented to the Trustee (or any such paying agent) in time for the Trustee (or
such paying agent) to make payments in such funds in accordance with its normal
procedures.  The Company will provide the Trustee (and any such paying agent)
with funds available for immediate use for such purpose.  Notes presented at
Stated Maturity will be cancelled by the Trustee as provided in the Indenture.

Procedures for Establishing the Terms of the Notes
- --------------------------------------------------

          The Company and the Agents will discuss from time to time the rates to
be borne by the Notes that may be sold as a result of the solicitation of offers
by the Agents.  Once any Agent has recorded any indication of interest in Notes
upon certain terms and communicated with the Company, if the Company accepts an
offer to purchase Notes upon such terms, the Company will prepare a Pricing
Supplement in the form previously approved by the Agents, reflecting the terms
of such Notes and, after approval from the Presenting Agent, will arrange to
have 10 copies of such Pricing Supplement (together with the Prospectus, if
amended or supplemented) filed with the Commission and will supply an
appropriate number of copies of the Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented,
together with such Pricing Supplement, to the Presenting Agent.  See "Delivery
of Prospectus."  No settlements with respect to Notes upon such terms may occur
prior to such filing and the Presenting Agent will not, prior to such filing,
mail confirmations to customers who have offered to purchase Notes upon such
terms.  After such filing, sales, mailing of confirmations and settlements may
occur with respect to Notes upon such terms, subject to the provisions of
"Delivery of Prospectus" below.

          If the Company decides to post rates and a decision has been reached
to change interest rates, the Company will promptly notify each Agent.  Each
Agent will forthwith suspend solicitation of purchasers.  At that time, the
Agents will recommend and the Company will establish rates to be so "posted."
Following establishment of posted rates and prior to the filing described in the
following sentence, the Agents may only record

                                      B-7
<PAGE>
 
indications of interest in purchasing Notes at the posted rates.  Once any Agent
has recorded any indication of interest in Notes at the posted rates and
communicated with the Company, if the Company plans to accept an offer at the
posted rate, the Company will prepare a Pricing Supplement reflecting such
posted rates and, after approval from the Presenting Agent, will arrange to have
10 copies of such Pricing Settlement (together with the Prospectus if amended or
supplemented) filed with the Commission and will supply an appropriate number of
copies of the Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented, to the Presenting
Agent.  See "Delivery of Prospectus."  No settlements at the posted rates may
occur prior to such filing and the Presenting Agent will not, prior to such
filing, mail confirmations to customers who have offered to purchase Notes at
the posted rates.  After such filing, sales, mailing of confirmations and
settlements may resume, subject to the provisions of "Delivery of Prospectus"
below.

Suspension of Solicitation; Amendment or Supplement
- ---------------------------------------------------

          In the event that at the time the Agents, at the direction of the
Company, suspend solicitation of offers to purchase from the Company there shall
be any orders outstanding which have not been settled, the Company will promptly
advise the Agents and the Trustee whether such orders may be settled and whether
copies of the Prospectus as theretofore amended and/or supplemented as in effect
at the time of the suspension may be delivered in connection with the settlement
of such orders.  The Company will have the sole responsibility for such decision
and for any arrangements which may be made in the event that the Company
determines that such orders may not be settled or that copies of such Prospectus
may not be so delivered.

Delivery of Prospectus
- ----------------------

          A copy of the Prospectus as most recently amended or supplemented on
the date of delivery thereof, together with the applicable Pricing Supplement,
must be delivered to a purchaser prior to or simultaneously with the earlier of
the delivery of (i) the written confirmation of a sale sent to a purchaser or
his agent and (ii) any Note purchased by such purchaser.  The Company shall
ensure that the Presenting Agent receives copies of the Prospectus and each
amendment or supplement thereto (including the applicable Pricing Supplement) by
11:00 A.M. on the Business Day following the date of order in such quantities as
will enable the Presenting Agent to deliver such confirmation to a purchaser as
contemplated by these procedures and in compliance with the preceding sentence.
Copies of Pricing Supplements should be delivered (a) in the case of Notes for
which _______________ is Presenting Agent, to _____________________, Attention:
_________; and (b) in the case of Notes for which ____________________ is
Presenting Agent to ______________________, Attention:  _______________________.
If, since the date of acceptance of a purchaser's offer, the Prospectus shall
have been supplemented

                                      B-8
<PAGE>
 
solely to reflect any sale of Notes on terms different from those agreed to
between the Company and such purchaser or a change in posted rates not
applicable to such purchaser, such purchaser shall not receive the Prospectus as
supplemented by such new supplement, but shall receive the Prospectus as
supplemented to reflect the terms of the Notes being purchased by such purchaser
and otherwise as most recently amended or supplemented on the date of delivery
of the Prospectus.  The Trustee will make all such deliveries with respect to
all Notes sold directly by the Company.

Authenticity of Signatures
- --------------------------

          The Company will cause the Trustee to furnish the Agents from time to
time with the specimen signatures of each of the Trustee's officers, employees
and agents who have been authorized by the Trustee to authenticate Notes, but
the Agents will have no obligation or liability to the Company or the Trustee in
respect of the authenticity of the signature of any officer, employee or agent
of the Company or the Trustee on any Note.

Advertising Costs
- -----------------

          The Company will determine with the Agents the amount and nature of
advertising that may be appropriate in offering the Notes.  Advertising expenses
incurred with the consent of the Company will be paid by the Company.


             SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR BOOK-ENTRY NOTES

          Each Note will be represented by either a Global Security delivered to
the Trustee, as agent for the Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), and recorded in
the book-entry system maintained by DTC (a "Book-Entry Note") or a certificate
delivered to the Holder thereof or a Person designated by such Holder (a
"Certificate Note").  An owner of a Book-Entry Note will not be entitled to
receive a certificate representing such Note.  In connection with the
qualification of the Book-Entry Notes for eligibility in the book-entry system
maintained by DTC, the Trustee will perform the custodial, document control and
administrative functions described below, in accordance with its respective
obligations under a Letter of Representations from the Company and the Trustee
to DTC and a Medium-Term Note Certificate Agreement previously entered into
between the Trustee and DTC, and its obligations as a participant in DTC,
including DTC's Same-Day Funds Settlement System ("SDFS").  Except as otherwise
set forth in this Exhibit B, Book-Entry Notes will be issued in accordance with
the administrative procedures set forth below.

Issuance                 On any date of settlement (as defined under
                         "Settlement" below) for one or more Fixed Rate Book-
                         Entry Notes, the

                                      B-9
<PAGE>
 
                         Company will issue a single Global Security in fully
                         registered form without coupons representing all of
                         such Notes that have the same original issuance date,
                         interest rate and Stated Maturity.  Similarly, on any
                         settlement date for one or more Floating Rate Book-
                         Entry Notes, the Company will issue a single Global
                         Security representing all of such Notes that have the
                         same interest rate formula, Original Issuance Date,
                         Interest Rate Basis, Initial Interest Rate, Interest
                         Payment Dates, Index Maturity, Spread, Spread
                         Multiplier, if any, minimum interest rate (if any),
                         maximum interest rate (if any) and Stated Maturity.
                         Each Global Security will be dated and issued as of the
                         date of its authentication by the Trustee, as Trustee.
                         Each Global Security will be dated and issued as of the
                         date of its authentication by the Trustee, as Trustee.
                         Each Global Security will have an interest accrual date
                         (the "Interest Accrual Date"), which will be (i) with
                         respect to an original Global Security (or any portion
                         thereof), its Original Issuance Date and (ii) with
                         respect to any Global Security (or portion thereof)
                         issued subsequently upon exchange of a Global Security
                         or in lieu of a destroyed, lost or stolen Global
                         Security, the most recent Interest Payment Date to
                         which interest has been paid or duly provided for on
                         the predecessor Global Security or Securities (or if no
                         such payment or provision has been made, the Original
                         Issue Date of the predecessor Global Security),
                         regardless of the date of authentication of such
                         subsequently issued Global Security.  No Global
                         Security will represent (i) both a Fixed Rate and a
                         Floating Rate Book-Entry Note or (ii) any Certificated
                         Note.

Identification
 Numbers:                The Company will arrange, on or prior to commencement
                         of a program for the offering of Book-Entry Notes, with
                         the CUSIP Service Bureau of Standard & Poor's
                         Corporation (the "CUSIP Service Bureau") for the
                         reservation of a series of CUSIP numbers (including
                         tranche

                                      B-10
<PAGE>
 
                         numbers), consisting of approximately 900 CUSIP numbers
                         and relating to Global Securities representing the
                         Book-Entry Notes.  The Trustee has or will obtain from
                         the CUSIP Service Bureau a written list of such series
                         of reserved CUSIP numbers and will deliver to the
                         Company and DTC such written list of 900 CUSIP numbers
                         of such series.  The Company will assign CUSIP numbers
                         to Global Securities as described below under
                         Settlement Procedure "B."  DTC will notify the CUSIP
                         Service Bureau periodically of the CUSIP numbers that
                         the Company has assigned to Global Securities.  The
                         Trustee will notify the Company at any time when fewer
                         than 100 of the reserved CUSIP numbers remain
                         unassigned to Global Securities, and if it deems
                         necessary, the Company will reserve additional CUSIP
                         numbers for assignment to Global Securities
                         representing Book-Entry Notes.  Upon obtaining such
                         additional CUSIP numbers the Trustee shall deliver such
                         additional CUSIP numbers to the Company and DTC.

Registration:            Each Global Security will be registered in the name of
                         Cede & Co., as nominee for DTC, on the Security
                         Register maintained under the Indenture.  The
                         beneficial owner of a Book-Entry Note (or one or more
                         indirect participants in DTC designated by such owner)
                         will designate one or more participants in DTC (with
                         respect to such Note, the "Participants") to act as
                         agent or agents for such owner in connection with the
                         book-entry system maintained by DTC, and DTC will
                         record in book-entry form, in accordance with
                         instructions provided by such Participants, a credit
                         balance with respect to such Note in the account of
                         such Participants.  The ownership interest of such
                         beneficial owner in such Note will be recorded through
                         the records of such Participants or through the
                         separate records of such Participants and one or more
                         indirect participants in DTC.

Transfers:               Transfers of a Book-Entry Note will be accomplished by
                         book entries made by DTC

                                      B-11
<PAGE>
 
                         and, in turn, by Participants (and in certain cases,
                         one or more indirect participants in DTC) acting on
                         behalf of beneficial transferors and transferees of
                         such Note.

Consolidation and
Exchange:                The Trustee may deliver to DTC and the CUSIP Service
                         Bureau at any time a written notice of consolidation
                         specifying (i) the CUSIP numbers of two or more
                         Outstanding Global Securities that represent (A) Fixed
                         Rate Book-Entry Notes having the same Original Issue
                         Date, interest rate and Stated Maturity and with
                         respect to which interest has been paid to the same
                         date and (B) Floating Rate Book-Entry Notes having the
                         same Interest Rate Basis, Original Issue Date, Initial
                         Interest Rate, Interest Rate, Interest Payment Dates,
                         Interest Payment Period, Index Maturity, Spread or
                         Spread Multiplier, if any, minimum interest rate (if
                         any), maximum interest rate (if any) and Stated
                         Maturity and with respect to which interest has been
                         paid to the same date, (ii) a date, occurring at least
                         thirty days after such written notice is delivered and
                         at least thirty days before the next Interest Payment
                         Date for such Book-Entry Notes, on which such Global
                         Securities shall be exchanged for a single replacement
                         Global Security and (iii) a new CUSIP number, obtained
                         from the Company, to be assigned to such replacement
                         Global Security.  Upon receipt of such a notice, DTC
                         will send to its participants (including the Trustee) a
                         written reorganization notice to the effect that such
                         exchange will occur on such date.  Prior to the
                         specified exchange date, the Trustee will deliver to
                         the CUSIP Service Bureau a written notice setting forth
                         such exchange date and the new CUSIP number and stating
                         that, as of such exchange date, the CUSIP numbers of
                         the Global Securities to be exchanged will no longer be
                         valid.  On the specified exchange date, the Trustee
                         will exchange such Global Securities for a single
                         Global Security bearing the new CUSIP number and a new
                         Interest Accrual Date,

                                      B-12
<PAGE>
 
                         and the CUSIP numbers of the exchanged Global
                         Securities will, in accordance with CUSIP Service
                         Bureau procedures, be cancelled and not immediately
                         reassigned.

Maturities:              Each Book-Entry Note will mature on a date not less
                         than nine months and not more than thirty-five years
                         after the settlement date for such Note.  A Floating
                         Rate Book-Entry Note will mature only on an Interest
                         Payment Date for such Note.

Denominations:           Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing
                         Supplement, book-Entry Notes will be issued in
                         principal amounts of $100,000 or any amount in excess
                         thereof that is an integral multiple of $1,000.

Interest:                General.  Interest on each Book-Entry Note will accrue
                         -------                                               
                         from the Interest Accrual Date of the Global Security
                         representing such Note.  Each payment of interest on a
                         Book-Entry Note will include interest accrued through
                         the day preceding, as the case may be, the Interest
                         Payment Date or Maturity; provided, however, that if
                         the Interest Reset Dates with respect to any such Note
                         are daily or weekly, interest payable on any Interest
                         Payment Date, other than interest payable on any date
                         on which principal for such Note is payable, will
                         include interest accrued from but excluding the second
                         preceding Regular Record Date to and including he next
                         preceding Regular Record Date.  Interest payable at the
                         Maturity of a Book-Entry Note will be payable to the
                         Person to whom the principal of such Note is payable.
                         Standard & Poor's Corporation will use the information
                         received in the pending deposit message described under
                         Settlement Procedure "C" below in order to include the
                         amount of any interest payable and certain other
                         information regarding the related Global Security in
                         the appropriate weekly bond report published by
                         Standard & Poor's Corporation.

                                      B-13
<PAGE>
 
                         On the first Business Day of January, April, July and
                         October of each year, the Trustee will deliver to the
                         Company and DTC a written list of Regular Record Dates
                         and Interest Payment Dates that will occur with respect
                         to Floating Rate Book-Entry Notes during the six-month
                         period beginning on such first Business Day.  Promptly
                         after each Interest Determination Date (as referred to
                         under "Settlement Procedures" below) for Floating Rate
                         Notes, the Company will notify the Trustee, and the
                         Trustee in turn will notify Standard & Poor's
                         Corporation, of the interest rates determined on such
                         Interest Determination Date.

Payments of Principal
and Interest:            Payments of Interest Only.  Promptly after each Regular
                         -------------------------                              
                         Record Date, the Trustee will deliver to the Company
                         and DTC a written notice specifying by CUSIP number the
                         amount of interest to be paid on each Global Security
                         on the following Interest Payment Date (other than an
                         Interest Payment Date coinciding with Maturity) and the
                         total of such amounts.  DTC will confirm the amount
                         payable on each Global Security on such Interest
                         Payment Date by reference to the daily bond reports
                         published by Standard & Poor's Corporation.  The
                         Company will pay to the Trustee, as paying agent, the
                         total amount of interest due on such Interest Payment
                         Date (other than at Maturity), and the Trustee will pay
                         such amount to DTC at the times and in the manner set
                         forth below under "Manner of Payment."

                         Payment at Maturity.  On or about the first Business
                         -------------------                                 
                         Day of each month, the Trustee will deliver to the
                         Company, DTC and each of the paying agents a written
                         list of principal and interest to be paid on each
                         Global Security maturing in the following month.  The
                         Company, each of the paying agents and DTC will confirm
                         the amounts of such principal and interest payments
                         with respect to each such Global Security on or about
                         the fifth Business Day preceding the Maturity of such
                         Global Security.  The Company will pay to the Trustee,
                         as

                                      B-14
<PAGE>
 
                         paying agent, the principal amount of such Global
                         Security, together with interest due at such Maturity.
                         The Trustee will pay such amount to DTC at the times
                         and in the manner set forth below under "Manner of
                         Payment."

                         Promptly after payment to DTC of the principal and
                         interest due at the Maturity of such Global Security,
                         the Trustee will cancel such Global Security and
                         deliver it to the Company with an appropriate debit
                         advice.  On the first Business Date of each month, the
                         Trustee will prepare a written statement indicating the
                         total principal amount of Outstanding Global Securities
                         for which it serves as trustee as of the immediately
                         preceding Business Day.

                         Manner of Payment.  The total amount of any principal
                         -----------------                                    
                         and interest due on Global Securities on any Interest
                         Payment Date or at Maturity shall be paid by the
                         Company to the Trustee in funds available for use by
                         the Trustee as of 9:30 A.M. (New York City time) on
                         such date.  The Company will make such payment on such
                         Global Securities by instructing the Trustee to
                         withdraw funds from an account maintained by the
                         Company at the Trustee.  The Company will confirm such
                         instructions in writing to the Trustee, with a copy to
                         each other paying agent.  For Maturity, redemption or
                         any other principal payments:  prior to 10 A.M. (New
                         York City time) on such date or as soon as possible
                         thereafter, the Trustee will make such payments to DTC
                         in same day funds in accordance with DTC's Same Day
                         Funds Settlement Paying Agent Operating Procedures.
                         For interest payments:  the Trustee will make such
                         payments to DTC in accordance with existing
                         arrangements between DTC and the Trustee.  DTC will
                         allocate such payments to its participants in
                         accordance with its existing operating procedures.
                         Neither the Company (either as issuer or as paying
                         agent) nor the Trustee shall have any direct
                         responsibility or liability for the payment by DTC to
                         such

                                      B-15
<PAGE>
 
                         Participants of the principal of and interest on the
                         Book-Entry Notes.

                         The amount of any taxes required under applicable law
                         to be withheld from any interest payment on a Book-
                         Entry Note will be determined and withheld by the
                         Participant, indirect participant in DTC or other
                         Person responsible for forwarding payments and
                         materials directly to the beneficial owner of such
                         Note.

Settlement Procedures:   Settlement Procedures with regard to each Book-Entry
                         Note sold by the Company through an Agent, as agent,
                         shall be as follows:

                         A.   The Presenting Agent will advise the Company by
                              telephone (confirmed in writing or telex or
                              facsimile), of the following settlement
                              information:

                              1.    Exact name in which Note is to be registered
                                    ("Registered Owner").

                              2.    Exact address of the Registered Owner and
                                    address for payments of principal and
                                    interest, if any.

                              3.    Taxpayer identification number of the
                                    Registered Owner.

                              4.    Principal amount of the Note (and, if
                                    multiple Notes are to be issued,
                                    denominations thereof).

                              5.    Settlement Date.

                              6.    Stated Maturity.

                              7.    Issue Price and any OID information.

                              8.    Trade date.

                              9.    The DTC Participant account number of such
                                    Agent.

                              10.   Interest rate:

                                      B-16
<PAGE>
 
                                    (a) Fixed Rate Notes:

                                         i)   interest rate
                                         ii)  overdue rate, if any

                                    (b)  Floating Rate Notes:

                                         i)   interest rate basis
                                        ii)   initial interest rate
                                       iii)   spread or spread multiplier, if
                                              any
                                        iv)   interest rate reset periods
                                         v)   interest payment dates
                                        vi)   index maturity
                                       vii)   maximum and minimum interest
                                              rates, if any
                                      viii)   record dates
                                        ix)   interest determination dates
                                         x)   overdue rate, if any

                              11.   The date on or after which the Notes are
                                    redeemable at the option of the Company, and
                                    additional redemption or repurchase
                                    provisions, if any.

                              12.   Wire transfer information.

                              13.   Presenting Agent's commission (to be paid in
                                    the form of a discount from the proceeds
                                    remitted to the Company upon Settlement).

                         B.   The Company will assign a CUSIP number to the
                              Global Security representing such Note and then
                              advise the Trustee by telephone (confirmed in
                              writing at any time on the same date) or
                              electronic transmission of the information set
                              forth in Settlement Procedure "A" above, such
                              CUSIP number and the name of such Agent.

                         C.   The Trustee will enter a pending deposit message
                              through DTC's Participant Terminal System,
                              providing the following settlement

                                      B-17
<PAGE>
 
                              information to DTC, the Presenting Agent, Standard
                              & Poor's Corporation and, upon request, the
                              Trustee:

                              1.    The information set forth in Settlement
                                    Procedure "A."

                              2.    Identification as a Fixed Rate Book-Entry
                                    Note or a Floating Rate Book-Entry Note.

                              3.    Initial Interest Payment Date for such Note,
                                    number of days by which such date succeeds
                                    the related "DTC Regular Record Date" (which
                                    term means the Regular Record Date except in
                                    the case of Floating Rate Notes which reset
                                    daily or weekly in which case it means the
                                    date 5 calendar days immediately preceding
                                    the Interest Payment Date) and amount of
                                    interest payable on such Interest Payment
                                    Date.

                              4.    Frequency of interest payments (monthly,
                                    semiannually, quarterly, etc.).

                              5.    CUSIP number of the Global Security
                                    representing such Note.

                              6.    Whether such Global Security will represent
                                    any other Book-Entry Note (to the extent
                                    known at such time).

                         D.   The Trustee, as Trustee, will complete and
                              authenticate the certificate evidencing the Global
                              Security representing such Book-Entry Note.

                         E.   DTC will credit such Note to the Trustee's
                              participant account at DTC.

                         F.   The Trustee will enter an SDFS deliver order
                              through DTC's Participant Terminal System
                              instructing DTC to (i) debit such

                                      B-18
<PAGE>
 
                              Note to the Trustee's participant account and
                              credit such Note to the Presenting Agent's
                              participant account and (ii) debit the Presenting
                              Agent's settlement account and credit the
                              Trustee's settlement account for an amount equal
                              to the price of such Note less the Presenting
                              Agent's commission.

                         G.   The Presenting Agent will enter an SDFS deliver
                              order through DTC's Participant Terminal System
                              instructing DTC (i) to debit such Note to the
                              Presenting Agent's participant account and credit
                              such Note to the participant accounts of the
                              Participants with respect to such Note and (ii) to
                              debit the settlement accounts of such Participants
                              and credit the settlement account of the
                              Presenting Agent for an amount equal to the price
                              of such Note.

                         H.   Transfers of funds in accordance with SDFS deliver
                              orders described in Settlement Procedures "F" and
                              "G" will be settled in accordance with SDFS
                              operating procedures in effect on the settlement
                              date.

                         I.   The Trustee will credit to an account of the
                              Company maintained at the Trustee funds available
                              for immediate use in the amount transferred to the
                              Trustee in accordance with Settlement Procedure
                              "F."

                         J.   The Presenting Agent will deliver to the purchaser
                              a copy of the most recent Prospectus applicable to
                              the Note with or prior to any written offer of
                              Notes and the confirmation and payment by the
                              purchaser of the Note.

                              The Presenting Agent will confirm the purchase of
                              such Note to the purchaser either by transmitting
                              to the Participants with respect to such Note a
                              confirmation order or

                                      B-19
<PAGE>
 
                              orders through DTC's institutional delivery system
                              or by mailing a written confirmation to such
                              purchaser.

Settlement Procedures
Timetable:               For orders of Book-Entry Notes solicited by an Agent,
                         as agent, and accepted by the Company for settlement,
                         Settlement Procedures "A" through "J" set forth above
                         shall be completed as soon as possible but not later
                         than the respective times (New York City time) set
                         forth below:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                         Settlement
                         Procedure            Time
                         ---------            ----
                         <S>        <C>  
                         A-B        11:00 A.M. on the sale date
                         C            2:00 P.M. on the sale date
                         D            3:00 P.M. on the day before
                                            settlement date
                         E          10:00 A.M. on settlement date
                         F-G          2:00 P.M. on settlement date
                         H            4:45 P.M. on settlement date
                         I-J          5:00 P.M. on settlement date


</TABLE> 
                         If a sale is to be settled more than one Business Day
                         after the sale date, Settlement Procedures "A," "B" and
                         "C" shall be completed as soon as practicable but no
                         later than 11:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M., as the case may
                         be, on the first Business Day after the sale date.  If
                         the initial interest rate for a Floating Rate Book-
                         Entry Note has not been determined at the time that
                         Settlement Procedure "A" is completed, Settlement
                         Procedures "B" and "C" shall be completed as soon as
                         such rate has been determined but no later than 11:00
                         A.M. and 12:00 Noon, respectively, on the second
                         Business Day before the settlement date.  Settlement
                         Procedure "I" is subject to extension in accordance
                         with any extension of Fedwire closing deadlines and in
                         the other events specified in the SDFS operating
                         procedures in effect on the settlement date.

                         If settlement of a Book-Entry Note is rescheduled or
                         canceled, the Trustee will deliver to DTC, through
                         DTC's

                                      B-20
<PAGE>
 
                         Participant Terminal System, a cancellation message to
                         such effect by no later than 2:00 P.M. on the Business
                         Day immediately preceding the scheduled settlement
                         date.

Failure to Settle:       If the Trustee fails to enter an SDFS deliver order
                         with respect to a Book-Entry Note pursuant to
                         Settlement Procedure "F," the Trustee may deliver to
                         DTC, through DTC's Participant Terminal System, as soon
                         as practicable, a withdrawal message instructing DTC to
                         debit such Note to the Trustee's participant account.
                         DTC will process the withdrawal message, provided that
                         the Trustee's participant account contains a principal
                         amount of the Global Security representing such Note
                         that is at least equal to the principal amount to be
                         debited.  If a withdrawal message is processed with
                         respect to all the Book-Entry Notes represented by a
                         Global Security, the Trustee will mark such Global
                         Security "canceled," make appropriate entries in the
                         Trustee's records and send such canceled Global
                         Security to the Company.  The CUSIP number assigned to
                         such Global Security shall, in accordance with CUSIP
                         Service Bureau procedures, be canceled and not
                         immediately reassigned.  If a withdrawal message is
                         processed with respect to one or more, but not all, of
                         the Book-Entry Notes represented by a Global Security,
                         the Trustee will exchange such Global Security for two
                         Global Securities, one of which shall represent such
                         Book-Entry Note or Notes and shall be canceled
                         immediately after issuance and the other of which shall
                         represent the other Book-Entry Notes previously
                         represented by the surrendered Global Security and
                         shall bear the CUSIP number of the surrendered Global
                         Security.

                         If the purchase price for any Book-Entry Note is not
                         timely paid to the Participants with respect to such
                         Note by the beneficial purchaser thereof (or a Person,
                         including an indirect participant in DTC, acting on
                         behalf of such purchaser), such Participants and, in
                         turn, the Agent for such Note may

                                      B-21
<PAGE>
 
                         enter SDFS deliver orders through DTC's Participant
                         Terminal System reversing the orders entered pursuant
                         to Settlement Procedures "F" and "G," respectively.
                         Thereafter, the Trustee will deliver the withdrawal
                         message and take the related actions described in the
                         preceding paragraph.

                         Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon any failure to
                         settle with respect to a Book-Entry Note, DTC may take
                         any actions in accordance with its SDFS operating
                         procedures then in effect.  In the event of a failure
                         to settle with respect to one or more, but not all, of
                         the Book-Entry Notes to have been represented by a
                         Global Security, the Trustee will provide, in
                         accordance with Settlement Procedure "D," for the
                         authentication and issuance of a Global Security
                         representing the other Book-Entry Notes to have been
                         represented by such Global Security and will make
                         appropriate entries in its records.

                                      B-22
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT C


                               PURCHASE AGREEMENT
                               ------------------



Madison Gas and Electric Company                ____________, 19__
133 South Blair Street
Madison, Wisconsin  53703

Attention:  Vice President-Finance

          The undersigned agrees to purchase the following principal amount of
the Notes described in the Agency Agreement dated ______________, 1994 (as it
may be supplemented or amended from time to time, the "Agency Agreement"):

          Principal Amount:           $ _____________
          Interest Rate:                _____%
          Discount:                     _____% of Principal Amount
          Aggregate Price to be
           paid to the Company
           (in immediately
           available funds):          $ _____________
          Settlement Date:              _____________
          Other Terms:                  _____________

          Our obligation to purchase Notes hereunder is subject to the continued
accuracy of your representations and warranties contained in the Agency
Agreement and to your performance and observance of all applicable covenants and
agreements contained therein, including, without limitation, your obligations
pursuant to Section 7 thereof.  Our obligation hereunder is subject to the
further condition that we shall receive, in each case dated as of the above
Settlement Date (a) the opinion required to be delivered pursuant to Section
5(f) of the Agency Agreement, (b) the certificates required to be delivered
pursuant to Sections 5(h) and 6(e) of the Agency Agreement, (c) the letter
referred to in Section 5(i) and (d) [insert other conditions as appropriate].

          In further consideration of our agreement hereunder, you agree that
between the date hereof and the above Settlement Date, you will not offer or
sell, or enter into any agreement to sell, any debt securities of the Company,
[other than borrowings under a revolving credit agreement or line of credit, the
private placement of securities and issuances of commercial paper].

          We may terminate this Agreement, immediately upon notice to you, at
any time prior to the Settlement Date, if prior thereto there shall have
occurred:  (i) any change, or any development involving a prospective change, in
or affecting primarily the business, properties, condition (financial or other),
results of operations or prospects of the Company or the
<PAGE>
 
Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole which materially impairs the
investment quality of the Notes; (ii) a suspension or material limitation in
trading in securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange or the
establishment of minimum prices on such exchange; (iii) a general moratorium on
commercial banking activities declared by Federal or New York State authorities;
(iv) any downgrading in the rating accorded the Company's debt securities by any
"nationally recognized statistical rating organization," as that term is defined
by the Commission for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the Act or any public
announcement that any such organization has under surveillance or review its
rating of any debt securities of the Company (other than an announcement with
positive implications of a possible upgrading, and no implication of a possible
downgrading, of such rating); (v) any outbreak or escalation of major
hostilities in which the United States is involved, any declaration of war by
Congress or any other substantial national calamity or emergency; or (vi) any
material adverse change in the existing financial, political or economic
conditions in the United States, or you are unable to provide any of the
opinions, certificates or letters referred to in the second preceding paragraph.
In the event of such termination, no party shall have any liability to the other
party hereto, except as provided in Sections 4, 7 and 13 of the Agency
Agreement.

          This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of ________________.

                              [Insert name of Agent[s]]


                              By _____________________________
                                 [Title]


Accepted:           , 19__

MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY


By _________________________
   [Title]

                                      C-2

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 1.2
                                                                     -----------

                        MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

                           ___% First Mortgage Bonds,
                                  20__ Series

                             Underwriting Agreement
                             ----------------------


                                                             __________, 199____

[Representative[s]]
[Address[es]]

Dear Sirs:

     Madison Gas and Electric Company, a Wisconsin corporation (the "Company"),
proposes to issue and sell to the several Underwriters named in Schedule I
hereto (the "Underwriters") $__________ aggregate principal amount of the
Company's __% first mortgage bonds, 20__ series (the "Bonds").  The Bonds will
be issued under and secured as provided by the Company's Indenture of Mortgage
and Deed of Trust dated as of January 1, 1946 under which Firstar Trust Company
(formerly known as First Wisconsin Trust Company) is the trustee (the "First
Mortgage Trustee"), as amended or supplemented by the _______ supplemental
indentures thereto and as to be further amended and supplemented by the
_________ Supplemental Indenture (the "First Mortgage Supplemental Indenture")
in the form delivered to you herewith (such Indenture as so amended and
supplemented is herein referred to as the "First Mortgage Indenture" and the
First Mortgage Indenture and the Bonds are herein referred to collectively as
the "Mortgage Documents").

     This is to confirm the agreement concerning the purchase of the Bonds from
the Company by the Underwriters.

     1.  Representations and Warranties.  The Company represents and warrants
         ------------------------------                                      
to, and agrees with, each Underwriter that:

     (a)  A registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 33-________) with
respect to the Bonds has been prepared by the Company in conformity with the
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
and the rules and regulations (the "Rules and Regulations") of the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") thereunder, has been filed with the
Commission under the Securities Act and has been declared effective thereunder.
Copies of such registration statement as amended to date have been delivered by
the Company
<PAGE>
 
to you as the representative[s] (the "Representative(s]") of the Underwriters.
The First Mortgage Indenture has been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"), and conforms to the requirements
thereof and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.  For
purposes of this Agreement, "Effective Time" means the date and the time as of
which such registration statement was declared effective by the Commission;
"Effective Date" means the date of the Effective Time; "Registration Statement"
means such registration statement, amended at the Effective Time, including any
documents incorporated by reference therein; "Prospectus" means the prospectus
included in the Registration Statement with any changes thereto made by the
Company with the consent of the Representative[s]; and "Prospectus as amended
and supplemented" means the Prospectus as amended and supplemented with respect
to the Bonds in the form in which it is first filed, or transmitted for filing,
with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act.  Reference
made herein to the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include any
documents incorporated by reference therein as of the date of such Prospectus;
and any reference to any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus shall be
deemed to refer to and include any document filed under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), after the date of such Prospectus,
and incorporated by reference therein.  The Commission has not issued any order
preventing or suspending the use of the Prospectus.

     (b)  The Registration Statement contains, and any post-effective amendment
to the Registration Statement filed with the Commission after the Effective
Time, the Prospectus and the Prospectus as amended and supplemented will
contain, all statements which are required by the Securities Act, the Exchange
Act, the Trust Indenture Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission
under such Acts; and at the time of filing thereof, the Registration Statement
did not, and any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement filed
with the Commission after the Effective Time, the Prospectus and the Prospectus
as amended and supplemented will not, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided that the
Company makes no representation or warranty as to information contained in or
omitted from the Registration Statement or the Prospectus in reliance upon, and
in conformity with, written information furnished to the Company by you, or by
any Underwriter through you, specifically for inclusion therein.  There is no
contract or document required to be described in the Registration Statement or
the Prospectus or

                                     -2-
<PAGE>
 
to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement which is not described
or filed as required.

     (c)  The documents which are incorporated by reference in the Prospectus or
from which information is so incorporated by reference, when they became
effective or were filed with the Commission, as the case may be, complied in all
material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange
Act, as applicable, and the rules and regulations under such Acts; and any
documents so filed and incorporated by reference subsequent to the Effective
Date shall, when they are filed with the Commission, conform in all material
respects to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as
applicable, and the rules and regulations under such Acts.

     (d)  Coopers & Lybrand, whose report is incorporated by reference in the
Prospectus, are independent certified public accountants with respect to the
Company as required by the Securities Act and the Rules and Regulations.  The
financial statements and schedules (including the related notes and supporting
schedules) included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement
or the Prospectus present fairly the financial condition, results of operations
and changes in financial condition of the entities purported to be shown thereby
at the dates and for the periods indicated and have been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis
throughout such periods indicated except as noted therein.

     (e)  Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries (as defined in Section 13
hereof) has been duly organized and is validly existing as a corporation in good
standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power
and authority to own or lease its properties and conduct its business as
described in the Prospectus and is duly qualified to do business and is in good
standing in each jurisdiction in which the character of the business conducted
by it or the location of the properties owned or leased by it make such
qualification necessary.  The Company has full power and authority to execute
and deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and each of the
Mortgage Documents.

     (f)  The First Mortgage Supplemental Indenture has been duly authorized
and, upon execution and delivery thereof by the First Mortgage Trustee and the
Company, will constitute the valid and legally binding obligation of the Company
enforceable in accordance with its terms (excepts as enforcement thereof may be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and

                                     -3-
<PAGE>
 
other laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and by general
equity principles).  The Bonds have been duly authorized and, upon issuance and
delivery thereof and payment therefor in the manner herein described, will be
duly authorized, validly issued and outstanding, and will constitute valid and
legally binding obligations of the Company, secured by and entitled to the
benefits of the First Mortgage.  The Mortgage Documents conform to the
descriptions thereof contained in the Prospectus as amended and supplemented.

     (g)  Except as described in or contemplated by the Registration Statement
and the Prospectus, there has not been any material adverse change in, or
adverse development which materially affects, the condition (financial or
other), results of operation, business or prospects, of the Company (or of the
Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole) from the date as of which
information is given in the Prospectus.

     (h)  Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is, or with the giving
of notice or lapse of time or both would be, in violation of or in default
under, nor will the execution or delivery hereof or consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby result in a violation of, or constitute a
default under, the Restated Articles of Incorporation, by-laws or other
governing documents of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any agreement,
indenture or other instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is
a party or by which any of them is bound, or to which any of their properties is
subject, nor will the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder
violate any law, rule, administrative regulation or decree of any court, or any
governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company, its
Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties, or result in the creation or
imposition of any lien, charge, claim or encumbrance upon any property or asset
of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries other than pursuant to the First
Mortgage.  The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (the "Wisconsin Commission")
has entered its order dated __________, 1994 (hereinafter referred to as the
"Order") permitting the issuance and delivery of the Bonds and the execution,
delivery and performance of the First Mortgage Supplemental Indenture by the
Company; and the Order is in full force and effect and has not been modified or
repealed in any respect.  Except for permits and similar authorizations required
under the Securities Act and the securities or "Blue Sky" laws of certain
jurisdictions and except for the Order and such other permits and authorization
as have been obtained, no consent, approval, authorization or order of any
court, governmental agency or body or financial institution is required in
connection with the consummation of

                                     -4-
<PAGE>
 
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Mortgage Documents.

     (i)  This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the
Company.

     (j)  The Company and each of its Subsidiaries owns, or has valid rights to
use, all items of real and personal property which are material to the business
of the Company (or of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole), free
and clear of all liens, encumbrances and claims which may materially interfere
with the business, properties, financial condition or results of operations of
the Company (or of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole).

     (k)  There is no litigation or proceeding pending, or to the knowledge of
the Company threatened, which challenges the validity or enforceability of the
Order, the First Mortgage Indenture, the First Mortgage Supplemental Indenture
or the Bonds or which seeks to enjoin the performance by the Company of its
obligations thereunder or hereunder, and there is no litigation or governmental
proceeding to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or to
which any property of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is subject or which
is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, contemplated against the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries which might result in any material adverse change in
the condition (financial or other), results of operations, business or prospects
of the Company (or of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole) or
which is required to be disclosed in the Prospectus.

     (l)  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation of any law,
ordinance, governmental rule or regulation or court decree to which it may be
subject, which violation might have a material adverse effect on the condition
(financial or other), results of operations, business or prospects of the
Company (or of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole).

     (m)  The conditions for use of Form S-3, as set forth in the general
instructions thereto, have been satisfied.

     (n)  The First Mortgage Indenture constitutes a valid perfected and
directly enforceable first mortgage lien on all of the properties, rights and
assets of the Company except certain properties not used or useful in the public
utility business of the Company or otherwise excluded from the lien of the First
Mortgage Indenture by the terms thereof.

                                     -5-
<PAGE>
 
     2.  Purchase of the Bonds by the Underwriters.  Subject to the terms and
         -----------------------------------------                           
conditions and upon the basis of the representations and warranties herein set
forth, the Company agrees to issue and sell to the Underwriters, and each of the
Underwriters agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase at a price of _____%
of the principal amount thereof (plus accrued interest, if any, to the date of
delivery thereof), the principal amount of Bonds set forth opposite such
Underwriter's name in Schedule I hereto.  The Underwriters agree to offer such
Bonds to the public as set forth in the Prospectus.

     3.  Delivery of and Payment for Bonds.  Delivery of the Bonds shall be made
         ---------------------------------                                      
at the offices of _______________, New York, New York (or such other place as
mutually may be agreed upon), at 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on the fifth
full Business Day (as defined in Section 13 hereof) following the date of this
Agreement, or on such later date as shall be determined by you and the Company
(the "Closing Date").

     Delivery of the Bonds shall be made by or on behalf of the Company to you,
for the respective accounts of the Underwriters, against payment of the purchase
price therefor by certified or official bank check payable in New York Clearing
House funds to the order of the Company.  The Bonds shall be registered in such
names and denominations as you shall have requested at least two full Business
Days prior to the Closing Date, and shall be made available for checking and
packaging in New York, New York or such other location as may be designated by
you at least one full Business Day prior to the Closing Date.

     If you and the Company so agree, the Bonds shall be in the form of a global
certificate or certificates prepared and delivered in accordance with the
applicable rules and procedures of The Depository Trust Company or other
depository therefor.

     4.  Covenants.  The Company covenants and agrees with each Underwriter
         ---------                                                         
that:

     (a)  The Company shall notify you promptly of any request by the Commission
for any amendment of or supplement to the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus or for additional information; the Company shall prepare and file
with the Commission, promptly upon your request, any amendments or supplements
to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus which, in your opinion, may
hereafter become necessary or advisable in connection with the distribution of
the Bonds; the Company shall file with the Commission in accordance with Rule
424 under the Act the Prospectus as amended and supplemented in

                                     -6-
<PAGE>
 
the form furnished to the Representative(s] concurrently with the execution and
delivery of this Agreement; and the Company shall not file any amendment or
supplement to the Registration Statement or other amendment or supplement to the
Prospectus, or file any document under the Exchange Act before the termination
of the offering of the Bonds by the Underwriters if such document would be
deemed to be incorporated by reference into the Prospectus, unless such filing
is consented to by you after reasonable notice thereof, such consent not to be
unreasonably withheld or delayed.  The Company shall advise you promptly of the
issuance by the Commission or any State or other regulatory body of any stop
order or other order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
suspending or preventing the use of the Prospectus or suspending the
qualification of the Bonds for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or of the
institution of any proceedings for any such purpose; and the Company shall use
its best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or other such order
and, should a stop order or other such order be issued, to obtain as soon as
possible the lifting thereof.

     (b)  The Company shall furnish to each of the Representative[s] and to
counsel for the Underwriters a signed copy of the Registration Statement as
originally filed and each amendment thereto filed with the Commission, including
all consents and exhibits filed herewith, and shall furnish to the Underwriters
such number of conformed copies of the Registration Statement, as originally
filed and each amendment thereto (excluding exhibits other than this Agreement),
the Prospectus and all amendments and supplements to any of such documents
(including any document filed under the Exchange Act and deemed to be
incorporated by reference into the Prospectus), in each case as soon as
available and in such quantities as the Representative[s] may from time to time
reasonably request.

     (c)  Within the time during which the Prospectus relating to the Bonds is
required to be delivered under the Securities Act, the Company shall comply with
all requirements imposed upon it by the Securities Act, as now and hereafter
amended, and by the Rules and Regulations, as from time to time in force, so far
as is necessary to permit the continuance of sales of or dealings in the Bonds
as contemplated by the provisions hereof and by the Prospectus.  If during such
period any event occurs as a result of which the Prospectus as then amended and
supplemented would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of
the circumstances then existing, not misleading, or if during such period it is
necessary to amend the Registration

                                     -7-
<PAGE>
 
Statement, to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with the Securities
Act or to file any document with the Commission, the Company shall promptly
notify you and shall amend the Registration Statement or amend or supplement the
Prospectus or file such document (at the expense of the Company) so as to
correct such statement or omission or to effect such compliance.

     (d)  The Company shall take or cause to be taken all necessary action and
furnish to whomever you may direct such information as may be required in
qualifying the Bonds for sale under the laws of such jurisdictions as you shall
designate, and continue such qualifications in effect for as long as may be
necessary for the distribution of the Bonds; except that in no event shall the
Company be obligated in connection therewith to qualify as a foreign
corporation, or to execute a general consent to service of process.

     (e)  The Company shall make generally available to its security holders
(and shall deliver to the Representative[s]), in the manner contemplated by Rule
158(b) under the Securities Act or otherwise, as soon as practicable but in any
event not later than 45 days after the end of its fiscal quarter in which the
first anniversary date of the Effective Date occurs, an earning statement
satisfying the requirements of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and covering
a period of at least 12 consecutive months beginning after the Effective Date.

     (f)  During the period beginning on the date of this Agreement and
continuing until the distribution of the Bonds has been completed (as notified
by the Representative(s] to the Company), the Company shall not offer, sell,
contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any debt securities of the Company
(other than the Bonds) which mature more than one year after the Closing Date
without the prior written consent of the Representative[s].

     (g)  The Company shall apply the net proceeds of the sale of the Bonds as
set forth in the Prospectus.  The Company shall take such steps as shall be
necessary to ensure that neither the Company nor any Subsidiary shall become an
"investment company" within the meaning of such term under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission
thereunder, or a "holding company" or "subsidiary company" of a "holding
company," or an "affiliate" of a "holding company," or a "public utility,"
within the respective meanings of such terms under the Public Utility Holding
Company Act of 1935, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission
thereunder.

                                     -8-
<PAGE>
 
     (h)  Whether or not this Agreement becomes effective or is terminated or
the sale of the Bonds to the Underwriters is consummated, the Company shall pay
or cause to be paid (A) all expenses incurred in connection with the delivery to
the several Underwriters of the Bonds, (B) all fees and expenses (including,
without limitation, fees and expenses of the Company's accountants and counsel,
but excluding fees and expenses of counsel for the Underwriters) in connection
with the preparation, printing, filing, delivery and shipping of the
Registration Statement (including the financial statements therein and all
amendments and exhibits thereto), the Prospectus and any amendments or
supplements of the foregoing and any documents incorporated by reference into
any of the foregoing and the printing, delivery and shipping of this Agreement
and other underwriting documents, including, but not limited to, Underwriters'
Questionnaires, Underwriters' Powers of Attorney, Blue Sky Memoranda, Legal
Investment Surveys, Agreements Among Underwriters and Selected Dealer
Agreements, (C) all filing fees and fees and disbursements of counsel to the
Underwriters incurred in connection with the qualification of the Bonds under
state securities laws as provided in Section 4(d) hereof, (D) any filing
incident to any required review of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. of the terms of the sale of the Bonds, (E) any applicable listing
or other fees, (F) the cost of printing the Bonds, (G) the cost and charges of
any paying agent or registrar for the Bonds, (H) the fees and expenses of the
First Mortgage Trustee, including the fees and disbursements of counsel for the
First Mortgage Trustee in connection with the First Mortgage, the First Mortgage
Supplemental Indenture and the Bonds, (I) any fees and expenses in connection
with any rating or proposed rating of the Bonds and (i) all other costs and
expenses incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder for which
provision is not otherwise made in this Section.  It is understood, however,
that, except as provided in this Section, Section 6 and Section 8 hereof, the
Underwriters shall pay all of their own costs and expenses, including the fees
and expenses of their counsel, transfer taxes due upon resale of any of the
Bonds by them and any advertising expenses incurred in connection with any
offers they may make.  If the sale of the Bonds provided for herein is not
consummated by reason of acts of the Company pursuant to Section 8 hereof which
prevent this Agreement from becoming effective, or by reason of any failure,
refusal or inability on the part of the Company to perform any agreement on its
part to be performed or because any other condition of the Underwriters'
obligations hereunder is not fulfilled or if the Underwriters shall decline to
purchase the Bonds for any reason permitted under this Agreement, the Company
shall reimburse the several Underwriters

                                     -9-
<PAGE>
 
for all reasonable out-of-pocket disbursements (including fees and expenses of
counsel) incurred by the Underwriters in connection with any investigation or
preparation made by them in respect of the marketing of the Bonds or in
contemplation of the performance by them of their obligations hereunder.

     5.  Conditions of Underwriters' Obligations.  The obligations of the
         ---------------------------------------                         
several Underwriters hereunder are subject to the accuracy, as of the date
hereof and the Closing Date (as if made at the Closing Date), of the
representations and warranties of the Company contained herein, to the
performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder and to the following
additional conditions:

     (a)  The Prospectus as amended and supplemented shall have been filed with
the Commission in a timely fashion in accordance with Section 4(a) herein, all
post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement shall have become
effective, all filings required by the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the
Trust Indenture Act and the rules and regulations under such Acts shall have
been made and no such filings shall have made without the consent of the
Representative[s]; no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement thereto shall have been
issued; no proceedings for the issuance of any such order shall have been
initiated or threatened; any request of the Commission for additional
information (to be included in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or
otherwise) shall have been disclosed to you and complied with to your
satisfaction; and the Order shall be in full force and effect.

     (b)  No Underwriter shall have been advised by the Company or shall have
discovered and disclosed to the Company that the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, contains an untrue statement
of fact which in your opinion, or in the opinion of counsel to the Underwriters,
is material, or omits to state a fact which, in your opinion, or in the opinion
of counsel to the Underwriters, is material and is required to be stated therein
or is necessary to make the statement not misleading.

     (c)  On or prior to the Closing Date, you shall have received from
__________________, counsel for the Underwriters, such opinion or opinions with
respect to corporate proceedings by the Company, the form of Registration
Statement and Prospectus (other than financial statements and other financial
data), the validity of the Bonds, and other related matters as you may
reasonably request and such counsel shall have received such

                                    -10-
<PAGE>
 
documents and information as they request to enable them to pass upon such
matters.  In rendering such opinion, such counsel shall be entitled to rely on
the opinion delivered pursuant to Section 5(d) as to all matters governed by the
laws of the State of Wisconsin.

     (d)  The Representatives shall have received an opinion, dated the Closing
Date, of Michael, Best & Friedrich, counsel for the Company, substantially to
the effect that:

          (i)  The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as
     a corporation under the laws of the State of Wisconsin, with corporate
     authority to own and operate its properties, and valid franchises, licenses
     and permits adequate for the conduct of its business, as described in the
     Prospectus;

          (ii)  The Bonds are in due and proper form; the issuance and sale of
     the Bonds by the Company in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
     have been duly authorized by the necessary corporate action; the Bonds,
     when duly executed and authenticated in accordance with the provisions of
     the First Mortgage Indenture and delivered to and paid for by the
     Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement, will constitute valid and legally
     binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with their
     terms, except as enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy,
     insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws of general
     applicability relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
     or by general principles of equity; and the Bonds are entitled to the
     benefits provided by the First Mortgage Indenture;

          (iii) Neither the issuance and sale of the Bonds nor the consummation
     of any of the other transactions herein contemplated will result in a
     breach of violation of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a
     default under, the Company's Articles of Incorporation or By-laws, as
     restated or amended, or any material agreement, indenture or instrument
     known to such counsel to which the Company is a party or by which any of
     its property may be bound, or any material order known to such counsel of
     any court or administrative agency which has been entered in any
     proceedings in which the Company is now a party;

          (iv)  The First Mortgage Indenture has been duly and validly
     authorized by the necessary corporate action, has

                                    -11-
<PAGE>
 
     been duly executed and delivered and constitutes a valid and legally
     binding instrument enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as
     enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
     reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws of general applicability
     relating to or affecting the enforcement of mortgagees' and other
     creditors' rights or by general principles of equity; and the Bonds and
     the First Mortgage Indenture conform as to legal matters in all material
     respects with the statements concerning them made in the Prospectus;

          (v)  The First Mortgage Indenture constitutes a valid, direct first
     mortgage lien for the benefit of all bonds issued thereunder, including the
     Bonds, subject to such permissible encumbrances as are defined therein,
     upon substantially all the permanent fixed properties of the Company (with
     the exception of such properties as are expressly excepted and excluded
     from such lien) now owned or hereafter acquired by the Company;

          (vi)  The First Mortgage Indenture has been qualified under the Trust
     Indenture Act;

          (vii) The order of the Wisconsin Commission authorizing the issuance
     and sale of the Bonds has been duly entered and, to the best knowledge of
     such counsel, is still in force and effect; and no further approval,
     authorization, consent, certificate or order of any state or federal
     commission or regulatory authority is necessary with respect to the
     execution and delivery of the First Mortgage Supplemental Indenture or the
     issuance and sale of the Bonds, except that the offering and sale of the
     Bonds in certain jurisdictions may be subject to the securities or "blue
     sky" laws thereof, as to which such counsel need express no opinion;

          (viii) The Registration Statement has become effective under the Act;
     to the best knowledge of such counsel, no stop order suspending the
     effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no
     proceedings for such purpose have been instituted or threatened under
     Section 8 of the Act; the Registration Statement, at the Effective Date,
     and the Prospectus, at the date it was filed with, or transmitted for
     filing to, the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) (other than the financial
     statements and other financial and statistical information contained or
     incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus,
     as to which such counsel need express no

                                    -12-
<PAGE>
 
     opinion), complied as to form in all material respects with the applicable
     requirements of the Act and the Trust Indenture Act and the applicable
     instructions, rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder; and the
     documents or portions thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to the
     Exchange Act and deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Registration
     Statement and the Prospectus (other than the financial statements and other
     financial and statistical information contained therein, as to which such
     counsel need express no opinion), at the time they were filed with the
     Commission, complied as to form in all material respects with the
     applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the applicable
     instructions, rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder;

          (ix)  Except as expressly stated in such counsel's opinion pursuant to
     the requirements of this Section 5(d), but otherwise without any
     independent check or verification, such counsel has no reason to believe
     that the Registration Statement, at the Effective Date (other than the
     financial statements and other financial and statistical information
     contained therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion),
     contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any
     material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
     statements therein not misleading or that the Prospectus, at the date it
     was filed with, or transmitted for filing to, the Commission pursuant to
     Rule 424(b) or at the date of such opinion (other than the financial
     statements and other financial and statistical information contained
     therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion) included any
     untrue statement of a material fact or omitted 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;

          (x)  To the best knowledge or such counsel, there is no default under
     any material indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, lease or other material
     agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which the
     Company, or any of its property, is bound arising from the consummation of
     the transactions contemplated by, and the fulfillment of the terms of, this
     Agreement or arising from compliance by the Company with all the terms and
     provisions of the First Mortgage Indenture;

          (xi)  Except as described in the Prospectus, there is, to the best
     knowledge of such counsel, no action, suit,

                                    -13-
<PAGE>
 
     proceeding or investigation at law or in equity before or by any court,
     public board or body, pending or, to the best knowledge of such counsel,
     threatened against or affecting the Company wherein an unfavorable
     decision, ruling or finding would adversely affect the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement or the validity or enforceability against
     the Company of this Agreement, the First Mortgage Indenture or the Bonds;
     and

          (xii) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered
     by the Company.


     The Underwriters shall also be entitled to rely upon the opinions of such
counsel delivered to the First Mortgage Trustee in connection with the issuance
and authentication of the Bonds.

     (e) There shall have been furnished to you a certificate, dated the Closing
Date and addressed to you, signed by the President and a Vice President of the
Company, to the effect that: (i) the representations and warranties of the
Company contained in this Agreement are true and correct, as if made at and as
of the Closing Date, and the Company has complied with all the agreements and
satisfied all the conditions on its part to be complied with or satisfied at or
prior to the Closing Date; (ii) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of
the Registration Statement has been issued, and no proceeding for that purpose
has been initiated or threatened; (iii) all filings required by Rule 424 of the
Rules and Regulations have been made; (iv) the signers of said certificate have
carefully examined the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and any
amendments or supplements thereto (including any documents filed under the
Exchange Act and deemed to be incorporated by reference into the Prospectus),
and such documents contain all statements and information required to be
included therein, and do not include any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements therein not misleading; and (v) since the Effective Date
there has occurred no event required to be set forth in an amendment or
supplement to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus which has not been so
set forth; and there has been no document required to be filed under the
Exchange Act and the Rules and Regulations that upon such filing would be deemed
to be incorporated by reference into the Prospectus that has not been so filed.

     (f)  Since the Effective Date, neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries shall have sustained any loss by fire, flood,

                                    -14-
<PAGE>
 
accident or other calamity, or shall have become a party to or the subject of
any litigation, which is materially adverse to the Company (or to the Company
and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole), nor shall there have been a material
adverse change in the general affairs, operations, business, prospects, key
personnel, capitalization, financial condition or net worth of the Company (or
of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole), whether or not arising in
the ordinary course of business, which loss, litigation or change, in your
judgment, shall render it impractical or inadvisable to proceed with the payment
for and delivery of the Bonds.

     (g)  On the Closing Date you shall have received a letter of Coopers &
Lybrand, dated the Closing Date and addressed to you, confirming that they are
independent certified public accountants with respect to the Company and its
Subsidiaries within the meaning of the Securities Act and the applicable
published Rules and Regulations, and stating, as of the date of such letter (or,
with respect to matters involving changes or developments since the respective
dates as of which specified financial information is given or incorporated in
the Prospectus, as of a date not more than five days prior to the date of such
letter), the conclusions and findings of such firm with respect to the financial
information and other matters covered by its letter delivered to you
concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, and confirming the
conclusions and findings set forth in such prior letter.

     (h)  All applicable conditions precedent and other requirements provided in
Article III of the First Mortgage Indenture in connection with the
authentication and delivery of the Bonds shall have been duly satisfied by the
Company and the First Mortgage Trustee.

     (i)  Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, no
downgrading shall have occurred in the rating accorded to any of the Company's
debt securities by Moody's Investor Service, Inc., Standard. & Poor's
Corporation or Duff and Phelps, Inc., and no such organization shall have
publicly announced that it proposes to withdraw, or that it has under
surveillance or review its rating of any of the Company's debt securities.

     (j)  You shall have been furnished such additional documents and
certificates as you or counsel for the Underwriters may reasonably request.

     All such opinions, certificates, letters and documents shall be in
compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are

                                    -15-
<PAGE>
 
satisfactory in form and substance to you and to counsel for the Underwriters.
The Company shall furnish to you conformed copies of such opinions,
certificates, letters and other documents in such number as you shall reasonably
request.  If any of the conditions specified in this Section 5 shall not have
been fulfilled when and as required by this Agreement, this Agreement and all
obligations of the Underwriters hereunder may be canceled at, or at any time
prior to, the Closing Date, by you. Any such cancellation shall be without
liability of the Underwriters to the Company.  Notice of such cancellation shall
be given the Company in writing, or by facsimile or telephone and confirmed in
writing.

     6.   Indemnification and Contribution.  (a) The Company shall indemnify and
          --------------------------------                                      
hold harmless each Underwriter against any loss, clam, damage or liability (or
any action in respect thereof), joint or several, to which such Underwriter may
become subject, under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such loss,
claim, damage or liability (or action in respect thereof) arises out of or is
based upon (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material
fact contained in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or the Registration
Statement or Prospectus as amended and supplemented or in any blue sky
application or other document executed by the Company specifically for that
purpose or based upon written information furnished by the Company filed in any
state or other jurisdiction in order to qualify any or all of the Bonds under
the securities laws thereof (any such application, document or information being
hereinafter referred to as a "Blue Sky Application"), or (ii) the omission or
alleged omission to state in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or the
Registration Statement or Prospectus as amended and supplemented or in any Blue
Sky Application a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements therein not misleading; and shall reimburse each Underwriter
promptly after receipt of invoices from such Underwriter for any legal or other
expenses as reasonably incurred by such Underwriter in connection with
investigating, preparing to defend or defending against or appearing as a third-
party witness in connection with any such loss, claim, damage, liability or
action, notwithstanding the possibility that payments for such expenses might
later be held to be improper, in which case such payments shall be promptly
refunded; provided, however, that the Company shall not be liable under this
Section 6(a) in any such case to the extent, but only to the extent, that any
such loss, claim, damage, liability or action arises out of or is based upon an
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission
made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information

                                    -16-
<PAGE>
 
furnished to the Company through the Representative[s] by or on behalf of any
Underwriter specifically for use in the preparation of the Registration
Statement, the Prospectus or the Registration Statement or Prospectus as amended
and supplemented, or any Blue Sky Application.

     (b)  Each Underwriter severally, but not jointly, shall indemnify and hold
harmless the Company against any loss, claim, damage or liability (or any action
in respect thereof) to which the Company may become subject, under the
Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such loss, claim, damage or liability
(or action in respect thereof) arises out of or is based upon (i) any untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the
Registration Statement, the Prospectus or the Registration Statement or
Prospectus as amended and supplemented, or in any Blue Sky Application, or (ii)
the omission or alleged omission to state in the Registration Statement, the
Prospectus or the Registration Statement or Prospectus as amended and
supplemented, or in any Blue Sky Application, a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and
shall reimburse the Company promptly after receipt of invoices from the Company
for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Company in connection
with investigating, preparing to defend or defending against or appearing as a
third-party witness in connection with any such loss, claim, damage, liability
or action notwithstanding the possibility that payments for such expenses might
later be held to be improper, in which case such payments shall be promptly
refunded; provided, however, that such indemnification or reimbursement shall be
available in each such case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was
made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to
the Company through you by or on behalf of such Underwriter specifically for use
in the preparation thereof.

     (c)  Promptly after receipt by any indemnified party under subsection (a)
or (b) above of notice of any claim or the commencement of any action, the
indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the
indemnifying party under such subsection, notify the indemnifying party in
writing of the claim or the commencement of that action; provided, however, that
the failure to so notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any
liability which it may have under this Section 6 except to the extent it has
been prejudiced in any material respect by such failure or from any liability
which it may have to an indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 6.
If any such claim or action shall be brought

                                    -17-
<PAGE>
 
against any indemnified party, and it shall notify the indemnifying party
thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein and, to
the extent that it wishes, jointly with any other similarly notified
indemnifying party, to assume the defense thereof with counsel reasonably
satisfactory to the indemnified party.  After notice from the indemnifying party
to the indemnified party of its election to assume the defense of such claim or
action, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to the indemnified party
under such subsection for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by
the indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof other than
reasonable costs of investigation; except that the Representative[s] shall have
the right to employ counsel to represent you and those other Underwriters who
may be subject to liability arising out of any claim in respect of which
indemnity may be sought by the Underwriters against the Company under such
subsection if, in your reasonable judgment, it is advisable for you and those
Underwriters to be represented by separate counsel, and in that event the fees
and expenses of such counsel shall be paid by the Company.

     (d)  If the indemnification provided for in this Section 6 is unavailable
or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under subsection (a) or
(b) above, then each indemnifying party shall, in lieu of indemnifying such
indemnified party, contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified
party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to in
subsection (a) or (b) above (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect
the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the
Underwrites on the other from the offering of the Bonds or (ii) if the
allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in
such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits
referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company on
the one hand and the Underwriters on the other in connection with the statements
or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, or
actions in respect thereof, as well as any other relevant equitable
considerations.  The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand
and the Underwriters on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion
as the total net proceeds from the offering of the Bonds (before deducting
expenses) received by the Company bear to the total underwriting discounts and
commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth in the table
on the cover page of the Prospectus as amended and supplemented.  Relative fault
shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or
alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged

                                    -18-
<PAGE>
 
omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company
or the Underwriters and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to
information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or
omission.  The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and
equitable if contributions pursuant to this subsection (d) were to be determined
by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for
such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take into
account the equitable considerations referred to in the first sentence of this
subsection (d).  The amount paid by an indemnified party as a result of the
losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred
to in the first sentence of this subsection (d) shall be deemed to include any
legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in
connection with investigation, preparing to defend or defending against any
action or claim which is the subject of this subsection (d).  Notwithstanding
the provisions of this subsection (d), no Underwriter shall be required to
contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which
the Bonds underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the
public exceeds the amount of any damages which such Underwriter has otherwise
been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or
omission or alleged omission.  No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation
(within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to
contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent
misrepresentation.  The Underwriters' obligations in this subsection (d) to
contribute are several in proportion to their respective underwriting
obligations and not joint.  Each party entitled to contribution agrees that upon
the service of a summons or other initial legal process upon it in any action
instituted against it in respect to which contribution may be sought, it shall
promptly give written notice of such service to the party or parties from whom
contribution may be sought, but the omission so to notify such party or parties
of any such service shall not relieve the party from whom contribution may be
sought for any obligation it may have hereunder or otherwise (except as
specifically provided in subsection (c) hereof).

     (e)  The obligations of the Company under this Section 6 shall be in
addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have, and shall
extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each person, if any, who controls
any Underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act; and the obligations of
the Underwriters under this Section 6 shall be in addition to any liability that
the respective Underwriters may otherwise have,

                                    -19-
<PAGE>
 
and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each director of the
Company (including any person who, with his or her consent, is named in the
Registration Statement as about to become a director of the Company), to each
officer of the Company who has signed the Registration Statement and to each
person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities
Act.

     7.   Substitution of Underwriters.  If any Underwriter defaults in its
          ----------------------------                                     
obligation to purchase the principal amount of Bonds which it has agreed to
purchase under this Agreement, the non-defaulting Underwriters shall be
obligated to purchase (in the respective proportions which the principal amount
of Bonds set forth opposite the name of each non-defaulting Underwriter in
Schedule I hereto bears to the aggregate principal amount of Bonds less the
principal amount of Bonds which the defaulting Underwriter agreed to purchase
set forth in Schedule I hereto) the Bonds which the defaulting Underwriter
agreed but failed to purchase; except that the non-defaulting Underwriters shall
not be obligated to purchase any of the Bonds if the total number of Bonds which
the defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase exceed
9.09% of the total number of Bonds, and any non-defaulting Underwriters shall
not be obligated to purchase more than 110% of the number of Bonds set forth
opposite its name in Schedule I hereto.  If the foregoing maximums are exceeded,
the non-defaulting Underwriters, and any other underwriters satisfactory to you
who so agree, shall have the right, but shall not be obligated, to purchase (in
such proportions as may be agreed upon among them) all of the Bonds.  If the
non-defaulting Underwriters or the other underwriters satisfactory to you do not
elect to purchase the Bonds which the defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters
agreed but failed to purchase, the Agreement shall terminate without liability
on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter or the Company except for the
payment of expenses to be borne by the Company and the Underwriters as provided
in Section (4)(h) hereof and the indemnity and contribution agreements of the
Company and the Underwriters contained in Section 6 hereof.

     Nothing contained herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter of any
liability it may have for damages caused by its default.  If the other
underwriters satisfactory to you are obligated or agree to purchase the Bonds of
a defaulting Underwriter, either you or the Company may postpone the Closing
Date for up to seven full Business Days in order to effect any changes that may
be necessary in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or in any other
document or agreement, and to file promptly any amendments or any supplements to
the Registration

                                    -20-
<PAGE>
 
Statement or the Prospectus which in your opinion may thereby be made necessary.

     8.   Effective Date and Termination.  (a) This Agreement shall become
          ------------------------------                                  
effective at 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on the date hereof.

     (b)  Until the Closing Date, this Agreement may be terminated by you by
giving notice as hereinafter provided to the Company if (i) the Company shall
have failed, refused or been unable, at or prior to the Closing Date, to perform
any agreement on its part to be performed hereunder, (ii) any other condition of
the Underwriters' obligation hereunder is not fulfilled, (iii) trading in
securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange
or the over-the-counter market shall have been suspended or minimum prices shall
have been established on either of such exchanges or such market by the
Commission or such exchange or other regulatory body or governmental authority
having jurisdiction, (iv) a banking moratorium is declared by either Federal or
State of New York or Wisconsin authorities, (v) the United States becomes
engaged in hostilities or there is an escalation of hostilities involving the
United States or there is a declaration of a national emergency or war by the
United States, or (vi) there shall have been such a material adverse change in
general economic, political or financial conditions, or the effect of
international conditions on the financial markets in the United States shall be
such, as to, in the judgment of a majority in interest of the several
Underwriters, make it inadvisable or impracticable to proceed with the delivery
of the Bonds.  Any termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8
shall be without liability on the part of the Company or any Underwriter, except
as otherwise provided in Sections 4(h) and 6 hereof.

     Any notice referred to above may be given at the address specified in
Section 10 hereof in writing or by facsimile or telephone, and if by facsimile
or telephone, shall be immediately confirmed in writing.

     9.   Survival of Certain Provisions.  The agreements contained in Section 6
          ------------------------------                                        
hereof and the representations, warranties and agreements of the Company
contained in Sections 1 and 4 hereof shall survive the delivery of the Bonds to
the Underwriters hereunder and shall remain in full force and effect, regardless
of any termination or cancellation of this Agreement or any investigation made
by or on behalf of any indemnified party.

                                    -21-
<PAGE>
 
     10.  Notices.  Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, (a) whenever
          -------                                                              
notice is required by the provisions of this Agreement to be given to the
Company, such notice shall be in writing or by telegraph addressed to the
Company at Madison Gas and Electric Company, 133 South Blair Street, Madison,
Wisconsin 53703, Attention: Vice President-Finance; and (b) whenever notice is
required by the provisions of this Agreement to be given to the several
Underwriters, such notice shall be in writing or by telegraph addressed to
__________________, ___________________, Attention: _____________________.

     11.  Parties.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding
          -------                                                              
upon the several Underwriters, the Company and their respective successors.
This Agreement and the terms and provisions hereof are for the sole benefit of
only those persons, except that (a) the representations, warranties, indemnities
and agreements of the Company contained in this Agreement shall also be deemed
to be for the benefit of the person or persons, if any, who control any
Underwriter within the meaning of section 15 of the Act and (b) the indemnity
agreement of the Underwriters contained in Section 6 hereof shall be deemed to
be for the benefit of directors of the Company, officers of the Company who
signed the Registration Statement and any person controlling the Company.
Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to give any person, other than the
persons referred to in this paragraph, any legal or equitable right, remedy or
claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision contained herein.

     12.  Definition of "Business Day" and "Subsidiary".  For purposes of this
          ---------------------------------------------                       
Agreement, (a) "Business Day" means any day on which the New York Stock
Exchange, Inc. is open for trading, and (b) "Subsidiary" has the meaning set
forth in Rule 405 of the Rules and Regulations.

     13.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
          -------------                                                       
accordance with the laws of the State of ___________.

     14.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be signed in one or more
          ------------                                              
counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original and all of which
together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

                                    -22-
<PAGE>
 
     Please confirm, by signing and returning to us two counterparts of this
Agreement, that you are acting on behalf of yourselves and the several
Underwriters and that the foregoing correctly sets forth the Agreement between
the Company and the several Underwriters.

                              Very truly yours,

                              MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY


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



Confirmed and accepted as of
the date first above mentioned

[REPRESENTATIVE[S]]
as Representative[s] of the several
Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto

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





                                    -23-
<PAGE>
 
                                   Schedule I


     Underwriting Agreement dated __________________, 199[ ]


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                            Principal Amount
                                                             of Bonds to be 
     Underwriter                                               Purchased
     -----------                                         --------------------
<S>                                                         <C> 

[Name]    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

</TABLE> 





                                    -24-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.2


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



                    Madison Gas and Electric Company, Issuer


                                      and


                        M&I First National Bank, Trustee


                                   INDENTURE



                           Dated as of March 1, 1994


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



================================================================================
<PAGE>
 
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

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



          Provisions of Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and Indenture to be dated as
of March 1, 1994 between Madison Gas and Electric Company and M&I First National
Bank, Trustee:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Section of the Act                 Section of Indenture
- ------------------                 --------------------
<S>                                <C>
310(a)(1) and (2)..............    6.9
310(a)(3) and (4)..............    Inapplicable
310(b).........................    6.8 and 6.10(a), (b) and (d)
310(c).........................    Inapplicable
311(a).........................    6.13(a) and (c)(1) and (2)
311(b).........................    6.13(b)
311(c).........................    Inapplicable
312(a).........................    4.1 and 4.2(a)
312(b).........................    4.2(a) and (b)(i) and (ii)
312(c).........................    4.2(c)
313(a).........................    4.4(a)
313(b)(1)......................    Inapplicable
313(b)(2)......................    4.4(b)
313(c).........................    4.4(c)
313(d).........................    4.4(d)
314(a).........................    4.3
314(b).........................    Inapplicable
314(c)(1) and (2)..............    13.5
314(c)(3)......................    Inapplicable
314(d).........................    Inapplicable
314(e).........................    13.5
314(f).........................    Inapplicable
315(a), (c) and (d)............    6.1
315(b).........................    5.11
315(e).........................    5.12
316(a)(1)......................    5.9
316(a)(2)......................    Not required
316(a) (last sentence).........    7.4
316(b).........................    5.7
316(c).........................    Not required
317(a).........................    5.2
317(b).........................    3.4(a) and (b)
318(a).........................    13.7
</TABLE>

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

* This Cross Reference Sheet is not part of the Indenture.
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
<S>        <C>                                                               <C>
PARTIES......................................................................  

RECITALS

           Authorization of Indenture........................................
           Compliance with Legal Requirements................................
           Purpose of and Consideration for Indenture........................
 
<CAPTION> 
                                  ARTICLE ONE

                                  DEFINITIONS

<S>           <C>                                                            <C>
Section 1.1   Certain Terms Defined.......................................... 
              Additional Collateral Bonds.................................... 
              Authenticating Agent...........................................
              Authorized Newspaper...........................................
              Board of Directors.............................................
              Board Resolution...............................................
              Bonds..........................................................
              Business Day...................................................
              Collateral Bond................................................
              Collateral Bonds...............................................
              Commission.....................................................
              Corporate Trust Office.........................................
              Coupon.........................................................
              Covenant defeasance............................................
              Depository.....................................................
              Dollar.........................................................
              Event of Default...............................................
              First Mortgage.................................................
              Holder, Holder of Notes, Noteholder............................
              Indenture......................................................
              Interest.......................................................
              Interest Payment Date..........................................
              Issuer.........................................................
              Issuer Order...................................................
              Mortgage Supplemental Indenture................................
              Mortgage Trustee...............................................
              Note or Notes..................................................
              Note Register and Note Registrar...............................
              Officers' Certificate..........................................
              Opinion of Counsel.............................................
              Original Issue Date............................................
              Original Issue Discount Note...................................
              Outstanding....................................................
</TABLE> 

                                      -i-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<S>           <C>       <C>                                                  <C>
              Periodic Offering..............................................
              Person.........................................................
              Principal......................................................
              Record Date....................................................
              Registered Global Note.........................................
              Registered Note................................................
              Responsible Officer............................................
              Stated Principal Amount........................................
              Trust Indenture Act of 1939 or Trust...........................
              Indenture Act..................................................
              Trustee........................................................
              Unregistered Note..............................................
              Yield to Maturity..............................................

<CAPTION> 
                                  ARTICLE TWO

                                     NOTES
<S>           <C>                                                            <C>
Section 2.1   Forms Generally................................................
Section 2.2   Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication................
Section 2.3   Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series...........................
Section 2.4   Authentication and Delivery of Notes...........................
Section 2.5   Execution of Notes.............................................
Section 2.6   Certificate of Authentication..................................
Section 2.7   Denomination of Notes; Payments of Interest....................
Section 2.8   Registration, Transfer and Exchange............................
Section 2.9   Mutilated, Defaced, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Notes...........
Section 2.10  Cancellation of Notes; Destruction Thereof.....................
Section 2.11  Temporary Notes................................................


<CAPTION> 
                                 ARTICLE THREE

                            COVENANTS OF THE ISSUER
<S>           <C>                                                            <C>
Section 3.1   Payment of Principal and Interest..............................
Section 3.2   Offices for Payments, etc......................................
Section 3.3   Appointment to Fill a Vacancy in Office of Trustee.............
Section 3.4   Paying Agents..................................................
Section 3.5   Opinions of Counsel............................................
Section 3.6   Limitations on Issuance of Notes...............................
</TABLE> 

                                      -ii-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                  ARTICLE FOUR

                      NOTEHOLDERS LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE
                             ISSUER AND THE TRUSTEE
<S>           <C>                                                            <C>
Section 4.1   Issuer to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Noteholders...
Section 4.2   Preservation and Disclosure of Noteholders Lists...............
Section 4.3   Reports by the Issuer..........................................
Section 4.4   Reports by the Trustee.........................................
 
<CAPTION> 
                                  ARTICLE FIVE

                    REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND NOTEHOLDERS
                              ON EVENT OF DEFAULT
<S>           <C>                                                            <C>
Section 5.1   Event of Default Defined; Acceleration of Maturity;
                Waiver of Default............................................
Section 5.2   Collection of Indebtedness by Trustee; Trustee May
                Prove Debt...................................................
Section 5.3   Application of Proceeds........................................
Section 5.4   Suits for Enforcement..........................................
Section 5.5   Restoration of Rights on Abandonment of Proceedings............
Section 5.6   Limitations on Suits by Noteholders............................
Section 5.7   Unconditional Right of Noteholders to Institute
                Certain Suits................................................
Section 5.8   Powers and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission
                Not Waiver of Default........................................
Section 5.9   Control by Holders of Notes....................................
Section 5.10  Waiver of Past Defaults........................................
Section 5.11  Trustee to Give Notice of Default, But May Withhold
                in Certain Circumstances.....................................
Section 5.12  Right of Court to Require Filing of Undertaking
                to Pay Costs.................................................
</TABLE> 
 
                                     -iii-
 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                  ARTICLE SIX

                             CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
<S>           <C>                                                            <C>
Section 6.1   Duties and Responsibilities of the Trustee; During
                Default; Prior to Default....................................
Section 6.2   Certain Rights of the Trustee..................................
Section 6.3   Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals, Disposition
                of Notes or Application of Proceeds Thereof..................
Section 6.4   Trustee and Agents May Hold Notes or Coupons;
                Collections, etc.............................................
Section 6.5   Moneys Held by Trustee.........................................
Section 6.6   Compensation and Indemnification of Trustee and Its
                Prior Claim..................................................
Section 6.7   Right of Trustee to Rely on Officers' Certificate, etc.........
Section 6.8   Qualification of Trustee; Conflicting Interests................
Section 6.9   Persons Eligible for Appointment as Trustee....................
Section 6.10  Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor Trustee......
Section 6.11  Acceptance of Appointment by Successor Trustee.................
Section 6.12  Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to
                Business of Trustee..........................................
Section 6.13  Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Issuer...........
Section 6.14  Appointment of Authenticating Agent............................
 
<CAPTION> 
                                 ARTICLE SEVEN

                           CONCERNING THE NOTEHOLDERS
<S>           <C>                                                            <C>
Section 7.1   Evidence of Action Taken by Noteholders........................
Section 7.2   Proof of Execution of Instruments and of Holding of Notes......
Section 7.3   Holders to Be Treated as Owners................................
Section 7.4   Notes Owned by Issuer Deemed Not Outstanding...................
Section 7.5   Right of Revocation of Action Taken............................
</TABLE> 

                                      -iv-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                 ARTICLE EIGHT

                            SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
<S>           <C>                                                            <C>
Section 8.1   Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Noteholders.........
Section 8.2   Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Noteholders............
Section 8.3   Effect of Supplemental Indenture...............................
Section 8.4   Documents to Be Given to Trustee...............................
Section 8.5   Notation on Notes in Respect of Supplemental Indentures........
 
<CAPTION> 
                                  ARTICLE NINE

                   CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE
<S>           <C>                                                            <C>
Section 9.1   Covenant of Issuer Not to Merge, Consolidate, Sell
                or Convey Property Except Under Certain Conditions...........
Section 9.2   Successor Corporation Substituted for Issuer...................
Section 9.3   Opinion of Counsel Delivered to Trustee........................
 
<CAPTION> 
                                  ARTICLE TEN

                    SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE;
                                UNCLAIMED MONEYS
<S>           <C>                                                            <C>
Section 10.1  Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture........................
Section 10.2  Application by Trustee of Funds Deposited for Payment of
                Notes........................................................
Section 10.3  Repayment of Moneys Held by Paying Agent.......................
Section 10.4  Return of Moneys Held by Trustee and Paying Agent
                Unclaimed for Two Years......................................
Section 10.5  Indemnity for Government Obligations...........................
</TABLE> 

                                      -v-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                 ARTICLE ELEVEN

                     REDEMPTION OF NOTES AND SINKING FUNDS
<S>           <C>                                                            <C>
Section 11.1  Applicability of Article.......................................
Section 11.2  Notice of Redemption; Partial Redemptions......................
Section 11.3  Payment of Notes Called for Redemption.........................
Section 11.4  Exclusion of Certain Notes from Eligibility for Selection
                for Redemption...............................................
Section 11.5  Mandatory and Optional Sinking Funds...........................

<CAPTION> 
                                 ARTICLE TWELVE

                                COLLATERAL BONDS
<S>           <C>                                                            <C>
Section 12.1  Pledge.........................................................
Section 12.2  Receipt........................................................
Section 12.3  Collateral Bonds Held by the Trustee...........................
Section 12.4  No Transfer of Collateral Bonds; Exception.....................
Section 12.5  Release of Collateral Bonds....................................
Section 12.6  Further Assurances.............................................
Section 12.7  Acceptance of Additional Collateral Bonds......................
Section 12.8  Exchange of Collateral Bonds...................................

<CAPTION> 
                                ARTICLE THIRTEEN

                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
<S>           <C>                                                            <C>
Section 13.1  Incorporators, Stockholders, Officers and Directors of
                Issuer Exempt from Individual Liability......................
Section 13.2  Provisions of Indenture for the Sole Benefit of Parties and
                Holders of Notes and Coupons.................................
Section 13.3  Successors and Assigns of Issuer Bound by Indenture............
Section 13.4  Notices and Demands on Issuer, Trustee and Holders of Notes
                and Coupons..................................................
</TABLE> 
 

                                      -vi-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<S>           <C>                                                            <C>
Section 13.5  Officers' Certificates and Opinions of Counsel; Statements
                to be Contained Therein......................................
Section 13.6  Payments Due on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays................
Section 13.7  Conflict of any Provision of Indenture with Trust Indenture
                Act of 1939..................................................
Section 13.8  Wisconsin Law to Govern........................................
Section 13.9  Counterparts...................................................
Section 13.10 Effect of Headings.............................................

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

SIGNATURES...................................................................
</TABLE>

                                     -vii-
<PAGE>
 
          THIS INDENTURE dated as of March 1, 1994 between Madison Gas and
Electric Company, a Wisconsin corporation (the "Issuer"), and M&I First National
Bank, as trustee (the "Trustee").

                             W I T N E S S E T H :

          WHEREAS, the Issuer has duly authorized the issue from time to time of
its secured medium-term notes to be issued in one or more series (the "Notes")
up to such principal amount or amounts as may from time to time be authorized in
accordance with the terms of this Indenture;

          WHEREAS, the Issuer has duly authorized the execution and delivery of
this Indenture to provide, among other things, for the authentication, delivery
and administration of the Notes;

          WHEREAS, as security for the Notes to be issued hereunder, the Issuer
has issued a Collateral Bond (as hereinafter defined) and has delivered such
bond to the Trustee, and pursuant to the terms and provisions hereof the Issuer
may require the Trustee to deliver to the Issuer one or more Collateral Bonds
held by it; and

          WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this Indenture a valid indenture
and agreement according to its terms have been done;

          NOW, THEREFORE:

          In consideration of the premises and the purchases of the Notes by the
holders thereof, the Issuer and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the
equal and proportionate benefit of the respective holders from time to time of
the Notes and of the Coupons, if any, appertaining thereto as follows:


                                  ARTICLE ONE

                                  DEFINITIONS
                                  -----------

          Section 1.1  Certain Terms Defined.  The following terms (except as
                       ---------------------                                 
otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise clearly requires)
for all purposes of this Indenture and of any indenture supplemental hereto
shall have the respective meanings specified in this Section.  All other terms
used in this Indenture that are defined in the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
including terms defined therein by reference to the Securities Act of 1933
(except as herein otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise
requires), shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in said Trust
Indenture Act and in said Securities Act as in force at the date of this
Indenture.  All accounting terms used herein and not expressly
 

                                      -1-
<PAGE>
 
defined shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, and the term "generally accepted
                                                        ------------------
accounting principles" means such accounting principles as are generally
- ---------------------                                                   
accepted in the United States of America at the time of any computation. The
words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of similar import refer
       ------    ------       ---------                                         
to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other
subdivision.  The terms defined in this Article include the plural as well as
the singular.

          "Additional Collateral Bonds" means any Bonds other than the
           ---------------------------                                
Collateral Bond (a) which is one of the Issuer's First Mortgage Bonds, Series
2029, issued under and pursuant to the Mortgage Supplemental Indenture or (b)
which is issued pursuant to any supplemental indenture subsequent to the
Mortgage Supplemental Indenture and is substantially identical in form and
content to the Collateral Bond except for the Stated Principal Amount and
maturity date thereof.

          "Authenticating Agent" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
           --------------------                                             
6.14.

          "Authorized Newspaper" means a newspaper (which, in the case of The
           --------------------                                              
City of New York, will, if practicable, be The Wall Street Journal (Eastern
Edition)), published in English at least once a day for at least five days in
each calendar week and of general circulation in The City of New York.  If it
shall be impractical in the opinion of the Trustee to make any publication of
any notice required hereby in an Authorized Newspaper, any publication or other
notice in lieu thereof which is made or given with the approval of the Trustee
shall constitute a sufficient publication of such notice.

          "Board of Directors" means either the Board of Directors of the Issuer
           ------------------                                                   
or any committee of such Board duly authorized to act on its behalf.

          "Board Resolution" means a copy of one or more resolutions, certified
           ----------------                                                    
by the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Issuer to have been duly
adopted or consented to by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and
effect, and delivered to the Trustee.

          "Bonds" means first mortgage bonds issued pursuant to the First
           -----                                                         
Mortgage.

          "Business Day" means, with respect to any series of Notes, a day on
           ------------                                                      
which, in any city where amounts are payable on the Notes of such series as
therein specified, banking institutions are not authorized or required by law or
regulation to close.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
          "Collateral Bond" means the initial Bond in the Stated Principal
           ---------------                                                
Amount of $45,000,000 to be issued under and secured by the First Mortgage and
the Mortgage Supplemental Indenture being one of the Bonds designated as
"Madison Gas and Electric Company First Mortgage Bonds, Series 2029" and
delivered and pledged to the Trustee pursuant to Section 12.1.

          "Collateral Bonds" means the Collateral Bond and any Additional
           ----------------                                              
Collateral Bonds.

          "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from
           ----------                                                       
time to time constituted, created under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or
if at any time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture such
Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under
the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, then the body performing such duties on such
date.

          "Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Trustee at which the
           ----------------------                                              
corporate trust business of the Trustee shall, at any particular time, be
principally administered, which office is, at the date as of which this
Indenture is dated, located at 321 North Main Street, West Bend, Wisconsin
53095, Attention: Administrator.

          "Coupon" means any interest coupon appertaining to a Note.
           ------                                                   

          "covenant defeasance" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
           -------------------                                             
10.1(C).

          "Depository" means, with respect to the Notes of any series issuable
           ----------                                                         
or issued in the form of one or more Registered Global Notes, the Person
designated as Depository by the Company pursuant to Section 2.3 until a
successor Depository shall have become such pursuant to the applicable
provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Depository" shall mean each Person
who is then a Depository hereunder; and if at any time there is more than one
such Person, "Depository" as used with respect to the Notes of any such series
shall mean each Depository with respect to the Registered Global Notes of such
series.

          "Dollar" means the coin or currency of the United States of America as
           ------                                                               
at the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private
debts.

          "Event of Default" means any event or condition specified as such in
           ----------------                                                   
Section 5.1.

          "First Mortgage" means the indenture of mortgage and deed of trust,
           --------------                                                    
dated as of January 1, 1946 from the Issuer to First Wisconsin Trust Company
(now known as Firstar Trust

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
Company), trustee, as supplemented and amended by seventeen supplemental
indentures and as the same shall be supplemented and amended in the future.

          "Holder", "Holder of Notes", "Noteholder" or other similar terms mean
           ------    ---------------    ----------                             
(a) in the case of any Registered Note, the Person in whose name such Note is
registered in the Note Register kept by the Issuer for that purpose in
accordance with the terms hereof, and (b) in the case of any Unregistered Note,
the bearer of such Note, or any Coupon appertaining thereto, as the case may be.

          "Indenture" means this instrument as originally executed and delivered
           ---------                                                            
or, if amended or supplemented as herein provided, as so amended or supplemented
or both, and shall include the forms and terms of particular series of Notes
established as provided hereunder.

          "Interest" means, when used with respect to non-interest bearing
           --------                                                       
Notes, interest payable after maturity.

          "Interest Payment Date" means (a) the date or dates, if any, on which
           ---------------------                                               
interest is to be paid on any Note as established pursuant to Section 2.3(f)
(provided, however, that the first Interest Payment Date for any Note, the
Original Issue Date of which is after a Record Date but prior to the respective
Interest Payment Date, shall be the Interest Payment Date following the next
succeeding Record Date), (b) the date of maturity or redemption of such Note,
and (c) only with respect to defaulted interest on such Note, the date
established for the payment of such defaulted interest pursuant to Section 2.7
hereof.

          "Issuer" means (except as otherwise provided in Article Six) Madison
           ------                                                             
Gas and Electric Company, a Wisconsin corporation, and, subject to Article Nine,
its successors and assigns.

          "Issuer Order" means a written statement, request or order of the
           ------------                                                    
Issuer signed in its name by the Chairman or the President and any Vice
President (whether or not designated by a number or numbers or a word or words
added before or after the title "Vice President") of the Issuer.

          "Mortgage Supplemental Indenture" means the Eighteenth Supplemental
          ---------------------------------                                  
Indenture to the First Mortgage, dated as of March 1, 1994 and pursuant to which
the Collateral Bonds are to be issued.

          "Mortgage Trustee" means the trustee at the time serving as such under
           ----------------                                                     
the First Mortgage.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
          "Note" or "Notes" (except as otherwise provided in Section 6.8) shall
           ----      -----                                                     
have the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture or, as the case
may be, Notes that have been authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

          "Note Register" and "Note Registrar" shall have the respective
           -------------       --------------                           
meanings set forth in Section 2.8.

          "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman or
           ---------------------                                               
the President and any Vice President (whether or not designated by a number or
numbers or a word or words added before or after the title "Vice President") of
the Issuer and delivered to the Trustee.  Each such certificate shall include
the statements provided for in Section 13.5.

          "Opinion of Counsel" means an opinion in writing signed by the counsel
           ------------------                                                   
of the Issuer as designated by the Board of Directors or by such other legal
counsel who may be an employee of or counsel to the Issuer and who shall be
satisfactory to the Trustee.  Each such opinion shall include the statements
provided for in Section 13.5, if and to the extent required thereby.

          "Original Issue Date" of any Note (or portion thereof) means the
           -------------------                                            
earlier of (a) the date of such Note or (b) the date of any Note (or portion
thereof) for which such Note was issued (directly or indirectly) on registration
of transfer, exchange or substitution.

          "Original Issue Discount Note" means any Note that provides for an
           ----------------------------                                     
amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a
declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 5.1.

          "Outstanding" (except as otherwise provided in Section 6.8), when used
           -----------                                                          
with reference to Notes, shall, subject to the provisions of Section 7.4, mean,
as of any particular time, all Notes authenticated and delivered by the Trustee
under this Indenture, except:

          (a)  Notes theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the
     Trustee for cancellation;

          (b)  Notes, or portions thereof, for the payment or redemption of
     which moneys or Government Obligations (as provided for in Section 10.1) in
     the necessary amount shall have been deposited in trust with the Trustee or
     with any paying agent (other than the Issuer) or shall have been set aside,
     segregated and held in trust by the Issuer for the Holders of such Notes
     (if the Issuer shall act as its own paying agent), provided that if such
                                                        --------             
     Notes, or portions thereof, are to be redeemed prior to the maturity

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
     thereof, notice of such redemption shall have been given as herein
     provided, or provision satisfactory to the Trustee shall have been made for
     giving such notice; and

          (c)  Notes which shall have been paid or in substitution for which
     other Notes shall have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to the
     terms of Section 2.9 (except with respect to any such Note as to which
     proof satisfactory to the Trustee is presented that such Note is held by a
     Person in whose hands such Note is a legal, valid and binding obligation of
     the Issuer).

          In determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount
of Outstanding Notes of any or all series have given any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, the principal
amount of an Original Issue Discount Note that shall be deemed to be Outstanding
for such purposes shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due
and payable as of the date of such determination upon a declaration of
acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 5.1.

          "Periodic Offering" means an offering of Notes of any series from time
           -----------------                                                    
to time, the specific terms of which Notes, including, without limitation, the
rate or rates of interest, if any, thereon, the stated maturity or maturities
thereof and the redemption provisions, if any, with respect thereto are to be
determined by the Company or its agents upon the issuance of such Notes.

          "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint
           ------                                                        
venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or
government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

          "Principal", whenever used with reference to the Notes or any Note or
           ---------                                                           
any portion thereof, shall be deemed to include the words "and premium, if any".

          "Record Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.7.
           -----------                                                  

          "Registered Global Note" means a Note evidencing all or a part of a
           ----------------------                                            
series of Notes issued to the Depository, or its nominee, for such series in
accordance with Section 2.4, and bearing the legend prescribed in Section 2.4.

          "Registered Note" means any Note registered on the Note Register of
           ---------------                                                   
the Issuer.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
          "Responsible Officer", when used with respect to the Trustee, means
           -------------------                                               
the chairman of the board of directors, any vice chairman of the board of
directors, the chairman of the trust committee, the chairman of the executive
committee, any vice chairman of the executive committee, the president, any vice
president (whether or not designated by numbers or words added before or after
the title "vice president"), the cashier, the secretary, the treasurer, any
trust officer, any assistant trust officer, any assistant vice president, any
assistant cashier, any assistant secretary, any assistant treasurer or any other
officer or assistant officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions
similar to those performed by the persons who at the time shall be such
officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred
because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

          "Stated Principal Amount" means (i) with respect to the Collateral
           -----------------------                                          
Bond, $45,000,000 and (ii) with respect to any Additional Collateral Bonds, the
dollar amount specified therein as the "Stated Principal Amount" thereof.

          "Trust Indenture Act of 1939" or "Trust Indenture Act" (except as
           ---------------------------      -------------------            
otherwise provided in Sections 8.1 and 8.2) means the Trust Indenture Act of
1939 as in force at the date as of which this Indenture was originally executed.

          "Trustee" means the Person identified as "Trustee" in the first
           -------                                                       
paragraph hereof and, subject to the provisions of Article Six, shall also
include any successor trustee.  "Trustee" shall also mean or include each Person
who is then a trustee hereunder; and if at any time there is more than one such
Person, "Trustee" as used with respect to the Notes of any series shall mean the
trustee with respect to the Notes of such series.

          "Unregistered Note" means any Note other than a Registered Note.
           -----------------                                              

          "Yield to Maturity" means the yield to maturity on a series of Notes,
           -----------------                                                   
calculated at the time of issuance of such series, or, if applicable, at the
most recent redetermination of interest on such series, in accordance with
accepted financial practice.


                                  ARTICLE TWO

                                     NOTES
                                     -----

          Section 2.1  Forms Generally.  The Notes of each series and the
                       ---------------                                   
Coupons, if any, to be attached thereto shall be substantially in such form (not
inconsistent with this Indenture) as shall be established by or pursuant to one
or more Board

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
Resolutions (as set forth in a Board Resolution or, to the extent established
pursuant to rather than set forth in a Board Resolution, an Officers'
Certificate detailing such establishment) or in one or more indentures
supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions,
substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this
Indenture and may have imprinted or otherwise reproduced thereon such letters,
numbers or other marks of identification and such legend or legends or
endorsements, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, as may be
required to comply with any law or with any rules or regulations pursuant
thereto, or with any rules of any securities exchange or to conform to general
usage, all as may be determined by the officers executing such Notes and
Coupons, if any, as evidenced by their execution of such Notes and Coupons.

          The definitive Notes and Coupons, if any, shall be printed,
lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any
other manner, all as determined by the officers executing such Notes and
Coupons, if any, as evidenced by their execution of such Notes and Coupons.

          Section 2.2  Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication.  The
                       -----------------------------------------------      
Trustee's certificate of authentication on all Notes shall be in substantially
the following form:

          "This is one of the Notes referred to in the within-mentioned
Indenture.



                              M&I First National Bank,
                                as Trustee


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

          If at any time there shall be an Authenticating Agent appointed with
respect to any series of Notes, then the Trustee's certificate of authentication
to be borne by the Notes of each such series shall be substantially as follows:

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
          "This is one of the Notes referred to in the within-mentioned
Indenture.


                              -------------------------,
                               as Authenticating Agent


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

          Section 2.3  Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.  (a)  Except as
                       ------------------------------------                 
provided in Section 3.6 hereof, the aggregate principal amount of Notes which
may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.

          (b)  The Notes may be issued in one or more series, and each such
series shall rank pari passu with all other Notes.

          (c)  Each Note shall be dated and issued as of the date of its
authentication by the Trustee, and shall bear an Original Issue Date; each Note
issued upon transfer, exchange or substitution of a Note shall bear the Original
Issue Date or Dates of such transferred, exchanged or substituted Note.

          (d)  Each Note shall bear interest payable in Dollars from the later
of (1) its Original Issue Date, or (2) the most recent Interest Payment Date to
which interest has been paid or duly provided for with respect to such Note
until the principal of such Note is paid or made available for payment, and
interest on each Note shall be payable on each Interest Payment Date after the
date of such Note.

          (e)  Each Note shall mature on a date specified in the Note not less
than nine months nor more than 35 years after the Original Issue Date, but in no
event shall the maturity date of a Note occur after January 15, 2029, and the
principal amount of each outstanding Note shall be payable on the maturity date
specified therein and in Dollars.

          (f)  There shall be established in or pursuant to one or more Board
Resolutions (and to the extent established pursuant to rather than set forth in
a Board Resolution, in an Officers' Certificate detailing such establishment) or
established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the initial
issuance of Notes of any series:

          (1)  the designation of the Notes of such series, which shall
     distinguish the Notes of such series from the Notes of all other series;

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
          (2)  any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Notes of
     such series that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture
     (except for Notes authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer
     of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Notes of such series pursuant
     to Section 2.8, 2.9, 2.11, 8.5 or 11.3);

          (3)  subject to Section 2.3(e), the date or dates on which the
     principal of the Notes of such series is payable;

          (4)  the rate or rates at which the Notes of such series shall bear
     interest, if any, the Interest Payment Date or Dates for the Notes of such
     series and the date or dates (in the case of Registered Notes) on which a
     record shall be taken for the determination of Holders to whom interest is
     payable and/or the method by which such rate or rates shall be determined;

          (5)  the place or places where the principal of and any interest on
     Notes of such series shall be payable (if other than as provided in Section
     3.2);

          (6)  the right, if any, of the Issuer to redeem Notes of such series,
     in whole or in part, at its option and the period or periods within which,
     the price or prices at which and any terms and conditions upon which Notes
     of such series may be so redeemed, pursuant to any sinking fund or
     otherwise;

          (7)  the obligation, if any, of the Issuer to redeem, purchase or
     repay Notes of such series pursuant to any mandatory redemption, sinking
     fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a Holder thereof and the
     price or prices at which and the period or periods within which and any
     terms and conditions upon which Notes of such series shall be redeemed,
     purchased or repaid, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

          (8)  if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple
     thereof in the case of Registered Notes, or $1,000 and $5,000 in the case
     of Unregistered Notes, the denominations in which Notes of such series
     shall be issuable;

          (9)  if other than the entire principal amount thereof, the portion of
     the principal amount of Notes of such series which shall be payable upon
     declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof;

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
          (10)  whether the Notes of such series will be issuable as Registered
     Notes (and if so, whether such Notes will be issuable as Registered Global
     Notes) or Unregistered Notes (with or without Coupons), or any combination
     of the foregoing, any restrictions applicable to the offer, sale or
     delivery of Unregistered Notes or the payment of interest thereon and, if
     other than as provided in Section 2.8, the terms upon which Unregistered
     Notes of such series may be exchanged for Registered Notes of such series
     and vice versa;

          (11)  whether and under what circumstances the Issuer will pay
     additional amounts on the Notes of such series held by a person who is not
     a U.S. person in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge
     withheld or deducted and, if so, whether the Issuer will have the option to
     redeem such Notes rather than pay such additional amounts;

          (12)  if the Notes of such series are to be issuable in definitive
     form (whether upon original issue or upon exchange of a temporary Note of
     such series) only upon receipt of certain certificates or other documents
     or satisfaction of other conditions, the form and terms of such
     certificates, documents or conditions;

          (13)  any trustees, depositories, authenticating or paying agents,
     transfer agents or registrars or any other agents with respect to the Notes
     of such series;

          (14)  any other events of default or covenants with respect to the
     Notes of such series; and

          (15)  any other terms of such series (which terms shall not be
     inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture).

          All Notes of any one series and Coupons, if any, appertaining thereto
shall be substantially identical, except in the case of Registered Notes as to
denomination and except as may otherwise be provided by or pursuant to the Board
Resolution or Officers' Certificate referred to above or as set forth in any
indenture supplemental hereto referred to above.  All Notes of any one series
need not be issued at the same time and may be issued from time to time,
consistent with the terms of this Indenture, if so provided by or pursuant to
such Board Resolution, such Officers' Certificate or in any such indenture
supplemental hereto.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
          Section 2.4  Authentication and Delivery of Notes.  The Issuer may
                       ------------------------------------                 
from time to time deliver Notes of any series, having attached thereto
appropriate Coupons, executed by the Issuer to the Trustee for authentication,
together with the applicable documents referred to below in this Section, and
the Trustee shall thereupon authenticate and deliver such Notes to or upon the
order of the Issuer (contained in the Issuer Order referred to below in this
Section) or pursuant to such procedures acceptable to the Trustee and to such
recipients as may be specified from time to time by an Issuer Order.  If so
provided in the Board Resolution, Officers' Certificate or supplemental
indenture establishing the Notes of any series, the maturity date, original
issue date, interest rate, Interest Payment Date or Dates and any other terms of
any or all of the Notes of such series and the Coupons, if any, appertaining
thereto may be determined by or pursuant to such Issuer Order and procedures.
If provided for in such procedures, such Issuer Order may authorize
authentication and delivery pursuant to oral or electronic instructions from the
Issuer or its duly authorized agent, which instructions shall be promptly
confirmed in writing.  In authenticating such Notes and accepting the additional
responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Notes, the Trustee
shall be entitled to receive (but, in the case of subparagraphs 2, 3 and 4
below, only at or before the time of the first request of the Issuer to the
Trustee to authenticate Notes of such series) and (subject to Section 6.1) shall
be fully protected in relying upon, unless and until such documents have been
superseded or revoked:

          (1)  an Issuer Order requesting such authen-tication and setting forth
     delivery instructions if the Notes and the Coupons, if any, are not to be
     delivered to the Issuer, provided that, with respect to Notes of a series
     subject to a Periodic Offering, (a) such Issuer Order may be delivered by
     the Issuer to the Trustee at any time prior to the delivery to the Trustee
     of the Notes of such series for authentication and delivery, (b) the
     Trustee shall authenticate and deliver the Notes of such series for
     original issue from time to time, in an aggregate principal amount not
     exceeding the aggregate principal amount established for such series,
     pursuant to an Issuer Order or pursuant to such procedures acceptable to
     the Trustee as may be specified from time to time by an Issuer Order, (c)
     if so provided in the procedures establishing the Notes of such series, the
     maturity date, original issue date, interest rate, the Interest Payment
     Date or Dates and any other terms of any or all of the Notes of such series
     may be determined by an Issuer Order or pursuant to such procedures and (d)
     if provided for in such procedures, such Issuer Order may authorize
     authentication and delivery pursuant to oral or electronic instructions
     from the Issuer or its duly

                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
     authorized agent, which instructions shall be promptly confirmed in
     writing;

          (2)  any Board Resolution, Officers' Certificate and/or executed
     supplemental indenture referred to in Sections 2.1 and 2.3 by or pursuant
     to which the forms and terms of the Notes of such series and the Coupons,
     if any, were established;

          (3)  an Officers' Certificate setting forth the form or forms and
     terms of the Notes of such series and the Coupons, if any, stating (a) that
     such form or forms and terms have been established pursuant to Sections 2.1
     and 2.3 and comply with this Indenture, (b) the aggregate principal amount
     of all of the Notes outstanding under this Indenture and (c) the aggregate
     amount of interest paid with respect to such outstanding Notes on the most
     recent Interest Payment Date and covering such other matters as the Trustee
     may reasonably request; and

          (4)  at the option of the Issuer, either an Opinion of Counsel, or a
     letter addressed to the Trustee permitting it to rely on an Opinion of
     Counsel, substantially to the effect that:

               (a)  the forms of the Notes of such series and the Coupons, if
          any, have been duly authorized and established in conformity with the
          provisions of this Indenture;

               (b)  in the case of an underwritten offering, the terms of the
          Notes of such series have been duly authorized and estab-lished in
          conformity with the provisions of this Indenture, and, in the case of
          an offering that is not underwritten, certain terms of the Notes of
          such series have been established pursuant to a Board Resolution, an
          Officers' Certificate or a supplemental indenture in accordance with
          the provisions of this Indenture and when such other terms as are to
          be established pursuant to an Issuer Order or procedures set forth in
          an Issuer Order shall have been established, all such terms will have
          been duly authorized by the Issuer and will have been established in
          conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

               (c)  when the Notes of such series and the Coupons, if any, have
          been executed by

                                      -13-
<PAGE>
 
          the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee in accordance with the
          provisions of this Indenture and delivered to and duly paid for by the
          purchasers thereof, they will have been duly issued under this
          Indenture and will be valid and legally binding obligations of the
          Issuer, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, subject
          to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and other laws of general
          applicability relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors'
          rights and to general principles of equity, and will be entitled to
          the benefits of this Indenture;

               (d)  the Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and
          delivered by the Issuer and constitutes a legal, valid and binding
          agreement of the Issuer, enforceable in accordance with its terms,
          subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and other laws of
          general applicability relating to or affecting the enforcement of
          creditors' rights and to general equity principles;

               (e)  the Indenture and the First Mortgage are qualified under the
          Trust Indenture Act;

               (f)  the Collateral Bonds have been duly authorized, executed and
          delivered to the Trustee; and the Collateral Bonds and the First
          Mortgage are legal, valid and binding obligations of the Issuer, and
          the Collateral Bonds are entitled to the benefit of the First
          Mortgage, equally and ratably with all other Bonds outstanding under
          the First Mortgage, and are enforceable in accordance with their
          respective terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization
          and other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting the
          enforcement or creditors' rights and to general equity principles;

               (g)  the issuance of the Notes will not result in any default
          under this Indenture, the First Mortgage, or any other contract,
          indenture, loan agreement or other instrument known to such counsel to
          which the Issuer is a party or by which it or any of its property is
          bound;

                                      -14-
<PAGE>
 
               (h)  the First Mortgage has been duly recorded in all places
          where such recording is necessary for the perfection or preservation
          of the lien of the First Mortgage, no financing statements (other than
          such as have already been filed) are required to be filed pursuant to
          the Uniform Commercial Code for the perfection or preservation of the
          lien of the First Mortgage, and the First Mortgage constitutes a valid
          and perfected lien upon the property purported to be covered thereby,
          subject only to "permissible encumbrances" as defined therein and
          other conditions or exceptions that do not, singly or in the
          aggregate, materially impair the use of the property affected thereby
          in the operations of the business of the Issuer;

               (i)  the security interest of the Trustee in the Collateral
          Bonds, as created hereunder, is a valid and perfected security
          interest; and

               (j)  no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or
          qualification of or with any governmental agency or body having
          jurisdiction over the Issuer is required for the execution and
          delivery of the Notes of such series by the Issuer, except such as
          have been obtained (except that no opinion need be expressed as to
          state securities or Blue Sky laws).

          The Trustee shall have the right to decline to authenticate and
deliver any Notes of any series under this Section (other than Notes the forms
and terms of which shall have been established by supplemental indenture) if the
Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that such action may not lawfully
be taken by the Issuer or if the Trustee in good faith by its board of directors
or board of trustees, executive committee or a trust committee of directors,
trustees or Responsible Officers shall determine that such action would expose
the Trustee to personal liability to existing Holders or would affect the
Trustee's rights, duties or immunities under the Notes of any such series, this
Indenture or otherwise.

          If the Issuer shall establish pursuant to Section 2.3 that the Notes
of a series are to be issued in the form of one or more Registered Global Notes,
then the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall, in accordance with this
Section and the Issuer Order with respect to such series, authenticate and
deliver one

                                      -15-
<PAGE>
 
or more Registered Global Notes that (i) shall be in an aggregate amount equal
to the aggregate principal amount specified in such Issuer Order, (ii) shall be
registered in the name of the Depository therefor or its nominee, (iii) shall be
delivered by the Trustee to such Depository or pursuant to such Depository's
instructions and (iv) shall bear a legend substantially to the following effect:
"Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Notes in definitive
registered form, this Note may not be transferred except as a whole by the
Depository to the nominee of the Depository or by a nominee of the Depository to
the Depository or another nominee of the Depository or by the Depository or any
such nominee to a successor Depository or a nominee of such successor
Depository."

          Each Depository designated pursuant to Section 2.3 must, at the time
of its designation and at all times while it serves as Depository, be a clearing
agency registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any other
applicable statute or regulation.

          Section 2.5  Execution of Notes.  The Notes shall be signed on behalf
                       ------------------                                      
of the Issuer by both (a) its Chairman, President or any Vice President (whether
or not designated by a number or numbers or a word or words added before or
after the title "Vice President") and (b) any Secretary or Assistant Secretary.
Such signatures may be the manual or facsimile signatures of the present or any
future such officers.  Typographical and other minor errors or defects in any
such signature shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any Note that
has been duly authenticated and delivered by the Trustee.  The Coupons, if any,
applicable to the Notes of any series shall bear the facsimile signature of the
President or any Vice President of the Issuer.

          In case any officer of the Issuer who shall have so signed any of the
Notes or Coupons, if any, shall cease to be such officer before the Note or
Coupon so signed (or the Note to which the Coupon so signed appertains) shall be
authenticated and delivered by the Trustee or disposed of by the Issuer, such
Note or Coupon nevertheless may be authenticated and delivered or disposed of as
though the person who signed such Note or Coupon had not ceased to be such
officer of the Issuer; and any Note or Coupon may be so signed on behalf of the
Issuer by such persons as, at the actual date of the execution of such Note or
Coupon, shall be the proper officers of the Issuer, although at the date of the
execution and delivery of this Indenture any such person was not such an
officer.

          Section 2.6  Certificate of Authentication.  Only such Notes as shall
                       -----------------------------                           
bear thereon a certificate of authentication substantially in the form
hereinbefore recited, executed by the Trustee by the manual signature of one of
its authorized

                                      -16-
<PAGE>
 
officers, shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture or be valid or
obligatory for any purpose.  No Coupon shall be entitled to the benefits of this
Indenture or shall be valid and obligatory for any purpose until the certificate
of authentication on the Note to which such Coupon appertains shall have been
duly executed by the Trustee.  The execution of such certificate by the Trustee
upon any Note executed by the Issuer shall be conclusive evidence that the Note
so authenticated has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and that
the Holder is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.

          Section 2.7  Denomination of Notes; Payments of Interest.  The Notes
                       -------------------------------------------            
of each series shall be issuable as Registered Notes or Unregistered Notes in
denominations established as contemplated by Section 2.3 or, with respect to the
Registered Notes of any series, if not so established, in denominations of
$1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.  If denominations of Unregistered
Notes of any series are not so established, such Notes shall be issuable in
denominations of $1,000 and $5,000.  The Notes of each series shall be numbered,
lettered or otherwise distinguished in such manner or in accordance with such
plan as the officers of the Issuer executing the same may determine with the
approval of the Trustee, as evidenced by the execution and authentication
thereof.

          The Notes of each series shall bear interest, if any, from the date,
and such interest shall be payable on the Interest Payment Dates, established as
contemplated by Section 2.3.

          The Person in whose name any Registered Note of any series is
registered at the close of business on any Record Date applicable to such series
with respect to any Interest Payment Date for such series shall be entitled to
receive the interest, if any, payable on such Interest Payment Date
notwithstanding any transfer or exchange of such Registered Note subsequent to
the Record Date and prior to such Interest Payment Date, except if and to the
extent the Issuer 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 Persons in whose names Outstanding Registered Notes of such series are
registered at the close of business on a subsequent Record Date (which shall be
not less than five Business Days prior to the date of payment of such defaulted
interest) established by notice given by mail by or on behalf of the Issuer to
the Holders of Registered Notes of such series not less than 15 days preceding
such subsequent Record Date.  The term "Record Date", as used with respect to
any Interest Payment Date (except a date for payment of defaulted interest) for
the Notes of any series, shall mean the date specified as such in the terms of
the Registered Notes of such series established as contemplated by Section 2.3.

                                      -17-
<PAGE>
 
          Section 2.8  Registration, Transfer and Exchange.  The Issuer will
                       -----------------------------------                  
keep, or cause to be kept, at the Corporate Trust Office and at each other
office or agency to be maintained for the purpose as provided in Section 3.2 for
each series of Notes a register or registers (collectively the "Note Register")
in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, it will
provide for the registration of Registered Notes of such series and the
registration of transfer of Registered Notes of such series.  The Note Register
shall be in written form in the English language or in any other form capable of
being converted into such form within a reasonable time.  At all reasonable
times such register or registers not maintained by the Trustee shall be open for
inspection by the Trustee.  Unless and until otherwise determined by the Issuer
pursuant to Section 2.3, the Note Register with respect to each series of
Registered Notes shall be kept solely at the Corporate Trust Office and, for
this purpose, the Trustee shall be designated the "Note Registrar."

          Upon due presentation for registration of transfer of any Registered
Note of any series at any such office or agency, the Issuer shall execute and
the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in the name of the transferee or
transferees a new Registered Note or Registered Notes of the same series,
maturity date and interest rate in authorized denominations for a like aggregate
principal amount.

          Unregistered Notes (except for any temporary global Unregistered
Notes) and Coupons (except for Coupons attached to any temporary global
Unregistered Notes) shall be transferable by delivery.

          At the option of the Holder thereof, Registered Notes of any series
(other than a Registered Global Note, except as set forth below) may be
exchanged for one or more Registered Notes of such series in authorized
denominations for a like aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of such
Registered Notes to be exchanged at the office or agency to be maintained for
such purpose in accordance with Section 3.2 and upon payment, if the Issuer
shall so require, of the charges hereinafter provided.  If the Notes of any
series are issued in both registered and unregistered form, except as otherwise
specified for a particular series pursuant to Section 2.3, at the option of the
Holder thereof, Unregistered Notes of any series may be exchanged for Registered
Notes of such series in authorized denominations for a like aggregate principal
amount, upon surrender of such Unregistered Notes to be exchanged at the office
or agency to be maintained for such purpose in accordance with Section 3.2,
with, in the case of Unregistered Notes that have Coupons attached, all
unmatured Coupons and all matured Coupons in default thereto appertaining, and
upon payment, if the Issuer shall so require, of the charges hereinafter
provided.  At the option of the Holder

                                      -18-
<PAGE>
 
thereof, if Unregistered Notes of any series, maturity date, interest rate and
original issue date are issued in more than one authorized denomination, except
as otherwise specified for a particular series pursuant to Section 2.3, such
Unregistered Notes may be exchanged for other Unregistered Notes of such series
in authorized denominations for a like aggregate principal amount, upon
surrender of such Unregistered Notes to be exchanged at the office or agency to
be maintained for such purpose in accordance with Section 3.2 or as specified
for a particular series pursuant to Section 2.3, with, in the case of
Unregistered Notes that have Coupons attached, all unmatured Coupons and all
matured Coupons in default thereto appertaining, and upon payment, if the Issuer
shall so require, of the charges hereinafter provided.  Unless otherwise
specified for a particular series pursuant to Section 2.3, Registered Notes of
any series may not be exchanged for Unregistered Notes of such series.  Whenever
any Notes are so surrendered for exchange, the Issuer shall execute, and the
Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Notes which the Holder making the
exchange is entitled to receive.  All Notes and Coupons surrendered upon any
exchange or transfer provided for in this Indenture shall be promptly cancelled
and disposed of by the Trustee and the Trustee will deliver a certificate of
disposition thereof to the Issuer.

          All Registered Notes presented for registration of transfer, exchange,
redemption or payment shall (if so required by the Issuer or the Trustee) be
duly endorsed by, or be accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer and the Trustee duly executed by,
the Holder or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

          The Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or
other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any exchange or
registration of transfer of Notes.  No service charge shall be made for any such
transaction.

          The Issuer shall not be required to (a) issue, exchange or register a
transfer of any Notes of any series for a period of 15 days next preceding the
first mailing or publication of notice of redemption of Notes of such series to
be redeemed or (b) exchange or register the transfer of any Notes selected,
called or being called for redemption, in whole or in part, except, in the case
of any Note to be redeemed in part, the portion thereof not so to be redeemed.

          Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, unless and until
it is exchanged in whole or in part for Notes in definitive registered form, a
Registered Global Note representing all or a portion of the Notes of a series
may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depository for such Registered
Global Note to a nominee of such Depository or by a nominee of such Depository
to such Depository or another nominee of such

                                      -19-
<PAGE>
 
Depository or by such Depository or any such nominee to a successor Depository
for such Registered Global Note or a nominee of such successor Depository.

          If at any time a Depository for any Registered Notes of a series
represented by one or more Registered Global Notes notifies the Issuer that it
is unwilling or unable to continue as Depository for such Registered Notes or if
at any time any such Depository shall no longer be eligible under Section 2.4,
the Issuer shall appoint a successor Depository with respect to the Registered
Notes held by such Depository.  If a successor Depository is not appointed by
the Issuer within 90 days after the Issuer receives such notice or becomes aware
of such ineligibility, the Registered Notes of such series shall no longer be
represented by one or more Registered Global Notes held by such Depository, and
the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Issuer Order for
the authentication and delivery of definitive Notes of such series, shall
authenticate and deliver Notes of such series in definitive registered form
without coupons, in any authorized denominations and in an aggregate principal
amount equal to the principal amount of the Registered Global Note or Notes held
by such Depository in exchange for such Registered Global Note or Notes.

          Within seven days after the occurrence of an Event of Default
specified in clause (a), (b) or (c) of Section 5.1 with respect to any series of
Notes, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver,
Notes of such series in definitive registered form without coupons, in any
authorized denominations and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
principal amount of the Registered Global Note or Notes representing Registered
Notes of such series in exchange for such Registered Global Note or Notes.

          The Issuer may at any time and in its sole discretion determine that
the Registered Notes of a particular series shall no longer be represented by a
Registered Global Note or Notes.  In such event, the Issuer shall execute, and
the Trustee, upon receipt of an Issuer Order for the authentication and delivery
of definitive Notes of such series, shall authenticate and deliver, Notes of
such series in definitive registered form without Coupons, in any authorized
denominations and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount
of the Registered Global Note or Notes representing Registered Notes of such
series in exchange for such Registered Global Note or Notes.

          If so specified by the Issuer pursuant to Section 2.3 with respect to
Notes of a particular series represented by a Registered Global Note, the
Depository for such Registered Global Note may surrender such Registered Global
Note in exchange in whole or in part for Notes of such series in definitive
registered form on such terms as are acceptable to the Issuer and

                                      -20-
<PAGE>
 
such Depository.  Thereupon, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall
authenticate and deliver:

          (i)  to each Person specified by such Depository a new Registered Note
     or Notes of such series, in any authorized denominations requested by such
     Person, in an aggregate principal amount equal to, and in exchange for,
     such Person's beneficial interest in the Registered Global Note; and

          (ii)  to such Depository a new Registered Global Note in a
     denomination equal to the difference between the principal amount of the
     surrendered Registered Global Note and the aggregate principal amount of
     Registered Notes authenticated and delivered pursuant to clause (i) above.

          Upon the exchange of any Registered Global Note for Notes in
definitive registered form without Coupons, in authorized denominations, such
Registered Global Note shall be cancelled by the Trustee or an agent of the
Issuer or the Trustee.  Notes in definitive registered form without Coupons
issued in exchange for a Registered Global Note pursuant to this Section shall
be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as the
Depository for such Registered Global Note, pursuant to instructions from its
direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee or an
agent of the Issuer or the Trustee.  The Trustee or such agent shall deliver
such Notes to or as directed by the Persons in whose names such Notes are so
registered.

          All Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of
Notes shall be valid obligations of the Issuer, evidencing the same debt, and
entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Notes surrendered
upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

          Notwithstanding anything herein or in the terms of any series of Notes
to the contrary, none of the Issuer, the Trustee or any agent of the Issuer or
the Trustee (any of which, other than the Issuer, shall rely on an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel) shall be required to exchange any
Unregistered Note for a Registered Note if such exchange would result in adverse
Federal income tax consequences to the Issuer (such as, for example, the
inability of the Issuer to deduct from its income, as computed for Federal
income tax purposes, the interest payable on the Unregistered Notes) under then
applicable United States Federal income tax laws.

          Section 2.9  Mutilated, Defaced, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Notes.  In
                       ----------------------------------------------------     
case any temporary or definitive Note or any Coupon appertaining to any Note
shall become mutilated, defaced

                                      -21-
<PAGE>
 
or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Issuer in its discretion may execute, and
upon receipt of an Issuer Order, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver a
new Note of the same series, maturity date, interest rate, Interest Payment Date
or Dates and Original Issue Date, bearing a number or other distinguishing
symbol not contemporaneously outstanding, in exchange and substitution for the
mutilated or defaced Note, or in lieu of and in substitution for the Note so
destroyed, lost or stolen, with Coupons corresponding to the Coupons
appertaining to the Notes so mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen, or
in exchange or substitution for the Note to which such mutilated, defaced,
destroyed, lost or stolen Coupon appertained, with Coupons appertaining thereto
corresponding to the Coupons so mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen.
In every case the applicant for a substitute Note or Coupon shall furnish to the
Issuer and to the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee such
security or indemnity as may be required by them to indemnify and defend and to
save each of them harmless and, in every case of destruction, loss or theft,
evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of such Note or
Coupon and of the ownership thereof and, in the case of mutilation or
defacement, shall surrender the Note and related Coupons to the Trustee or such
agent.

          Upon the issuance of any substitute Note or Coupon, the Issuer may
require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental
charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including
the fees and expenses of the Trustee) or its agent connected therewith.  In case
any Note or Coupon which has matured or is about to mature or has been called
for redemption in full shall become mutilated or defaced or be destroyed, lost
or stolen, the Issuer may, instead of issuing a substitute Note, pay or
authorize the payment of the same or the relevant Coupon (without surrender
thereof except in the case of a mutilated or defaced Note or Coupon), if the
applicant for such payment shall furnish to the Issuer and to the Trustee and
any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee such security or indemnity as may be
required by them to save each of them harmless, and, in every case of
destruction, loss or theft, evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction,
loss or theft of such Note or Coupon and of the ownership thereof.

          Every substitute Note or Coupon of any series issued pursuant to the
provisions of this Section by virtue of the fact that any such Note or Coupon is
destroyed, lost or stolen shall constitute an additional contractual obligation
of the Issuer, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Note or Coupon shall
be at any time enforceable by anyone and shall be entitled to all the benefits
of (but shall be subject to all the limitations of rights set forth in) this
Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Notes or Coupons of
such series duly authenticated and delivered hereunder.  All Notes and Coupons

                                      -22-
<PAGE>
 
shall be held and owned upon the express condition that, to the extent permitted
by law, the foregoing provisions are exclusive with respect to the replacement
or payment of mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and Coupons
and shall preclude any and all other rights or remedies notwithstanding any law
or statute existing or hereafter enacted to the contrary with respect to the
replacement or payment of negotiable instruments or other securities without
their surrender.

          Section 2.10  Cancellation of Notes; Destruction Thereof.  All Notes
                        ------------------------------------------            
and Coupons surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of transfer or
exchange, or for credit against any payment in respect of a sinking or analogous
fund, if surrendered to the Issuer or any agent of the Issuer or any agent of
the Trustee, shall be delivered to the Trustee or its agent for cancellation or,
if surrendered to the Trustee, shall be cancelled by it; and no Notes or Coupons
shall be issued in lieu thereof except as expressly permitted by any of the
provisions of this Indenture.  The Trustee or its agent shall dispose of
cancelled Notes and Coupons held by it and deliver a certificate of disposition
to the Issuer.  If the Issuer or its agent shall acquire any of the Notes or
Coupons, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of
the indebtedness represented by such Notes or Coupons unless and until the same
are delivered to the Trustee or its agent for cancellation.

          Section 2.11  Temporary Notes.  Pending the preparation of definitive
                        ---------------                                        
Notes for any series, the Issuer may execute and the Trustee shall authenticate
and deliver temporary Notes for such series (printed, lithographed, typewritten
or otherwise reproduced, in each case in form satisfactory to the Trustee).
Temporary Notes of any series shall be issuable as Registered Notes without
Coupons, or as Unregistered Notes with or without Coupons attached thereto, of
any authorized denomination, and substantially in the form of the definitive
Notes of such series but with such omissions, insertions and variations as may
be appropriate for temporary Notes, all as may be determined by the Issuer with
the concurrence of the Trustee as evidenced by the execution and authentication
thereof.  Temporary Notes may contain such references to any provisions of this
Indenture as may be appropriate.  Every temporary Note shall be executed by the
Issuer and be authenticated by the Trustee upon the same conditions and in
substantially the same manner, and with like effect, as the definitive Notes.
Without unreasonable delay the Issuer shall execute and shall furnish definitive
Notes of such series and thereupon temporary Registered Notes of such series may
be surrendered in exchange for such definitive Notes in registered form without
charge at each office or agency to be maintained for such purpose in accordance
with Section 3.2 and, in the case of Unregistered Notes, at any office or agency
to be maintained for such purpose as specified pursuant to Section 2.3, and the
Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange for

                                      -23-
<PAGE>
 
such temporary Notes of such series an equal aggregate principal amount of
definitive Notes of the same series in authorized denominations and, in the case
of Unregistered Notes, having attached thereto any appropriate Coupons.  Until
so exchanged, the temporary Notes of any series shall be entitled to the same
benefits under this Indenture as definitive Notes of such series, unless
otherwise established pursuant to Section 2.3.  The provisions of this Section
are subject to any restrictions or limitations on the issue and delivery of
temporary Unregistered Notes of any series that may be established pursuant to
Section 2.3 (including any provision that Unregistered Notes of such series
initially be issued in the form of a single Global Unregistered Note to be
delivered to a depositary or agency located outside the United States and the
procedures pursuant to which definitive Unregistered Notes of such series would
be issued in exchange for such temporary global Unregistered Note).


                                 ARTICLE THREE

                            COVENANTS OF THE ISSUER
                            -----------------------

          Section 3.1  Payment of Principal and Interest.  The Issuer covenants
                       ---------------------------------                       
and agrees for the benefit of each series of Notes that it will duly and
punctually pay or cause to be paid the principal of, and interest on, each of
the Notes of such series (together with any additional amounts payable pursuant
to the terms of such Notes) at the place or places, at the respective times and
in the manner provided in such Notes and in the Coupons, if any, appertaining
thereto and in this Indenture.  The interest on Notes with Coupons attached
(together with any additional amounts payable pursuant to the terms of such
Notes) shall be payable only upon presentation and surrender of the several
Coupons for such interest installments as are evidenced thereby as they
severally mature.  If any temporary Unregistered Note provides that interest
thereon may be paid while in temporary form, the interest on any such temporary
Unregistered Note (together with any additional amounts payable pursuant to the
terms of such Note) shall be paid, as to the installments of interest evidenced
by Coupons attached thereto, if any, only upon presentation and surrender
thereof, and, as to the other installments of interest, if any, only upon
presentation of such temporary Unregistered Note for notation thereon of the
payment of such interest, in each case subject to any restrictions that may be
established pursuant to Section 2.3.  The interest on Registered Notes (together
with any additional amounts payable pursuant to the terms of such Notes) shall
be payable only to or upon the written order of the Holders thereof and, at the
option of the Issuer, may be paid by wire transfer or by mailing checks for such
interest payable to or upon the written order of such Holders at their last
addresses as they appear on the registry books of the Issuer.

                                      -24-
<PAGE>
 
          Section 3.2  Offices for Payments, etc.  So long as any Unregistered
                       --------------------------                             
Notes are Outstanding hereunder, the Issuer will maintain one or more offices or
agencies in a city or cities located outside the United States (including any
city in which such an office or agency is required to be maintained under the
rules of any stock exchange on which the Notes of any series are listed) where
the Unregistered Notes of each series and the Coupons, if any, appertaining
thereto may be presented for payment.  No payment on any Unregistered Note or
Coupon will be made upon presentation of such Unregistered Note or Coupon at an
office or agency of the Issuer within the United States, nor will any payment be
made by transfer to an account in, or by mail to an address in, the United
States unless pursuant to applicable United States laws and regulations then in
effect such payment can be made without adverse tax consequences to the Issuer.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, payments in Dollars on Unregistered Notes of any
series and Coupons appertaining thereto may be made at an office or agency of
the Issuer maintained in the United States, if such payment in Dollars at each
office or agency maintained by the Issuer outside the United States for payment
on such Unregistered Notes is illegal or effectively precluded by exchange
controls or other similar restrictions.

          The Issuer will give to the Trustee written notice of the location of
each such office or agency and of any change of location thereof.  Except as
expressly provided in this Section, presentations and demands under this
Indenture may be made and notices may be served at the Corporate Trust Office of
the Trustee.

          The Issuer may from time to time designate one or more additional
offices or agencies where the Notes of any series and any Coupons appertaining
thereto may be presented for payment, where the Notes of such series may be
presented for exchange as in this Indenture provided and where the Registered
Notes of such series may be presented for registration of transfer as in this
Indenture provided, and the Issuer may from time to time rescind any such
designation; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in
             --------  -------                                                 
any manner relieve the Issuer of its obligation to maintain any office or agency
provided for in this Section.  The Issuer will give to the Trustee prompt
written notice of any such designation or rescission thereof.

          Section 3.3  Appointment to Fill a Vacancy in Office of Trustee.  The
                       --------------------------------------------------      
Issuer, whenever necessary to avoid or fill a vacancy in the office of Trustee,
will appoint, in the manner provided in Section 6.10, a Trustee, so that there
shall at all times be a Trustee with respect to each series of Notes hereunder.

          Section 3.4  Paying Agents.  Whenever the Issuer shall appoint a
                       -------------                                      
paying agent other than the Trustee with respect to the

                                      -25-
<PAGE>
 
Notes of any series, it will cause such paying agent to execute and deliver to
the Trustee an instrument in which such agent shall agree with the Trustee,
subject to the provisions of this Section:

          (a)  that it will hold all sums received by it as such agent for the
     payment of the principal of or interest on the Notes of such series
     (whether such sums have been paid to it by the Issuer or by any other
     obligor on the Notes of such series) in trust for the benefit of the
     Holders of the Notes of such series and the Coupons appertaining thereto,
     if any, or of the Trustee; and

          (b)  that it will give the Trustee notice of any failure by the Issuer
     (or by any other obligor on the Notes of such series) to make any payment
     of the principal of or interest on the Notes of such series when the same
     shall be due and payable.

          The Issuer will, on or prior to each due date of the principal of or
interest on the Notes of any series, deposit with the paying agent a sum
sufficient to pay such principal or interest so becoming due, and (unless such
paying agent is the Trustee) the Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee of any
failure to take such action.

          If the Issuer shall act as its own paying agent with respect to the
Notes of any series, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of or
interest on the Notes of such series, set aside, segregate and hold in trust for
the benefit of the Holders of the Notes of such series or the Coupons, if any,
appertaining thereto a sum sufficient to pay such principal or interest so
becoming due.  The Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee of any failure to
take such action.

          Anything in this Section to the contrary notwithstanding, but subject
to Section 10.1, the Issuer may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining a
satisfaction and discharge with respect to one or more or all series of Notes
hereunder, or for any other reason, pay or cause to be paid to the Trustee all
sums held in trust for any such series by the Issuer or any paying agent
hereunder, as required by this Section, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon
the trusts herein contained.

          Anything in this Section to the contrary notwithstanding, the
agreement to hold sums in trust as provided in this Section is subject to the
provisions of Sections 10.3 and 10.4.

                                      -26-
<PAGE>
 
          Section 3.5  Opinions of Counsel.  The Issuer will cause this
                       -------------------                             
Indenture, any indentures supplemental to this Indenture, and any financing or
continuation statements to be promptly recorded and filed and rerecorded and
refiled in such a manner and in such places, if any, as may be required by law
in order fully to preserve, protect and perfect the security interest of the
Trustee in the Collateral Bonds and all rights of the Trustee, and will deliver
to the Trustee:

          (a)  promptly after the execution and delivery of this Indenture and
     of any indenture supplemental to this Indenture, an Opinion of Counsel
     either stating that in the opinion of such counsel this Indenture or such
     supplemental indenture and any financing or continuation statements have
     been properly recorded and filed so as to make effective and to perfect the
     security interest of the Trustee, for the benefit of the holders from time
     to time of the Notes, in the Collateral Bonds intended to be created by
     this Indenture, and reciting the details of such action, or stating that in
     the opinion of such counsel no such action is necessary to perfect or make
     such security interest effective and stating what, if any, action of the
     foregoing character may reasonably be expected to become necessary prior to
     the next succeeding February 1 to maintain, perfect and make such security
     interest effective; and

          (b)  on or before February 1 of each year, beginning in 1995, an
     Opinion of Counsel either stating that in the opinion of such counsel such
     action has been taken, since the date of the most recent Opinion of Counsel
     furnished pursuant to this Section 3.5(b) or the first Opinion of Counsel
     furnished pursuant to Section 3.5(a), with respect to the recording,
     filing, rerecording, or refiling of this Indenture, each supplemental
     indenture and any financing or continuation statements, as is necessary to
     maintain and perfect the security interest of the Trustee, for the benefit
     of the holders from time to time of the Notes, in the Collateral Bonds
     intended to be created by this Indenture, and reciting the details of such
     action, or stating that in the opinion of such counsel no such action is
     necessary to maintain and perfect such security interest and stating what,
     if any, action of the foregoing character may reasonably be expected to
     become necessary prior to the next succeeding February 1 to maintain,
     perfect and make such security interest effective.

          Section 3.6  Limitations on Issuance of Notes.  No Notes shall be
                       --------------------------------                    
issued hereunder if, after giving effect to such issuance, the aggregate
principal amount of the Outstanding Notes would exceed the aggregate Stated
Principal Amounts of the Collateral Bonds.

                                      -27-
<PAGE>
 
                                 ARTICLE FOUR

                      NOTEHOLDERS LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE
                            ISSUER AND THE TRUSTEE
                  -------------------------------------------

          Section 4.1  Issuer to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of
                       ------------------------------------------------
Noteholders.  The Issuer and any other obligor on the Notes covenant and agree
- -----------                                                                   
that they will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee a list in such
form as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the
Holders of the Registered Notes of each series:

          (a)  semi-annually and not more than 15 days after each Record Date
     for the payment of interest on such Registered Notes, as of such Record
     Date and on dates to be determined pursuant to Section 2.3 for non-interest
     bearing Registered Notes, in each year; and

          (b)  at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within
     30 days after receipt by the Issuer of any such request, as of a date not
     more than 15 days prior to the time such information is furnished;

provided that if and so long as the Trustee shall be the Note Registrar for such
- --------                                                                        
series and all of the Notes of such series are Registered Notes, such list shall
not be required to be furnished.

          Section 4.2  Preservation and Disclosure of Noteholders Lists.  (a)
                       ------------------------------------------------       
The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable,
all information as to the names and addresses of the Holders of each series of
Registered Notes (i) contained in the most recent list furnished to it as
provided in Section 4.1, (ii) received by it in the capacity of Note Registrar
for such series, if so acting, and (iii) filed with it within the two preceding
years pursuant to Section 4.4(c)(ii).  The Trustee may destroy any list
furnished to it as provided in Section 4.1 upon receipt of a new list so
furnished.

          (b)  In case three or more Holders of Notes (hereinafter referred to
as "applicants") apply in writing to the Trustee and furnish to the Trustee
reasonable proof that each such applicant has owned a Note for a period of at
least six months preceding the date of such application, and such application
states that the applicants desire to communicate with other Holders of Notes of
a particular series (in which case the applicants must all hold Notes of such
series) or with Holders of all Notes with respect to their rights under this
Indenture or under such Notes and such application is accompanied by a copy of
the form of proxy or other communication which such applicants propose to
transmit, then the Trustee shall, within five Business

                                      -28-
<PAGE>
 
Days after the receipt of such application, at its election, either

          (i)  afford to such applicants access to the information preserved at
     the time by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a)
     of this Section; or

          (ii)  inform such applicants as to the approximate number of Holders
     of Registered Notes of such series or of all Registered Notes, as the case
     may be, whose names and addresses appear in the information preserved at
     the time by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such
     subsection (a) and as to the approximate cost of mailing to such Holders
     the form of proxy or other communication, if any, specified in such
     application.

          If the Trustee shall elect not to afford to such applicants access to
such information, the Trustee shall, upon the written request of such
applicants, mail to each Holder of such series or all Holders of Registered
Notes, whose name and address appears in the information preserved at the time
by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions of such subsection (a) a copy
of the form of proxy or other communication which is specified in such request,
with reasonable promptness after a tender to the Trustee of the material to be
mailed and of payment, or provision for the payment, of the reasonable expenses
of mailing, unless within five days after such tender the Trustee shall mail to
such applicants and file with the Commission, together with a copy of the
material to be mailed, a written statement to the effect that, in the opinion of
the Trustee, such mailing would be contrary to the best interests of the Holders
of Registered Notes of such series or of all Registered Notes, as the case may
be, or would be in violation of applicable law.  Such written statement shall
specify the basis of such opinion.  If the Commission, after opportunity for a
hearing upon the objections specified in the written statement so filed, shall
enter an order refusing to sustain any of such objections or if, after the entry
of an order sustaining one or more of such objections, the Commission shall
find, after notice and opportunity for hearing, that all the objections so
sustained have been met, and shall enter an order so declaring, the Trustee
shall mail copies of such material to all such Holders with reasonable
promptness after the entry of such order and the renewal of such tender;
otherwise the Trustee shall be relieved of any obligation or duty to such
applicants respecting their application.

          (c)  Each and every Holder of Notes and Coupons, by receiving and
holding the same, agrees with the Issuer and the Trustee that neither the Issuer
nor the Trustee nor any agent of

                                      -29-
<PAGE>
 
the Issuer or the Trustee shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure
of any such information as to the names and addresses of the Holders of Notes in
accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this Section, regardless of
the source from which such information was derived, and that the Trustee shall
not be held accountable by reason of mailing any material pursuant to a request
made under such subsection (b).

          Section 4.3  Reports by the Issuer.  The Issuer covenants:
                       ---------------------                        

          (a)  to file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Issuer is
     required to file the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports
     and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such
     portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to time by
     rules and regulations prescribe) which the Issuer may be required to file
     with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
     Securities Exchange Act of 1934; or if the Issuer is not required to file
     information, documents or reports pursuant to either of such Sections, then
     to file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and
     regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such of the
     supplementary and periodic information, documents, and reports which may be
     required pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in
     respect of a debt security listed and registered on a national securities
     exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and
     regulations;

          (b)  to file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with
     rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such
     additional information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by
     the Issuer with the conditions and covenants provided for in this Indenture
     as may be required from time to time by such rules and regulations;

          (c)  to transmit by mail to the Holders of Notes within 30 days after
     the filing thereof with the Trustee, in the manner and to the extent
     provided in Section 4.4(c), such summaries of any information, documents
     and reports required to be filed by the Issuer pursuant to subsections (a)
     and (b) of this Section as may be required to be transmitted to such
     Holders by rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the
     Commission; and

                                      -30-
<PAGE>
 
          (d) to furnish to the Trustee, not less often than annually, a brief
     certificate from the principal executive officer, principal financial
     officer or principal accounting officer as to his or her knowledge of the
     Issuer's compliance with all conditions and covenants under this Indenture
     (such compliance to be determined without regard to any period of grace or
     requirement of notice provided under this Indenture).

          Section 4.4  Reports by the Trustee.  (a)  Within 60 days after
                       ----------------------                            
February 15 of each year, commencing with the year 1995, the Trustee shall
transmit by mail to the Holders of the Notes of each series, as provided in
subsection (c) of this Section, a brief report dated as of such February 15 with
respect to any of the following events which may have occurred within the
twelve-month period ending on such February 15 (but if no event has occurred
within such period no report need be transmitted):

          (i)  any change to its eligibility under Section 6.9 and its
     qualification under Section 6.8;

          (ii)  the creation of or any material change to a relationship
     specified in Section 6.8(c);

          (iii)  the character and amount of any advances (and if the Trustee
     elects so to state, the circumstances surrounding the making thereof) made
     by the Trustee (as such) which remain unpaid on the date of such report and
     for the reimbursement of which it claims or may claim a lien or charge,
     prior to that of the Notes of such series, on any property or funds held or
     collected by it as Trustee, except that the Trustee shall not be required
     (but may elect) to report such advances if such advances so remaining
     unpaid aggregate not more than 1/2 of 1% of the principal amount of the
     Notes of such series Outstanding on the date of such report;

          (iv)  any change to the amount, interest rate and maturity date of all
     other indebtedness owing by the Issuer (or by any other obligor on the
     Notes) to the Trustee in its individual capacity on the date of such
     report, with a brief description of any property held as collateral
     security therefor, except any indebtedness based upon a creditor
     relationship arising in any manner described in Section 6.13(b)(2),(3),(4)
     or (6);

          (v)  any change to the property and funds, if any, physically in the
     possession of the Trustee (as such) on the date of such report;

                                      -31-
<PAGE>
 
          (vi) any release, or release and substitution of property subject to
     the lien of the Indenture (and the consideration therefor, if any) which
     the Trustee has not previously reported;

          (vii)  any additional issue of Notes which the Trustee has not
     previously reported; and

          (viii)  any action taken by the Trustee in the performance of its
     duties under this Indenture which it has not previously reported and which
     in its opinion materially affects the Notes of such series, except action
     in respect of a default, notice of which has been or is to be withheld by
     it in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.11.

          (b)  The Trustee shall transmit to the Holders of each series, as
provided in subsection (c) of this Section, a brief report with respect to the
character and amount of any advances (and if the Trustee elects so to state, the
circumstances surrounding the making thereof) made by the Trustee, as such,
since the date of the last report transmitted pursuant to the provisions of
subsection (a) of this Section (or if no such report has yet been so
transmitted, since the date of this Indenture) for the reimbursement of which it
claims or may claim a lien or charge, prior to that of the Notes of such series,
on property or funds held or collected by it as Trustee and which it has not
previously reported pursuant to this subsection (b), except that the Trustee
shall not be required (but may elect)   to report such advances if such advances
remaining unpaid at any time aggregate 10% or less of the principal amount of
the Notes of such series outstanding at such time, such report to be transmitted
within 90 days after such time.

          (c)  Reports pursuant to this Section shall be transmitted by mail:

          (i)  to all Holders of Registered Notes, as the names and addresses of
     such Holders appear upon the Note Register;

          (ii)  to such other Holders of Notes as have, within two years
     preceding such transmission, filed their names and addresses with the
     Trustee for that purpose; and

          (iii)  except in the case of reports pursuant to subsection (b), to
     each Holder of a Note whose name and address are preserved at the time by
     the Trustee as provided in Section 4.2(a).

                                      -32-
<PAGE>
 
          (d)  A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such
transmission to the Holders, be furnished to the Issuer and be filed by the
Trustee with each stock exchange, if any, upon which the Notes of any series are
listed and also with the Commission.  The Issuer agrees to notify the Trustee
when and as the Notes of such series become admitted to trading on any national
securities exchange.


                                 ARTICLE FIVE

                    REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND NOTEHOLDERS
                              ON EVENT OF DEFAULT
                  -------------------------------------------

          Section 5.1  Event of Default Defined; Acceleration of Maturity;
                       ---------------------------------------------------
Waiver of Default.  "Event of Default" with respect to Notes of any series,
- -----------------                                                          
wherever used herein, means each of the following events which shall have
occurred and be continuing (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and
whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law
or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or
regulation of any administrative or governmental body):

          (a)  default in the payment of any installment of interest upon any of
     the Notes of such series as and when the same shall become due and payable,
     and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or

          (b)  default in the payment of all or any part of the principal of any
     of the Notes of such series as and when the same shall become due and
     payable, whether at maturity, upon any redemption, by declaration or
     otherwise; or

          (c)  default in the deposit of any sinking fund or analogous payment
     for the benefit of the Notes of such series as and when the same shall
     become due and payable; or

          (d)  failure on the part of the Issuer duly to observe or perform any
     other of the covenants or agreements on the part of the Issuer in the Notes
     of such series or in this Indenture contained (other than a covenant or
     agreement expressly included herein solely for the benefit of Notes of
     other series) for a period of 60 days after the date on which written
     notice specifying such failure, stating that such notice is a "Notice of
     Default" hereunder and demanding that the Issuer remedy the same, shall
     have been given by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
     to the Issuer by the Trustee, or to the

                                      -33-
<PAGE>
 
     Issuer and the Trustee by the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate
     principal amount of the Outstanding Notes of all series affected thereby;
     or

          (e)  an event of default (as defined in the First Mortgage) has
     occurred and is continuing, and the Mortgage Trustee, the Issuer or the
     holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding
     Notes shall have given written notice thereof to the Trustee; or

          (f)  a court having jurisdiction in the premises shall enter a decree
     or order for relief in respect of the Issuer in an involuntary case under
     any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter
     in effect, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian,
     trustee or sequestrator (or similar official) of the Issuer or for any
     substantial part of the property of the Issuer, or ordering the winding up
     or liquidation of the affairs of the Issuer, and such decree or order shall
     remain unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or

          (g)  the Issuer shall commence a voluntary case under any applicable
     bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or
     consent to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under
     any such law, or consent to the appointment or taking possession by a
     receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee or sequestrator (or
     similar official) of the Issuer or for any substantial part of the property
     of the Issuer, or make any general assignment for the benefit of creditors;
     or

          (h)  any other Event of Default provided in or pursuant to the
     supplemental indenture or Board Resolution establishing the terms of such
     series of Notes as provided in Section 2.3 or in the form of Note for such
     series;

then, and in each and every such case, the Trustee shall demand the redemption
of the Collateral Bonds in accordance with Article I, Section 5 of the Mortgage
Supplemental Indenture and, unless the principal of all the Notes shall have
already become due and payable, either the Trustee or the Holders of not less
than 25% in aggregate principal amount of all the Notes then Outstanding (voting
as one class), by notice in writing to the Issuer (and to the Trustee if given
by such Holders), may declare the entire principal of all the Notes then
Outstanding and interest accrued thereon, if any, to be due and payable
immediately, and upon any such declaration the same shall become immediately due
and payable.

                                      -34-
<PAGE>
 
          The foregoing paragraph, however, is subject to the condition that if,
at any time after the principal of the Notes of one or more series shall have
been so declared due and payable, and before any judgment or decree for the
payment of the moneys due shall have been obtained or entered as hereinafter
provided and before the redemption of the Collateral Bonds, the Issuer shall pay
or shall deposit with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay all matured
installments of interest upon all the Notes of such series and the principal of
all Notes of such series which shall have become due otherwise than by
acceleration (with interest upon such principal and, to the extent that payment
of such interest is enforceable under applicable law, on overdue installments of
interest at the same rate as the rate of interest (or Yield to Maturity, in the
case of Original Issue Discount Notes) specified in the Notes of such series, to
the date of such payment or deposit) and such amount as shall be sufficient to
cover reasonable compensation to the Trustee, its agents, attorneys and counsel,
and all other expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the
Trustee except as a result of negligence or bad faith, and if any and all Events
of Default under this Indenture with respect to such series, other than the non-
payment of the principal of Notes of such series which shall have become due by
acceleration, shall have been cured, waived or otherwise remedied as provided
herein - then, and in every such case, the Holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of all the Notes of such affected series then Outstanding
(voting as one class, except in the case of Events of Default described in
clauses (a), (b) and (c) of such paragraph, in which case each series of Notes
as to which such an Event of Default shall have occurred shall vote as a
separate class), by written notice to the Issuer and to the Trustee, may direct
the Trustee to withdraw the demand for the redemption of the Collateral Bonds
and waive all defaults with respect to such series and rescind and annul such
declaration and its consequences, but no such waiver or rescission and annulment
shall extend to or shall affect any subsequent default or shall impair any right
consequent thereon.

          For all purposes under this Indenture, if a portion of the principal
of any Original Issue Discount Notes shall have been accelerated and declared
due and payable pursuant to the provisions hereof, then, from and after such
declaration, unless such declaration has been rescinded and annulled, the
principal amount of such Original Issue Discount Notes shall be deemed, for all
purposes hereunder, to be such portion of the principal thereof as shall be due
and payable as a result of such acceleration, and payment of such portion of the
principal thereof as shall be due and payable as a result of such acceleration,
together with interest, if any, thereon and all other amounts owing thereunder,
shall constitute payment in full of such Original Issue Discount Notes.

                                      -35-
<PAGE>
 
          Section 5.2  Collection of Indebtedness by Trustee; Trustee May Prove
                       --------------------------------------------------------
Debt.  The Issuer covenants that (a) in case default shall be made in the
- ----                                                                     
payment of any installment of interest on any of the Notes of any series when
such interest shall have become due and payable, and such default shall have
continued for a period of 30 days, or (b) in case default shall be made in the
payment of all or any part of the principal of any of the Notes of any series
when the same shall have become due and payable, whether at maturity, upon
redemption, by declaration or otherwise -- then, upon demand of the Trustee, the
Issuer will pay to the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes of
such series the whole amount that then shall have become due and payable on all
Notes of such series, including all Coupons, for principal or interest, as the
case may be (with interest to the date of such payment upon the overdue
principal and, to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under
applicable law, on overdue installments of interest at the same rate as the rate
of interest (or Yield to Maturity, in the case of Original Issue Discount Notes)
specified in the Notes of such series); and in addition thereto, such further
amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection,
including reasonable compensation to the Trustee, its agents, attorneys and
counsel, and any expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by
the Trustee except as a result of its negligence or bad faith.

          Until such demand is made by the Trustee, the Issuer may pay the
principal of and interest on the Notes of such series to the Holders, whether or
not the Notes of such series be overdue.

          In case the Issuer shall fail forthwith to pay such amounts upon such
demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, shall
be entitled and empowered to institute any action or proceedings at law or in
equity for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute any
such action or proceedings to judgment or final decree, and may enforce any such
judgment or final decree against the Issuer or other obligor upon the Notes of
such series and collect in the manner provided by law out of the property of the
Issuer or other obligor upon the Notes of such series, wherever situated the
moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable.

          In case there shall be pending proceedings relative to the Issuer or
any other obligor upon the Notes of any series under Title 11 of the United
States Code or any other applicable Federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or
other similar law, or in case a receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or
reorganization, liquidator, sequestrator or similar official shall have been
appointed for or taken possession of the Issuer or its property or such other
obligor, or in case of any other comparable judicial proceedings relative to the
Issuer or such

                                     -36-
<PAGE>
 
other obligor, or to the creditors or property of the Issuer or such other
obligor, the Trustee, irrespective of whether the principal of the Notes of any
series shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or
otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand
pursuant to the provisions of this Section, shall be entitled and empowered, by
intervention in such proceedings or otherwise:

          (a)  to file and prove a claim or claims for the whole amount of the
     principal and interest (or, if the Notes of any series are Original Issue
     Discount Notes, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in
     the terms of such series) owing and unpaid in respect of the Notes of each
     series, and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or
     advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim
     for reasonable compensation to the Trustee and its agents, attorneys and
     counsel, and for reimbursement of all expenses and liabilities incurred,
     and all advances made, by the Trustee, except as a result of negligence or
     bad faith) and of the Noteholders allowed in any judicial proceedings
     relative to the Issuer or such other obligor, or to the creditors or
     property of the Issuer or such other obligor;

          (b)  unless prohibited by applicable law and regulations, to vote on
     behalf of the Holders of the Notes of each series in any election of a
     trustee or a standby trustee in arrangement, reorganization, liquidation or
     other bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings or person performing similar
     functions in comparable proceedings; and

          (c)  to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or
     deliverable on any such claims, and to distribute all amounts received with
     respect to the claims of the Noteholders and of the Trustee on their
     behalf; and any trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar
     official is hereby authorized by each of the Noteholders to make payments
     to the Trustee, and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the
     making of payments directly to the Noteholders, to pay to the Trustee such
     amounts as shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the
     Trustee, and its agents, attorneys and counsel, and all other expenses and
     liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee except as a
     result of negligence or bad faith.

          Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to
authorize or consent to or vote for or accept or

                                      -37-
<PAGE>
 
adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement,
adjustment or composition affecting the Notes of any series or the rights of any
Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of
any Holder in any such proceeding except, as aforesaid, to vote for the election
of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar person.

          All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture, or
under any of the Notes of any series or Coupons appertaining thereto, may be
enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Notes of such
series or Coupons appertaining thereto or the production thereof on any trial or
other proceedings relative thereto, and any such action or proceedings
instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an
express trust, and any recovery of judgment, subject to the payment of the
expenses, disbursements and compensation of the Trustee and its agents,
attorneys and counsel, shall be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the
Notes or Coupons appertaining to such Notes in respect of which such action was
taken.

          In any proceedings brought by the Trustee (and also any proceedings
involving the interpretation of any provision of this Indenture to which the
Trustee shall be a party) the Trustee shall be held to represent all the Holders
of the Notes and Coupons appertaining thereto in respect to which action was
taken, and it shall not be necessary to make any Holders of such Notes or
Coupons parties to any such proceedings.

          Section 5.3  Application of Proceeds.  Any moneys collected by the
                       -----------------------                              
Trustee pursuant to this Article in respect of the Notes of any series shall be
applied in the following order at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in
case of the distribution of such moneys on account of principal or interest,
upon presentation of the several Notes and Coupons appertaining thereto in
respect of which moneys have been collected and stamping (or otherwise noting)
thereon the payment, or issuing Notes of the same series in reduced principal
amounts in exchange for the presented Notes if only partially paid, or upon
surrender thereof if fully paid:

          FIRST:  To the payment of costs and expenses of collection applicable
     to such series, including reasonable compensation to the Trustee and its
     agents, attorneys and counsel and of all expenses and liabilities incurred,
     and all advances made, by the Trustee except as a result of negligence or
     bad faith;

          SECOND:  In case the principal of the Notes of such series in respect
     of which moneys have been collected shall not have become and be then due
     and payable, to the payment of interest on the Notes of

                                      -38-
<PAGE>
 
     such series in default in the order of the maturity of the installments of
     such interest, with interest (to the extent that such interest has been
     collected by the Trustee) upon the overdue installments of interest at the
     same rate as the rate of interest (or Yield to Maturity, in the case of
     Original Issue Discount Notes) specified in such Notes, such payments to be
     made ratably to the Persons entitled thereto, without discrimination or
     preference;

          THIRD:  In case the principal of the Notes of such series in respect
     of which moneys have been collected shall have become and be then due and
     payable, to the payment of the whole amount then owing and unpaid upon all
     the Notes of such series for principal and interest, with interest upon the
     overdue principal, and (to the extent that such interest has been collected
     by the Trustee) upon overdue installments of interest at the same rate as
     the rate of interest (or Yield to Maturity, in the case of Original Issue
     Discount Notes) specified in the Notes of such series; and in case such
     moneys shall be insufficient to pay in full the whole amount so due and
     unpaid upon the Notes of such series, then to the payment of such principal
     and interest, without preference or priority of principal over interest, or
     of interest over principal, or of any installment of interest over any
     other installment of interest, or of any Note of such series over any other
     Note of such series, ratably to the aggregate of such principal and accrued
     and unpaid interest; and

          FOURTH:  To the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Issuer or any
     other person lawfully entitled thereto.

          Section 5.4  Suits for Enforcement.  In case an Event of Default has
                       ---------------------                                  
occurred, has not been waived and is continuing, the Trustee may in its
discretion proceed to protect and enforce the rights vested in it by this
Indenture by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem
most effectual to protect and enforce any of such rights, either at law or in
equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, whether for the specific enforcement of
any covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise
of any power granted in this Indenture or to enforce any other legal or
equitable right vested in the Trustee by this Indenture or by law.

          Section 5.5  Restoration of Rights on Abandonment of Proceedings.  In
                       ---------------------------------------------------     
case the Trustee shall have proceeded to enforce any right under this Indenture
and such proceedings shall have been discontinued or abandoned for any reason,
or shall have been determined adversely to the Trustee, then, and in every such

                                      -39-
<PAGE>
 
case, the Issuer and the Trustee shall be restored respectively to their former
positions and rights hereunder, and all rights, remedies and powers of the
Issuer, the Trustee and the Noteholders shall continue as though no such
proceedings had been taken.

          Section 5.6  Limitations on Suits by Noteholders.  No Holder of any
                       -----------------------------------                   
Note of any series or of any Coupon appertaining thereto shall have any right by
virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to institute any action
or proceeding at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise upon or under or
with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a trustee, receiver,
liquidator, custodian or other similar official or for any other remedy
hereunder, unless such Holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written
notice of default and of the continuance thereof, as hereinbefore provided, and
unless also the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of
the Notes of each affected series then Outstanding (determined as provided in
Section 5.1 and voting as one class) shall have made written request upon the
Trustee to institute such action or proceedings in its own name as trustee
hereunder and shall have offered to the Trustee such reasonable indemnity as it
may require against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred therein
or thereby and the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request
and offer of indemnity shall have failed to institute any such action or
proceeding and no direction inconsistent with such written request shall have
been given to the Trustee pursuant to Section 5.9; it being understood and
intended, and being expressly covenanted by the taker and Holder of every Note
or Coupon with every other taker and Holder and the Trustee, that no one or more
Holders of Notes of any series or Coupons appertaining thereto shall have any
right in any manner whatever by virtue or by availing of any provision of this
Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other Holder of
Notes or Coupons appertaining thereto, or to obtain or seek to obtain priority
over or preference to any other such Holder or to enforce any right under this
Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal, ratable and
common benefit of all Holders of Notes of the affected series and Coupons.  For
the protection and enforcement of the provisions of this Section, each and every
Noteholder and the Trustee shall be entitled to such relief as can be given
either at law or in equity.

          Section 5.7  Unconditional Right of Noteholders to Institute Certain
                       -------------------------------------------------------
Suits.  Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture and any provision
- -----                                                                          
of any Note, the right of any Holder of any Note or Coupon to receive payment of
the principal of and interest on such Note or Coupon on or after the respective
due dates expressed in such Note or Coupon, or to institute suit for the
enforcement of any such payment on or after such

                                      -40-
<PAGE>
 
respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such
Holder.

          Section 5.8  Powers and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not
                       -----------------------------------------------------
Waiver of Default.  Except as provided in Section 5.6, no right or remedy herein
- -----------------                                                               
conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders of Notes or Coupons
is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and
remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to
every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law
or in equity or otherwise.  The assertion or employment of any right or remedy
hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or
employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

          No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of Notes or
Coupons to exercise any right or power accruing upon any Event of Default
occurring and continuing as aforesaid shall impair any such right or power or
shall be construed to be a waiver of any such Event of Default or an
acquiescence therein; and, subject to Section 5.6, every power and remedy given
by this Indenture or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders of Notes or Coupons
may be exercised from time to time, and as often as shall be deemed expedient,
by the Trustee or by the Holders of Notes or Coupons.

          Section 5.9  Control by Holders of Notes.  The Holders of a majority
                       ---------------------------                            
in aggregate principal amount of the Notes of each series affected at the time
Outstanding (determined as provided in Section 5.1 and voting as one class)
shall have the right to direct the time, method, and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or
power conferred upon the Trustee with respect to the Notes of such affected
series by this Indenture; provided that such direction shall not be otherwise
                          --------                                           
than in accordance with law and the provisions of this Indenture and provided
                                                                     --------
further that (subject to the provisions of Section 6.1) the Trustee shall have
- -------                                                                       
the right to decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee, being advised
by counsel, shall determine that the action or proceeding so directed may not
lawfully be taken or if the Trustee in good faith by its board of directors, its
executive committee or a trust committee of directors or Responsible Officers of
the Trustee shall determine that the action or proceedings so directed would
involve the Trustee in personal liability or that the actions or forbearances
specified in or pursuant to such direction would be unduly prejudicial to the
interests of Holders of the Notes of all affected series not joining in the
giving of said direction, it being understood that (subject to Section 6.1) the
Trustee shall have no duty to ascertain whether or not such actions or
forbearances are unduly prejudicial to such Holders.

                                      -41-
<PAGE>
 
          Nothing in this Indenture shall impair the right of the Trustee in its
discretion to take any action deemed proper by the Trustee and which is not
inconsistent with such direction or directions by Noteholders.

          Section 5.10  Waiver of Past Defaults.  Prior to the declaration of
                        -----------------------                              
acceleration of the maturity of any Notes as provided in Section 5.1, the
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes of all series
at the time Outstanding with respect to which a default or an Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing (determined as provided in Section 5.1 and
voting as one class) may on behalf of the Holders of all such affected Notes
waive any past default or Event of Default described in Section 5.1 and its
consequences, except a default or an Event of Default in respect of a covenant
or provision hereof or of any Note which cannot be modified or amended without
the consent of the Holder of each Note affected.  In the case of any such
waiver, the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of all such affected Notes shall
be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder, respectively; but no
such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right
consequent thereon.

          Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist and be deemed
to have been cured and not to have occurred, and any Event of Default arising
therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, and not to have occurred for every
purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or
other default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

          Section 5.11  Trustee to Give Notice of Default, But May Withhold in
                        ------------------------------------------------------
Certain Circumstances.  The Trustee shall, within 9O days after the occurrence
- ---------------------                                                         
of a default with respect to the Notes of any series, give notice of all
defaults with respect to such series known to the Trustee (i) if any
Unregistered Notes of such series are then Outstanding, to the Holders thereof
by publication at least once in an Authorized Newspaper in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York, and (ii) to all Holders of Notes of such series
in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 4.4(c), unless in each case
such defaults shall have been cured before the mailing or publication of such
notice (the term "default" for the purpose of this Article being hereby defined
to mean any event or condition which is, or with notice or lapse of time or both
would become, an Event of Default); provided that, except in the case of default
in the payment of the principal of or the interest on any of the Notes of such
series, or in the payment of any sinking fund installment or analogous payment
on such series, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and
so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee
of directors or trustees and/or Responsible Officers of the Trustee

                                      -42-
<PAGE>
 
in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests
of the Noteholders of such series.

          Section 5.12  Right of Court to Require Filing of Undertaking to Pay
                        ------------------------------------------------------
Costs.  All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Note or
- -----                                                                      
Coupon by his acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court
may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or
remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action
taken, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in
such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court
may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys'
fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits
and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the
provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit instituted by the
Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Noteholder or group of Noteholders of any
series holding in the aggregate more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of
the Notes of such series, or, in the case of any suit relating to or arising
under clause (d) or (h) of sec-tion 5.1 (if the suit relates to the Notes of
more than one but less than all series), 10% in aggregate principal amount of
the Notes then Outstanding and affected thereby, or, in the case of any suit
relating to or arising under clause (d) or (h) (if the suit relates to all the
Notes then Outstanding), or clause (f) or (g) of Section 5.1, 10% in aggregate
principal amount of all Notes then Outstanding, or to any suit instituted by any
Noteholder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of or the
interest (including interest evidenced by any Coupon) on any Note on or after
the due date expressed in such Note or Coupon or any date fixed for redemption.


                                  ARTICLE SIX

                            CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
                            ----------------------

          Section 6.1  Duties and Responsibilities of the Trustee; During
                       --------------------------------------------------
Default; Prior to Default.  The Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of
- -------------------------                                                      
Default with respect to the Notes of a particular series and after the curing or
waiving of all Events of Default which may have occurred with respect to such
series, undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are
specifically set forth in this Indenture.  In case an Event of Default with
respect to the Notes of a particular series has occurred (which has not been
cured or waived), the Trustee shall exercise with respect to such series such of
the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of
care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent man would exercise or use under
the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.

                                      -43-
<PAGE>
 
          No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the
Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure
to act or its own wilful misconduct, except that

          (a)  prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to
     the Notes of any series and after the curing or waiving of all such Events
     of Default which may have occurred with respect to such series:

               (i)  the duties and obligations of the Trustee with respect to
          the Notes of such series shall be determined solely by the express
          provisions of this Indenture, and the Trustee shall not be liable
          except for the performance of such duties and obligations as are
          specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or
          obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

               (ii)  in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Trustee, the
          Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and
          the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any
          statements, certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and
          conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; but in the case of
          any such statements, certificates or opinions which by any provision
          hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the
          Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether
          or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture;

          (b)  the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in
     good faith by a Responsible Officer or Responsible Officers of the Trustee,
     unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining
     the pertinent facts; and

          (c)  the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken
     or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with an
     appropriate direction of the Holders pursuant to Section 5.9 relating to
     the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
     available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon
     the Trustee, under this Indenture.

                                      -44-
<PAGE>
 
          None of the provisions contained in this Indenture shall require the
Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial
liability in the performance of any of its duties or in the exercise of any of
its rights or powers, if there shall be reasonable grounds for believing that
the repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such liability is not
reasonably assured to it.

          Section 6.2  Certain Rights of the Trustee.  Subject to Section 6.1:
                       -----------------------------                          

          (a)  the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or
     refraining from acting upon any resolution, Officers' Certificate or other
     certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request,
     consent, order, bond, debenture, note, Coupon, security or other paper or
     document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented
     by the proper party or parties;

          (b)  any request, direction, order or demand of the Issuer mentioned
     herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Officers' Certificate (unless
     other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed); and
     any resolution of the Board of Directors may be evidenced to the Trustee by
     a copy thereof certified by the secretary or an assistant secretary of the
     Issuer;

          (c)  the Trustee may consult with counsel and any written advice or
     any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and
     protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken
     by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such advice or Opinion
     of Counsel;

          (d)  the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the
     trusts or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or
     direction of any of the Holders pursuant to the provisions of this
     Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable
     indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be
     incurred therein or thereby;

          (e)  the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted
     by it in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the
     discretion, rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture;

                                      -45-
<PAGE>
 
          (f)  prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to
     the Notes of any series and after the curing or waiving of all such Events
     of Default, the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into
     the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement,
     instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval,
     appraisal, bond, debenture, note, Coupon, security or other paper or
     document unless requested in writing so to do by the Holders of not less
     than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes of all affected
     series then Outstanding; provided that, if the payment within a reasonable
                              --------                                         
     time to the Trustee of the costs, expenses or liabilities likely to be
     incurred by it in the making of such investigation is, in the opinion of
     the Trustee, not reasonably assured to the Trustee by the security afforded
     to it by the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee may require reasonable
     indemnity against such costs, expenses or liabilities as a condition to
     proceeding; the reasonable expenses of every such investigation shall be
     paid by the Issuer or, if paid by the Trustee, shall be repaid by the
     Issuer upon demand; and

          (g)  the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or
     perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or
     attorneys not regularly in its employ, and the Trustee shall not be
     responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent
     or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder.

          Section 6.3  Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals, Disposition of
                       ----------------------------------------------------
Notes or Application of Proceeds Thereof.  The recitals contained herein and in
- ----------------------------------------                                       
the Notes, except the Trustee's certificates of authentication, shall be taken
as the statements of the Issuer, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for
the correctness of the same.  The Trustee makes no representation as to the
validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Notes or Coupons.  The
Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Issuer of any
of the Notes or of the proceeds thereof.

          Section 6.4  Trustee and Agents May Hold Notes or Coupons;
                       ---------------------------------------------
Collections, etc.  The Trustee or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee, in its
- -----------------                                                               
individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Notes or
Coupons with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee or such
agent and, subject to Sections 6.8 and 6.13, may otherwise deal with the Issuer
and receive, collect, hold and retain collections from the Issuer with the same
rights it would have if it were not the Trustee or such agent.

                                      -46-
<PAGE>
 
          Section 6.5  Moneys Held by Trustee.  Subject to the provisions of
                       ----------------------                               
Section 10.4, all moneys received by the Trustee shall, until used or applied as
herein provided, be held in trust for the purposes for which they were received,
but need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by
mandatory provisions of law.  Neither the Trustee nor any agent of the Issuer or
the Trustee shall be under any liability for interest on any moneys received by
it hereunder.

          Section 6.6  Compensation and Indemnification of Trustee and Its Prior
                       ---------------------------------------------------------
Claim.  The Issuer covenants and agrees to pay to the Trustee from time to time,
- -----                                                                           
and the Trustee shall be entitled to, reasonable compensation (which shall not
be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of
an express trust), and the Issuer covenants and agrees to pay or reimburse the
Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances
incurred or made by or on behalf of it in accordance with any of the provisions
of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and
disbursements of its counsel and of all agents and other persons not regularly
in its employ) except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may arise
from its negligence or bad faith.  The Issuer also covenants to indemnify the
Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense
incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part arising out of or in
connection with the acceptance or administration of this Indenture or the trusts
hereunder and its duties hereunder, including the costs and expenses of
defending itself against or investigating any claim of liability in the
premises.  The obligations of the Issuer under this Section to compensate and
indemnify the Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee for expenses,
disbursements and advances shall constitute additional indebtedness hereunder
and shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.  Such
additional indebtedness shall be a senior claim to that of the Notes upon all
property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held
in trust for the benefit of the Holders of particular Notes or Coupons, and the
Notes are hereby subordinated to such senior claim.  When the Trustee incurs
expenses after the occurrence of a default, the expenses are intended to
constitute expenses of administration under any bankruptcy law.

          Section 6.7  Right of Trustee to Rely on Officers' Certificate, etc.
                       ------------------------------------------------------- 
Subject to Sections 6.1 and 6.2, whenever in the administration of the trusts of
this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it necessary or desirable that a matter be
proved or established prior to taking or suffering or omitting any action
hereunder, such matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein
specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of negligence or bad faith on the
part of the Trustee, be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by an
Officers'

                                      -47-
<PAGE>
 
Certificate delivered to the Trustee, and such certificate, in the absence of
negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, shall be full warrant to the
Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it under the provisions of
this Indenture in reliance thereon.

          Section 6.8  Qualification of Trustee; Conflicting Interests.  (a)  If
                       -----------------------------------------------          
the Trustee has or shall acquire any conflicting interest, as defined in this
Section, it shall, within 90 days after ascertaining that it has such
conflicting interest, and if the default (as defined in subsection (c) of this
Section) to which such conflicting interest relates has not been cured or duly
waived or otherwise eliminated before the end of such 90-day period, either
eliminate such conflicting interest or, except as otherwise provided in Section
6.10(e), resign in the manner and with the effect specified in this Article.

          (b)  In the event that the Trustee shall fail to comply with the
provisions of subsection (a) of this Section, the Trustee shall, within 10 days
after the expiration of such 90-day period, transmit by mail notice of such
failure to the Noteholders in the manner and to the extent required by Section
4.4(c) and, if any Unregistered Notes are then Outstanding, shall publish notice
of such failure at least once in an Authorized Newspaper in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York.  Subject to the provisions of Section 5.12,
unless the Trustee's duty to resign is stayed as provided in Section 6.10(e),
any Noteholder who has been a bona fide Noteholder for at least six months may,
on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of
competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee, and the appointment of a
successor, if the Trustee fails, after written request thereof by such
Noteholder, to comply with the provisions of subsection (a) of this Section.

          (c)  For the purposes of this Section, the Trustee shall be deemed to
have a conflicting interest with respect to Notes of any series if such Notes
are in default (as such term is defined in this Indenture, but exclusive of any
period of grace or requirement of notice) and

          (i)  the Trustee is a trustee under another indenture under which any
     other securities, or certificates of interest or participation in any other
     securities, of the Issuer are outstanding, or is a trustee for more than
     one outstanding series of securities under a single indenture of the
     Issuer, unless such other indenture is a collateral trust indenture under
     which the only collateral consists of Notes issued under this Indenture;
     provided that there shall be excluded from the operation of this paragraph
     other series under this Indenture, and any other

                                      -48-
<PAGE>
 
     indenture or indentures under which other securities, or certificates of
     interest or participation in other securities, of the Issuer are
     outstanding, if

               (1)  this Indenture and such other indenture or indentures (and
          all series of securities issuable thereunder) are wholly unsecured and
          rank equally and such other indenture or indentures (and such series)
          are specifically described in this Indenture or hereafter qualified
          under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, unless the Commission shall
          have found and declared by order pursuant to Section 305(b) or Section
          307(c) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 that differences exist
          between the provisions of this Indenture (or such series) and the
          provisions of such other indenture or indentures (or such series)
          which are so likely to involve a material conflict of interest as to
          make it necessary in the public interest or for the protection of
          investors to disqualify the Trustee from acting as such under this
          Indenture and such other indenture or indentures, or

               (2)  the Issuer shall have sustained the burden of proving, on
          application to the Commission and after opportunity for hearing
          thereon, that trusteeship under this Indenture and such other
          indenture or indentures or under more than one outstanding series
          under a single indenture is not so likely to involve a material
          conflict of interest as to make it necessary in the public interest or
          for the protection of investors to disqualify such Trustee from acting
          as such under one of such indentures or with respect to such series;

          (ii)  the Trustee or any of its directors or executive officers is an
     underwriter for the Issuer;

          (iii)  the Trustee directly or indirectly controls or is directly or
     indirectly controlled by or is under direct or indirect common control with
     an underwriter for the Issuer;

          (iv)  the Trustee or any of its directors or executive officers is a
     director, officer, partner, employee, appointee or representative of the
     Issuer, or of an underwriter (other than the Trustee itself) for the Issuer
     who is currently engaged in the business of underwriting, except that (x)
     one individual may be a director or an executive officer, or both, of the
     Trustee and a director or an executive officer, or both, of the Issuer, but
     may not be at the same time an executive officer of both the Trustee and
     the Issuer; (y) if and so long as the number of directors of the

                                      -49-
<PAGE>
 
     Trustee in office is more than nine, one additional individual may be a
     director or an executive officer, or both, of the Trustee and a director of
     the Issuer; and (z) the Trustee may be designated by the Issuer or by any
     underwriter for the Issuer to act in the capacity of transfer agent,
     registrar, custodian, paying agent, fiscal agent, escrow agent or
     depositary, or in any other similar capacity, or, subject to the provisions
     of subsection (c)(i) of this Section, to act as trustee, whether under an
     indenture or otherwise;

          (v)  10% or more of the voting securities of the Trustee is
     beneficially owned either by the Issuer or by any director, partner or
     executive officer thereof, or 20% or more of such voting securities is
     beneficially owned, collectively, by any two or more of such persons; or
     10% or more of the voting securities of the Trustee is beneficially owned
     either by an underwriter for the Issuer or by any director, partner or
     executive officer thereof, or is beneficially owned, collectively, by any
     two or more such persons;

          (vi)  the Trustee is the beneficial owner of, or holds as collateral
     security for an obligation which is in default, (x) 5% or more of the
     voting securities, or 10% or more of any other class of security of the
     Issuer, not including the Notes issued under this Indenture and securities
     issued under any other indenture under which the Trustee is also trustee,
     or (y) 10% or more of any class of security of an underwriter for the
     Issuer;

          (vii) the Trustee is the beneficial owner of, or holds as collateral
     security for an obligation which is in default, 5% or more of the voting
     securities of any person who, to the knowledge of the Trustee, owns 10% or
     more of the voting securities of, or controls directly or indirectly or is
     under direct or indirect common control with, the Issuer;

          (viii) the Trustee is the beneficial owner of, or holds as collateral
     security for an obligation which is in default, 10% or more of any class of
     security of any person who, to the knowledge of the Trustee, owns 50% or
     more of the voting securities of the Issuer;

          (ix) the Trustee owns, on the date of default upon the Notes (as such
     term is defined in this Indenture but exclusive of any period of grace or
     requirement of notice) or any anniversary of such default while such
     default upon the Notes remains outstanding, in the capacity of executor,
     administrator, testamentary or

                                      -50-
<PAGE>
 
     inter vivos trustee, guardian, committee or conservator, or in any other
     similar capacity, an aggregate of 25% or more of the voting securities, or
     of any class of security, of any Person, the beneficial ownership of a
     specified percentage of which would have constituted a conflicting interest
     under clause (vi), (vii) or (viii) of this subsection.  As to any such
     securities of which the Trustee acquired ownership through becoming
     executor, administrator or testamentary trustee of an estate which included
     them, the provisions of the preceding sentence shall not apply, for a
     period of two years from the date of such acquisition, to the extent that
     such securities included in such estate do not exceed 25% of such voting
     securities or 25% of any such class of security.  Promptly after the dates
     of any such default upon the Notes and annually in each succeeding year
     that the Notes remain in default, the Trustee shall make a check of its
     holdings of such securities in any of the above-mentioned capacities as of
     such dates.  If the Issuer fails to make payment in full of principal of or
     interest on any of the Notes when and as the same becomes due and payable,
     and such failure continues for 30 days thereafter, the Trustee shall make a
     prompt check of its holdings of such securities in any of the above-
     mentioned capacities as of the date of the expiration of such 30-day
     period, and after such date, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of
     this paragraph, all such securities so held by the Trustee, with sole or
     joint control over such securities vested in it, shall, but only so long as
     such failure shall continue, be considered as though beneficially owned by
     the Trustee for the purposes of clauses (vi), (vii) and (viii) of this
     subsection; or

          (x)  except under the circumstances described in subsections (1), (3),
     (4), (5) or (6) of Section 6.13(b), the Trustee shall be or become a
     creditor of the Issuer.

          The specification of percentages in clauses (v) to (ix), inclusive, of
this subsection shall not be construed as indicating that the ownership of such
percentages of the securities of a person is or is not necessary or sufficient
to constitute direct or indirect control for the purposes of clauses (iii) or
(vii) of this subsection.

          For the purposes of clauses (vi), (vii), (viii) and (ix) of this
subsection only,

          (i)  the terms "security" and "securities" shall include only such
     securities as are generally known as corporate securities, but shall not
     include any note or

                                      -51-
<PAGE>
 
     other evidence of indebtedness issued to evidence an obligation to repay
     moneys lent to a person by one or more banks, trust companies or banking
     firms, or any certificate of interest or participation in any such note or
     evidence of indebtedness;

          (ii)  an obligation shall be deemed to be "in default" when a default
     in payment of principal shall have continued for 30 days or more and shall
     not have been cured; and

          (iii)  the Trustee shall not be deemed to be the owner or holder of
     (x) any security which it holds as collateral security, as trustee or
     otherwise, for an obligation which is not in default as defined in clause
     (ii) above, or (y) any security which it holds as collateral security under
     this Indenture, irrespective of any default hereunder, or (z) any security
     which it holds as agent for collection, or as custodian, escrow agent or
     depositary, or in any similar representative capacity.

          Except as provided above, the word "security" or "securities", as used
in this Section, shall mean any note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture,
evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any
profit-sharing agreement, collateral trust certificate, preorganization
certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting
trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided
interest in oil, gas or other mineral rights or, in general, any interest or
instrument commonly known as a "security", or any certificate of interest or
participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee
of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing.

          (d)  For purposes of this Section:

          (i)  the term "underwriter", when used with reference to the Issuer,
     shall mean every person who, within one year prior to the time as of which
     the determination is made, has purchased from the Issuer with a view to, or
     has offered or sold for the Issuer in connection with, the distribution of
     any security of the Issuer outstanding at such time, or has participated or
     has had a direct or indirect participation in any such undertaking, or has
     participated or has had a participation in the direct or indirect
     underwriting of any such undertaking, but such term shall not include a
     person whose interest was limited to a commission from an underwriter or
     dealer

                                      -52-
<PAGE>
 
     not in excess of the usual and customary distributors' or sellers'
     commission;

          (ii)  the term "director" shall mean any director of a corporation or
     any individual performing similar functions with respect to any
     organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated;

          (iii)  the term "person" shall mean an individual, a corporation, a
     partnership, an association, a joint-stock company, a trust, an
     unincorporated organization or a government or political subdivision
     thereof; as used in this clause, the term "trust" shall include only a
     trust where the interest or interests of the beneficiary or beneficiaries
     are evidenced by a security;

          (iv)  the term "voting security" shall mean any security presently
     entitling the owner or holder thereof to vote in the direction or
     management of the affairs of a person, or any security issued under or
     pursuant to any trust, agreement or arrangement whereby a trustee or
     trustees or agent or agents for the owner or holder of such security are
     presently entitled to vote in the direction or management of the affairs of
     a person;

          (v)  the term "Issuer" shall mean any obligor upon the Notes; and

          (vi)  the term "executive officer" shall mean the president, every
     vice president, every trust officer, the cashier, the secretary and the
     treasurer of a corporation, and any individual customarily performing
     similar functions with respect to any organization, whether incorporated or
     unincorporated, but shall not include the chairman of the board of
     directors.

          (e)  The percentages of voting securities and other securities
specified in this Section shall be calculated in accordance with the following
provisions:

          (i)  a specified percentage of the voting securities of the Trustee,
     the Issuer or any other person referred to in this Section (each of whom is
     referred to as a "person" in this subsection) means such amount of the
     outstanding voting securities of such person as entitles the holder or
     holders thereof to cast such specified percentage of the aggregate votes
     which the holders of all the outstanding voting securities of such person
     are entitled to cast in the direction or management of the affairs of such
     person;

                                      -53-
<PAGE>
 
          (ii)  a specified percentage of a class of securities of a person
     means such percentage of the aggregate amount of securities of the class
     outstanding;

          (iii)  the term "amount", when used in regard to securities, means the
     principal amount if relating to evidences of indebtedness, the number of
     shares if relating to capital shares and the number of units if relating to
     any other kind of security;

          (iv)  the term "outstanding" means issued and not held by or for the
     account of the issuer; the following securities shall not be deemed
     outstanding within the meaning of this definition:

               (A)  securities of an issuer held in a sinking fund relating to
          securities of the issuer of the same class;

               (B)  securities of an issuer held in a sinking fund relating to
          another class of securities of the issuer, if the obligation evidenced
          by such other class of securities is not in default as to principal or
          interest or otherwise;

               (C)  securities pledged by the issuer thereof as security for an
          obligation of the issuer not in default as to principal or interest or
          otherwise; and

               (D)  securities held in escrow if placed in escrow by the issuer
          thereof;

     provided that any voting securities of an issuer shall be deemed
     --------                                                        
     outstanding if any person other than the issuer is entitled to exercise the
     voting rights thereof; and

          (v)  a security shall be deemed to be of the same class as another
     security if both securities confer upon the holder or holders thereof
     substantially the same rights and privileges; provided that, in the case of
                                                   --------                     
     secured evidences of indebtedness, all of which are issued under a single
     indenture, differences in the interest rates or maturity dates of various
     series thereof shall not be deemed sufficient to constitute such series
     different classes and provided, further, that, in the case of unsecured
                           --------  -------                                
     evidences of indebtedness, differences in the interest rates or maturity
     dates thereof shall not be deemed sufficient to

                                      -54-
<PAGE>
 
     constitute them securities of different classes, whether or not they are
     issued under a single indenture.

          Section 6.9  Persons Eligible for Appointment as Trustee.  There shall
                       -------------------------------------------              
at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be a corporation organized and
doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any State
thereof or the District of Columbia having a combined capital and surplus of at
least $5,000,000, and which is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate
trust powers and is subject to supervision or examination by Federal, State or
District of Columbia authority.  If such corporation publishes reports of
condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of the
aforesaid supervising or examining authority, then, for the purposes of this
Section, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to
be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of
condition so published.  In case at any time the Trustee shall cease to be
eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee shall
resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in Section 6.10.

          Section 6.10  Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor
                        -------------------------------------------------
Trustee.  (a)  The Trustee, or any trustee or trustees hereafter appointed, may
- -------                                                                        
at any time resign and be discharged of the trusts created by this Indenture by
giving written notice of resignation to the Issuer and (i) if any Unregistered
Notes are then Outstanding, by giving notice of such resignation to the Holders
thereof by publication at least once in an Authorized Newspaper in the Borough
of Manhattan, The City of New York, (ii) if any Unregistered Notes are then
Outstanding, by mailing notice of such resignation to the Holders thereof who
have filed their names and addresses with the Trustee pursuant to Section
4.4(c)(ii) at such addresses as were so furnished to the Trustee and (iii) by
mailing notice of such resignation to the Holders of the then Outstanding
Registered Notes at their addresses as they shall appear on the Note registry
books.  Upon receiving such notice of resignation, the Issuer shall promptly
appoint a successor trustee or trustees with respect to the applicable series by
written instrument, in duplicate, executed by authority of the Board of
Directors, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the resigning
Trustee and one copy to the successor trustee or trustees.  If no successor
trustee shall have been so appointed with respect to any series and shall have
accepted appointment within 30 days after the mailing of such notice of
resignation, the resigning trustee may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor trustee, or any Holder who has
been a bona fide Holder of a Note or Notes of such series for at least six
months may, subject to the provisions of Section 5.12, on behalf of such Holder
and all others similarly situated, petition any such court

                                      -55-
<PAGE>
 
for the appointment of a successor trustee.  Such court may thereupon, after
such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, appoint a successor
trustee.

          (b)  In case at any time any of the following shall occur:

          (i)  the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions of Section
     6.8 after written request therefor by the Issuer or by any Holder who has
     been a bona fide Holder of a Note or Notes of such series for at least six
     months; or

          (ii)  the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the
     provisions of Section 6.9 and shall fail to resign after written request
     therefor by the Issuer or by any Holder; or

          (iii)  the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be
     adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or a receiver or liquidator of the
     Trustee or of its property shall be appointed, or any public officer shall
     take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the
     purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation;

then, in any such case, the Issuer may remove the Trustee with respect to the
Notes of any or all series, as appropriate, and appoint a successor trustee for
such series by written instrument, in duplicate, executed by order of the Board
of Directors, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the Trustee so
removed and one copy to the successor trustee or trustees, or, subject to the
provisions of Section 5.12, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Note
or Notes of such series for at least six months may, on behalf of such Holder
and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction
for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor trustee.  Such
court may thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and
prescribe, remove the Trustee and appoint a successor trustee.

          (c)  The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Notes at the time Outstanding may at any time remove the Trustee and appoint a
successor trustee by delivering to the Trustee so removed, to the successor
trustee so appointed and to the Issuer the evidence provided for in Section 7.1
of the action in that regard taken by the Holders.

          (d)  Any resignation or removal of the Trustee and any appointment of
a successor trustee pursuant to any of the provisions of this Section shall
become effective upon acceptance

                                      -56-
<PAGE>
 
of appointment by the successor trustee as provided in Section 6.11.

          (e)  Except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal
of or interest on any Note, or in the payment of any sinking or purchase fund
installment, the Trustee shall not be required to resign as provided by Section
6.8 if the Trustee shall have sustained the burden of proving, on application to
the Commission and after opportunity for hearing thereon, that:

          (i)  the default under this Indenture may be cured or waived during a
     reasonable period and under the procedures described in such application;
     and

          (ii)  a stay of the Trustee's duty to resign will not be inconsistent
     with the interests of the Noteholders.

          Section 6.11  Acceptance of Appointment by Successor Trustee.  Any
                        ----------------------------------------------      
successor trustee appointed as provided in Section 6.10 shall execute,
acknowledge and deliver to the Issuer and to its predecessor trustee an
instrument accepting such appointment hereunder, and thereupon the resignation
or removal of the predecessor trustee shall become effective and such successor
trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with
all rights, powers, trusts and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like
effect as if originally named as trustee hereunder; but, nevertheless, on the
written request of the Issuer or of the successor Trustee, upon payment of its
charges then unpaid, the trustee ceasing to act shall, subject to Section 10.4,
pay over and transfer to the successor Trustee all moneys and property at the
time held by it hereunder (including all right, title and interest in the
Collateral Bonds) and shall execute, acknowledge and deliver an instrument
transferring to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers, trusts and
duties.  Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Issuer shall execute
and acknowledge any and all instruments in writing for more fully and certainly
vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such money, property,
rights, powers and trusts.  Any Trustee ceasing to act shall, nevertheless,
retain a prior claim upon all property or funds held or collected by such
Trustee for the benefit of such applicable series to secure any amounts then due
it pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.6.

          No successor Trustee shall accept appointment as provided in this
Section unless at the time of such acceptance such successor trustee shall be
qualified under the provisions of Section 6.8 and eligible under the provisions
of Section 6.9.

          Upon acceptance of appointment by any successor Trustee as provided in
this Section, the Issuer shall give notice thereof (a) if any Unregistered Notes
are then Outstanding, to the

                                      -57-
<PAGE>
 
Holders thereof by publication of such notice at least once in an Authorized
Newspaper in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, (b) if any
Unregistered Notes are then Outstanding, to the Holders thereof who have filed
their names and addresses with the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.4(c)(ii) by
mailing such notice to such Holders at such addresses as were so furnished to
the Trustee (and the Trustee shall make such information available to the Issuer
for such purpose) and (c) to the Holders of Registered Notes, by mailing such
notice to such Holders at their addresses as they shall appear on the Note
registry books.  If the acceptance of appointment is substantially
contemporaneous with the resignation, then the notice called for by the
preceding sentence may be combined with the notice called for by Section 6.10.
If the Issuer fails to give such notice within 10 days after acceptance of
appointment by the successor trustee, the successor trustee shall cause such
notice to be given at the expense of the Issuer.

          Section 6.12  Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to
                        --------------------------------------------------
Business of Trustee.  Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or
- -------------------                                                          
converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting
from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a
party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate trust business of the
Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided that such
                                                          --------          
corporation shall be qualified under the provisions of Section 6.8 and eligible
under the provisions of Section 6.9, without the execution or filing of any
paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything
herein to the contrary notwithstanding.

          In case at the time of such succession to the Trustee any of the Notes
of any series shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such
successor Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor
Trustee and deliver the Notes so authenticated; and, in case at that time any of
the Notes of any series shall not have been authenticated, any successor Trustee
may authenticate such Notes either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or
in the name of such successor Trustee; and in all such cases such certificate of
authentication shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Notes of
such series or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of authentication
of the Trustee shall have; provided that the right to adopt the certification of
                           --------                                             
any predecessor Trustee or to authenticate Notes of any series in the name of
any predecessor Trustee shall apply only to its successor or successors by
merger, conversion or consolidation.

          Section 6.13  Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Issuer.
                        ----------------------------------------------------  
(a)  Subject to the provisions of this Section, if the Trustee shall be or shall
become a creditor, directly or indirectly, secured or unsecured, of the Issuer
within three

                                      -58-
<PAGE>
 
months prior to a default, as defined in subsection (c) of this Section, or
subsequent to such a default, then, unless and until such default shall be
cured, the Trustee shall set apart and hold in a special account for the benefit
of the Trustee individually, the Holders of the Notes and Coupons and the
holders of other indenture securities (as defined in such subsection (c)):

          (1)  an amount equal to any and all reductions in the amount due and
     owing upon any claim as such creditor in respect of principal or interest,
     effected after the beginning of such three months' period and valid as
     against the Issuer and its other creditors, except any such reduction
     resulting from the receipt or disposition of any property described in
     clause (2) of this subsection, or from the exercise of any right of set-off
     which the Trustee could have exercised if a petition in bankruptcy had been
     filed by or against the Issuer upon the date of such default; and

          (2)  all property received by the Trustee in respect of any claim as
     such creditor, either as security therefor, or in satisfaction or
     composition thereof, or otherwise, after the beginning of such three
     months' period, or an amount equal to the proceeds of any such property if
     disposed of, subject, however, to the rights, if any, of the Issuer and its
     other creditors in such property or such proceeds.

          Nothing herein contained, however, shall affect the right of the
Trustee:

          (A)  to retain for its own account (i) payments made on account of any
     such claim by any person (other than the Issuer) who is liable thereon,
     (ii) the proceeds of the bona fide sale of any such claim by the Trustee to
     a third person, and (iii) distributions made in cash, securities or other
     property in respect of claims filed against the Issuer in bankruptcy or
     receivership or in proceedings for reorganization pursuant to Title 11 of
     the United States Code or applicable state law;

          (B)  to realize, for its own account, upon any property held by it as
     security for any such claim, if such property was so held prior to the
     beginning of such three months' period;

          (C)  to realize, for its own account, but only to the extent of the
     claim hereinafter mentioned, upon any property held by it as security for
     any such claim, if such claim was created after the beginning of such three
     months' period and such property was received as

                                      -59-
<PAGE>
 
     security therefor simultaneously with the creation thereof, and if the
     Trustee shall sustain the burden of proving that at the time such property
     was so received the Trustee had no reasonable cause to believe that a
     default as defined in subsection (c) of this Section would occur within
     three months; or

          (D)  to receive payment on any claim referred to in clause (B) or (C)
     of this subsection, against the release of any property held as security
     for such claim as provided in such clause (B) or (C), as the case may be,
     to the extent of the fair value of such property.

          For the purposes of clauses (B), (C) and (D), property substituted
after the beginning of such three months period for property held as security at
the time of such substitution shall, to the extent of the fair value of the
property released, have the same status as the property released, and, to the
extent that any claim referred to in any of such clauses is created in renewal
of or in substitution for or for the purpose of repaying or refunding any pre-
existing claim of the Trustee as such creditor, such claim shall have the same
status as such pre-existing claim.

          If the Trustee shall be required to account, the funds and property
held in such special account and the proceeds thereof shall be apportioned among
the Trustee, the Holders and the holders of other indenture securities in such
manner that the Trustee, the Holders and the holders of other indenture
securities realize, as a result of payments from such special account and
payments of dividends on claims filed against the Issuer in bankruptcy or
receivership or in proceedings for reorganization pursuant to Title 11 of the
United States Code or applicable State law, the same percentage of their
respective claims, figured before crediting to the claim of the Trustee anything
on account of the receipt by it from the Issuer of the funds and property in
such special account and before crediting to the respective claims of the
Trustee, the Holders and the holders of other indenture securities dividends on
claims filed against the Issuer in bankruptcy or receivership or in proceedings
for reorganization pursuant to Title 11 of the United States Code or applicable
State law, but after crediting thereon receipts on account of the indebtedness
represented by their respective claims from all sources other than from such
dividends and from the funds and property so held in such special account.  As
used in this paragraph with respect to any claim, the term "dividends" shall
include any distribution with respect to such claim, in bankruptcy or
receivership or in proceedings for reorganization pursuant to Title 11 of the
United States Code or applicable State law, whether such distribution is made in
cash, securities or other property, but shall not include any such distribution
with respect to the secured portion, if any, of such

                                      -60-
<PAGE>
 
claim.  The court in which such bankruptcy, receivership or proceeding for
reorganization is pending shall have jurisdiction (i) to apportion among the
Trustee, the Holders and the holders of other indenture securities, in
accordance with the provisions of this paragraph, the funds and property held in
such special account and the proceeds thereof, or (ii) in lieu of such
apportionment, in whole or in part, to give to the provisions of this paragraph
due consideration in determining the fairness of the distributions to be made to
the Trustee, the Holders and the holders of other indenture securities with
respect to their respective claims, in which event it shall not be necessary to
liquidate or to appraise the value of any securities or other property held in
such special account or as security for any such claim, or to make a specific
allocation of such distributions as between the secured and unsecured portions
of such claims, or otherwise to apply the provisions of this paragraph as a
mathematical formula.

          Any Trustee who has resigned or been removed after the beginning of
such three-months' period shall be subject to the provisions of this subsection
as though such resignation or removal had not occurred.  If any Trustee has
resigned or been removed prior to the beginning of such three-months' period, it
shall be subject to the provisions of this subsection if and only if the
following conditions exist:

          (i)  the receipt of property or reduction of claim which would have
     given rise to the obligation to account, if such Trustee had continued as
     trustee, occurred after the beginning of such three-months' period; and

          (ii)  such receipt of property or reduction of claim occurred within
     three months after such resignation or removal.

          (b)  There shall be excluded from the operation of this Section a
creditor relationship arising from:

          (1)  ownership or acquisition of securities issued under any indenture
     or any security or securities having a maturity of one year or more at the
     time of acquisition by the Trustee;

          (2)  advances authorized by a receivership or bankruptcy court of
     competent jurisdiction or by this Indenture for the purpose of preserving
     any property which shall at anytime be subject to the lien of this
     Indenture or of discharging tax liens or other prior liens or encumbrances
     thereon, if notice of such advance and of the circumstances surrounding the
     making

                                      -61-
<PAGE>
 
     thereof is given to the Noteholders at the time and in the manner provided
     in this Indenture;

          (3)  disbursements made in the ordinary course of business in the
     capacity of trustee under an indenture, transfer agent, registrar,
     custodian, paying agent, fiscal agent or depositary, or other similar
     capacity;

          (4)  an indebtedness created as a result of services rendered or
     premises rented or an indebtedness created as a result of goods or
     securities sold in a cash transaction as defined in subsection (c)(3) of
     this Section;

          (5)  the ownership of stock or of other securities of a corporation
     organized under the provisions of Section 25(a) of the Federal Reserve Act,
     as amended, which is directly or indirectly a creditor of the Issuer; or

          (6)  the acquisition, ownership, acceptance or negotiation of any
     drafts, bills of exchange, acceptances or obligations which fall within the
     classification of self-liquidating paper as defined in subsection (c)(4) of
     this Section.

          (c)  As used in this Section:

          (1)  the term "default" shall mean any failure to make payment in full
     of the principal of or interest upon any of the Notes or upon the other
     indenture securities when and as such principal or interest becomes due and
     payable;

          (2)  the term "other indenture securities" shall mean securities upon
     which the Issuer is an obligor (as defined in the Trust Indenture Act of
     1939) outstanding under any other indenture (i) under which the Trustee is
     also trustee, (ii) which contains provisions substantially similar to the
     provisions of subsection (a) of this Section and (iii) under which a
     default exists at the time of the apportionment of the funds and property
     held in said special account;

          (3)  the term "cash transaction" shall mean any transaction in which
     full payment for goods or securities sold is made within seven days after
     delivery of the goods or securities in currency or in checks or other
     orders drawn upon banks or bankers and payable upon demand;

          (4)  the term "self-liquidating paper" shall mean any draft, bill of
     exchange, acceptance or obligation

                                      -62-
<PAGE>
 
     which is made, drawn, negotiated or incurred by the Issuer for the purpose
     of financing the purchase, processing, manufacture, shipment, storage or
     sale of goods, wares or merchandise and which is secured by documents
     evidencing title to, possession of, or a lien upon, the goods, wares or
     merchandise or the receivables or proceeds arising from the sale of the
     goods, wares or merchandise previously constituting the security, provided
     the security is received by the Trustee simultaneously with the creation of
     the creditor relationship with the Issuer arising from the making, drawing,
     negotiating or incurring of the draft, bill of exchange, acceptance or
     obligation; and

          (5)  the term "Issuer" shall mean any obligor upon the Notes.

          Section 6.14  Appointment of Authenticating Agent.  As long as any
                        -----------------------------------                 
Notes of a series remain Outstanding, the Trustee may, by an instrument in
writing, appoint with the approval of the Issuer an authenticating agent (the
"Authenticating Agent") which shall be authorized to act on behalf of, but
subject to the direction of, the Trustee to authenticate Notes of such series,
including Notes issued upon exchange, registration of transfer, partial
redemption or pursuant to Section 2.9.  Notes of such series so authenticated
shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and
obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee.  Whenever
reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Notes
of any series by the Trustee or to the Trustee's certificate of authentication,
such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf
of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent for such series and a certificate of
authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by such Authenticating Agent.
Such Authenticating Agent shall at all times be a corporation organized and
doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any State
thereof or of the District of Columbia authorized under such laws to exercise
corporate trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least
$5,000,000 (determined as provided in Section 6.9 with respect to the Trustee)
and subject to supervision or examination by Federal or State authority.

          Any corporation into which any Authenticating Agent may be merged or
converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting
from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which any Authenticating Agent
shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate agency or
corporate trust business of any Authenticating Agent, shall be the successor to
such Authenticating Agent with respect to all series of Notes for which it
served as Authenticating Agent

                                      -63-
<PAGE>
 
without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of
the Trustee or such Authenticating Agent.

          Any Authenticating Agent may at any time, and if it shall cease to be
eligible hereunder shall, resign by giving written notice of resignation to the
Trustee and to the Issuer.  The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of
any Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof to such Authenticating
Agent and the Issuer.  Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such
a termination, or in case at any time any Authenticating Agent shall cease to be
eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee shall
upon receipt of an Issuer Order appoint a successor Authenticating Agent and
shall provide notice of such appointment to all Holders of Notes affected
thereby in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 6.11 with respect to
the appointment of a successor trustee.  Any successor Authenticating Agent upon
acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all rights,
powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if
originally named as an Authenticating Agent.  The Authenticating Agent for the
Notes of any series shall have no responsibility or liability for any action
taken by it as such at the direction of the Trustee.

          Sections 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6 and 7.3 shall be applicable to any
Authenticating Agent.


                                 ARTICLE SEVEN

                           CONCERNING THE NOTEHOLDERS
                           --------------------------

          Section 7.1  Evidence of Action Taken by Noteholders.  Any request,
                       ---------------------------------------               
demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action
provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by a specified percentage in
aggregate principal amount of the Holders of one or more series of Notes may be
evidenced (i) by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed
by such specified percentage of Holders in person or by agent or proxy duly
appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such
action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered
to the Trustee; (ii) by the record of such specified percentage of Holders
voting in favor thereof at any meeting of such Holders duly called and held by
the Trustee; and (iii) by a combination of such instrument or instruments and
any such record of a meeting.

          Section 7.2  Proof of Execution of Instruments and of Holding of
                       ---------------------------------------------------
Notes.  Subject to Sections 6.1 and 6.2, the execution of any instrument by a
- -----
Holder or his agent or proxy and proof of the holding by any Person of any of
the Notes of any series shall be sufficient if made in the following manner:

                                      -64-
<PAGE>
 
          (a)  The fact and date of the execution by any such Person of any
     instrument may be proved by the certificate of any notary public or other
     officer of any jurisdiction authorized to take acknowledgments of deeds or
     administer oaths that the Person executing such instrument acknowledged to
     him the execution thereof, or by an affidavit of a witness to such
     execution sworn to before any such notary or other such officer.  Where
     such execution is by or on behalf of any legal entity other than an
     individual, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient
     proof of the authority of the Person executing the same.  The ownership of
     an Unregistered Note of any series, or of any Coupon attached thereto at
     its issuance, and the identifying number of such Note and the date of such
     ownership, may be proved by the production of such Note or Coupon or by a
     certificate executed by any trust company, bank, banker or recognized
     securities dealer, wherever situated, if such certificate shall be deemed
     by the Trustee to be satisfactory.  Each such certificate shall be dated
     and shall state that on the date thereof a Note of such series bearing a
     specified identifying number was deposited with or exhibited to such trust
     company, bank, banker or recognized securities dealer by the person named
     in such certificate.  Any such certificate may be issued in respect of one
     or more Unregistered Notes of one or more series specified therein.  The
     ownership by the Person named in any such certificate of any Unregistered
     Note specified therein shall be presumed to continue unless at the time of
     any determination of such ownership and holding (1) another certificate
     bearing a later date issued in respect of such Note shall be produced, (2)
     such Note shall be produced by some other Person or (3) such Note shall
     have ceased to be Outstanding.  Subject to Sections 6.1 and 6.2, the fact
     and date of the execution of any such instrument and the ownership, amount
     and numbers of any Unregistered Notes may also be proven in accordance with
     such reasonable rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the Trustee
     for any series or in any other manner which the Trustee may deem
     sufficient.

          (b)  In the case of Registered Notes, the ownership of such Notes
     shall be proved by the Note Register or by a certificate of the Note
     Registrar.

          Section 7.3  Holders to Be Treated as Owners.  The Issuer, the Trustee
                       -------------------------------                          
and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee may deem and treat the Person in
whose name any Note of any series shall be registered upon the Note Register for
such series as the absolute owner of such Note (whether or not such Note

                                      -65-
<PAGE>
 
shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing
thereon) for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal
of and, subject to the provisions of this Indenture, interest on such Note and
for all other purposes; and none of the Issuer, the Trustee and any agent of the
Issuer or the Trustee shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.  The
Issuer, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee may treat the
Holder of any Unregistered Note and the Holder of any Coupon as the absolute
owner of such Unregistered Note or Coupon (whether or not such Unregistered Note
or Coupon shall be overdue) for the purpose of receiving payment thereof or on
account thereof and for all other purposes; and none of the Issuer, the Trustee
and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee shall be affected by any notice to
the contrary.  All such payments so made to any such Person, or upon his order,
shall be valid, and, to the extent of the sum or sums so paid, effectual to
satisfy and discharge the liability for moneys payable upon any such Note or
Coupon.

          Section 7.4  Notes Owned by Issuer Deemed Not Outstanding.  In
                       --------------------------------------------     
determining whether the Holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of
Outstanding Notes of one or more series have concurred in any direction, consent
or waiver under this Indenture, Notes which are owned by the Issuer or any other
obligor on the Notes with respect to which such determination is being made or
by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under
direct or indirect common control with the Issuer or any other obligor on the
Notes with respect to which such determination is being made shall be
disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding for the purposes of any such
determination, except that for the purpose of determining whether the Trustee
shall be protected in relying on any such direction, consent or waiver, only
Notes which the Trustee knows are so owned shall be so disregarded.  Notes so
owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if
the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee's right
so to act with respect to such Notes and that the pledgee is not the Issuer or
any other obligor upon such Notes or any Person directly or indirectly
controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the
Issuer or any other obligor on such Notes.  In case of a dispute as to such
right, the advice of counsel shall be full protection in respect of any decision
made by the Trustee in accordance with such advice.  Upon request of the
Trustee, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee promptly an Officers'
Certificate listing and identifying all Notes, if any, known by the Issuer to be
owned or held by or for the account of any of the above described Persons; and,
subject to Sections 6.1 and 6.2, the Trustee shall be entitled to accept such
Officers' Certificate as conclusive evidence of the facts therein set forth and
of the fact that all Notes not listed therein are Outstanding for the purposes
of any such determination.

                                      -66-
<PAGE>
 
          Section 7.5  Right of Revocation of Action Taken.  At any time prior
                       -----------------------------------                    
to (but not after) the evidencing to the Trustee, as provided in Section 7.1, of
the taking of any action by the Holders of the requisite percentage in aggregate
principal amount of the Notes of one or more series, as the case may be,
specified in this Indenture in connection with such action, any Holder of a Note
the serial number of which is shown by the evidence to be included among the
serial numbers of the Notes the Holders of which have consented to such action
may, by filing written notice at the Corporate Trust Office and upon proof of
ownership as provided in Section 7.2, revoke such action so far as concerns such
Note.  Except as aforesaid, any such action taken by the Holder of any Note of
any series shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future
Holders and owners of such Note and of any Notes of such series issued in
exchange or substitution therefor or on registration of transfer thereof,
irrespective of whether or not any notation in regard thereto is made upon any
such Note.  Any action taken by the Holders of the requisite percentage in
aggregate principal amount of the Notes of one or more series, as the case may
be, specified in this Indenture in connection with such action shall be
conclusively binding upon the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of all the
Notes of such series.


                                 ARTICLE EIGHT

                            SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
                            -----------------------

          Section 8.1  Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Noteholders.
                       ------------------------------------------------------  
The Issuer, when authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors (which
resolution may provide general terms or parameters for such action and may
provide that the specific terms of such action may be determined in accordance
with or pursuant to an Issuer Order), and the Trustee may, from time to time and
at any time, enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto (which
shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended
and in force at the date of the execution thereof) for one or more of the
following purposes:

          (a)  to convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge to the Trustee as
     security for the Notes of one or more series any property or assets;

          (b)  to evidence the succession of another corporation to the Issuer,
     or successive successions, and the assumption by the successor corporation
     of the covenants, agreements and obligations of the Issuer pursuant to
     Article Nine;

                                      -67-
<PAGE>
 
          (c)  to add to the covenants of the Issuer such further covenants,
     restrictions, conditions or provisions as the Issuer and the Trustee shall
     consider to be for the protection of the Holders of Notes of any series or
     Coupons appertaining thereto, and to make the occurrence, or the occurrence
     and continuance, of a default in complying with any such additional
     covenant, restriction, condition or provision an Event of Default
     permitting the enforcement of all or any of the several remedies provided
     in this Indenture as herein set forth; in respect of any such additional
     covenant, restriction, condition or provision, such supplemental indenture
     may provide for a particular period of grace after default (which period
     may be shorter or longer than that allowed in the case of other defaults)
     or may provide for an immediate enforcement upon such an Event of Default
     or may limit the remedies available to the Trustee upon such an Event of
     Default or may limit the right of the Holders of a majority in aggregate
     principal amount of the Notes of such series to waive such an Event of
     Default;

          (d)  to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision
     contained herein or in any supplemental indenture which may be defective or
     inconsistent with any other provision contained herein or in any
     supplemental indenture, or to make such other provisions as the Issuer may
     deem necessary or desirable, provided that no such action shall adversely
                                  --------                                    
     affect the interests of the Holders of the Notes of any series or the
     Coupons appertaining thereto;

          (e)  to establish the form and terms of the Notes of any series or of
     the Coupons appertaining to such Notes, as permitted by Sections 2.1 and
     2.3; and

          (f)  to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment
     hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Notes and to add to or
     change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to
     provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by
     more than one trustee, all as provided in Section 6.11.

          The Trustee is hereby authorized to join with the Issuer in the
execution of any such supplemental indenture, to make any further appropriate
agreements and stipulations which may be therein contained and to accept the
conveyance, transfer, assignment, mortgage or pledge of any property or assets
thereunder, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into any such
supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or
immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

                                      -68-
<PAGE>
 
          Any supplemental indenture authorized by the provisions of this
Section may be executed without the consent of the Holders of any of the Notes
at the time Outstanding, notwithstanding any of the provisions of Section 8.2.

          Section 8.2  Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Noteholders.
                       ---------------------------------------------------  
With the consent (evidenced as provided in Article Seven) of the Holders of not
less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes of all series at
the time Outstanding affected by such supplemental indenture (voting as one
class), the Issuer, when authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors
(which resolution may provide general terms or parameters for such action and
may provide that the specific terms of such action may be determined in
accordance with or pursuant to an Issuer Order), and the Trustee may, from time
to time and at any time, enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental
hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939
as in force at the date of execution thereof) for the purpose of adding any
provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of
this Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner
the rights of the Holders of the Notes of each such series or of the Coupons
appertaining to such Notes; provided that no such supplemental indenture shall
(a) extend the time of payment of the principal, or any installment of the
principal, of any Note or reduce the principal amount thereof, or reduce the
rate or extend the time of payment of interest thereon, or reduce any amount
payable on the redemption thereof, or make the principal thereof or the interest
thereon payable in any coin or currency other than that provided in such Note
and the Coupons, if any, appertaining thereto or in accordance with the terms
thereof, or reduce the amount of the principal of an Original Issue Discount
Note that would be due and payable upon an acceleration of the maturity thereof
pursuant to Section 5.1 or the amount thereof provable in bankruptcy, pursuant
to Section 5.2, or impair or affect the right to institute suit for the payment
thereof when due, or impair the security interest hereunder in the Collateral
Bonds, or, if such Note shall so provide, any right of repayment at the option
of the Holder, in each case without the consent of the Holder of each Note so
affected, or (b) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding
Notes of the affected series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any
such supplemental indenture or for any waiver provided for in this Indenture,
without the consent of the Holders of each Note so affected.

          A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or
other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for
the benefit of one or more series of Notes, or which modifies the rights of the
Holders of Notes of such series or of the Coupons appertaining to such Notes
with respect to such covenant or provision, shall be deemed not

                                      -69-
<PAGE>
 
to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Notes of any other
series or of the Coupons pertaining to such Notes.

          Upon the request of the Issuer, accompanied by a Board Resolution
complying with the first paragraph of this Section and evidence of the consent
of the Holders of the Notes as aforesaid and such other documents, if any, as
may be required by Section 7.1, the Trustee shall join with the Issuer in the
execution of such supplemental indenture unless such supplemental indenture
affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or
otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion, but shall not be
obligated to, enter into such supplemental indenture.

          It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this
Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture,
but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof.

          Promptly after the execution by the Issuer and the Trustee of any
supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Section, the Trustee
shall give notice thereof (i) to the Holders of then Outstanding Registered
Notes of each series affected thereby, by mailing a notice thereof by first-
class mail to such Holders at their addresses as they shall appear on the Note
Register, (ii) if any Unregistered Notes of a series affected thereby are then
Outstanding, to the Holders thereof who have filed their names and addresses
with the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.4(c)(ii), by mailing a notice thereof by
first-class mail to such Holders at such addresses as were so furnished to the
Trustee and (iii) if any Unregistered Notes of a series affected thereby are
then Outstanding, to all Holders thereof, by publication of a notice thereof at
least once in an Authorized Newspaper in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of
New York, and in each case such notice shall set forth in general terms the
substance of such supplemental indenture.  Any failure of the Issuer to give
such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or
affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture.

          Section 8.3  Effect of Supplemental Indenture.  Upon the execution of
                       --------------------------------                        
any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions hereof, this Indenture
shall be and be deemed to be modified and amended in accordance therewith and
the respective rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities
under this Indenture of the Trustee, the Issuer and the Holders of Notes of each
series affected thereby shall thereafter be determined, exercised and enforced
hereunder subject in all respects to such modifications and amendments, and all
the terms and conditions of any such supplemental indenture shall be and be
deemed to be part of the terms and conditions of this Indenture for any and all
purposes.

                                      -70-
<PAGE>
 
          Section 8.4  Documents to Be Given to Trustee.  The Trustee, subject
                       --------------------------------                       
to the provisions of Sections 6.1 and 6.2, may receive an Officers' Certificate
and an Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that any supplemental indenture
executed pursuant to this Article complies with the applicable provisions of
this Indenture.

          Section 8.5  Notation on Notes in Respect of Supplemental Indentures.
                       -------------------------------------------------------  
Notes of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any
supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article may bear a
notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for by such
supplemental indenture.  If the Issuer or the Trustee shall so determine, new
Notes of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and
the Board of Directors, to any modification of this Indenture contained in any
such supplemental indenture may be prepared by the Issuer, authenticated by the
Trustee and delivered in exchange for the Notes of such series then Outstanding.


                                 ARTICLE NINE

                   CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE
                   -----------------------------------------

          Section 9.1  Covenant of Issuer Not to Merge, Consolidate, Sell or
                       -----------------------------------------------------
Convey Property Except Under Certain Conditions.  Nothing contained in this
- -----------------------------------------------                            
Indenture or in any of the Notes shall prevent any consolidation of the Issuer
with, or merger of the Issuer into, any other corporation or corporations
(whether or not affiliated with the Issuer), or successive consolidations or
mergers to which the Issuer or its successor or successors shall be a party or
parties, or shall prevent any sale, lease or conveyance of the property of the
Issuer as an entirety or substantially as an entirety; provided, that, and the
                                                       --------               
Issuer hereby covenants and agrees, upon any such consolidation, merger, sale,
lease or conveyance, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and
interest on all the Notes, according to their tenor, and the due and punctual
performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of this
Indenture to be performed or observed by the Issuer, shall be expressly assumed,
by supplemental indenture satisfactory in form to the Trustee, executed and
delivered to the Trustee by the corporation formed by such consolidation, or
into which the Issuer shall have been merged, or which shall have acquired such
property; provided, further, that the corporation formed by such consolidation
          --------  -------                                                   
or into which the Issuer merged or the Person which acquired by conveyance or
sale, or which leases, the properties and assets of the Issuer as an entirety or
substantially as an entirety shall be a corporation organized and existing under
the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of
Columbia and such corporation and the Issuer shall have complied

                                      -71-
<PAGE>
 
in all respects with Article XIII of the First Mortgage; and provided, further,
                                                             --------  ------- 
that immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no (i) Event of
Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become
an Event of Default, shall have happened and be continuing or (ii) "Event of
Default", as such term is defined in Article IX of the First Mortgage, and no
event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become such an Event
of Default, shall have happened and be continuing.

          Section 9.2  Successor Corporation Substituted for Issuer.  In case of
                       --------------------------------------------             
any consolidation, merger, sale, lease or conveyance referred to in, and in
accordance with, Section 9.1, and following such an assumption by the successor
corporation, such successor corporation shall succeed to and be substituted for
the Issuer, with the same effect as if it had been named herein as Issuer.

          Such successor corporation may cause to be signed, and may issue
either in its own name or in the name of the Issuer prior to such succession,
any or all of the Notes issuable hereunder which theretofore shall not have been
signed by the Issuer and delivered to the Trustee; and, upon the order of such
successor corporation, instead of the Issuer, and subject to all the terms,
conditions and limitations in this Indenture prescribed, the Trustee shall
authenticate and shall deliver any Notes which previously shall have been signed
and delivered by the officers of the Issuer to the Trustee for authentication,
and any Notes which such successor corporation thereafter shall cause to be
signed and delivered to the Trustee for that purpose.  All of the Notes so
issued shall in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this
Indenture as the Notes theretofore or thereafter issued in accordance with the
terms of this indenture as though all of such Notes had been issued at the date
of the execution hereof.

          In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, lease or conveyance
such changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be made in the
Notes thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate.

          In the event of any such sale or conveyance (other than a conveyance
by way of lease), the Issuer or any successor corporation which shall
theretofore have become such in the manner described in this Article shall be
discharged from all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Notes
and may be liquidated and dissolved.

          Section 9.3  Opinion of Counsel Delivered to Trustee.  The Trustee,
                       ---------------------------------------               
subject to the provisions of Sections 6.1 and 6.2, may receive an Opinion of
Counsel as conclusive evidence that any such consolidation, merger, sale, lease
or conveyance, and any

                                      -72-
<PAGE>
 
such assumption, and any such liquidation or dissolution, complies with the
applicable provisions of this Indenture.


                                  ARTICLE TEN

                   SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE;
                               UNCLAIMED MONEYS
                  ------------------------------------------

          Section 10.1  Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.  (A)  If at any
                        ---------------------------------------                 
time (a) the Issuer shall have paid or caused to be paid the principal of and
interest on all the Notes of each series theretofore authenticated, including
all Coupons appertaining thereto (other than Notes and Coupons appertaining
thereto which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced
or paid as provided in Section 2.9), in accordance with the terms of this
Indenture and such Notes or (b) as to Notes and Coupons not so paid, the Issuer
shall have delivered to the Trustee for cancellation all Notes of each series
theretofore authenticated and all Coupons appertaining thereto (other than any
Notes and Coupons appertaining thereto which shall have been destroyed, lost or
stolen and which shall have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.9) or
(c) as to Notes and Coupons not so paid or delivered for cancellation, in the
case of any series of Notes as to which the exact amount of principal of and
interest due can be determined at the time of making the deposit referred to in
clause (ii) below, (i) all the Notes of such series and all Coupons appertaining
thereto shall have become due and payable, or are by their terms to become due
and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year
under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of
redemption, and (ii) the Issuer shall have irrevocably deposited or caused to be
deposited with the Trustee as trust funds the entire amount in cash (other than
moneys repaid by the Trustee or any paying agent to the Issuer in accordance
with Section 10.4) or Government Obligations, maturing as to principal and
interest at such times and in such amounts as will insure the availability of
cash, or a combination thereof, sufficient in the opinion of a nationally
recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written
certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay (A) the principal and
interest on all Notes of such series and Coupons appertaining thereto on each
date that such principal or interest is due and payable and (B) any mandatory
sinking fund or analogous payments on the dates on which such payments are due
and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and the Notes of such
series; and if, in any such case, the Issuer shall also pay or cause to be paid
all other sums payable hereunder by the Issuer then this Indenture shall cease
to be of further effect (except as to (i) rights of registration of transfer and
exchange of Notes and of Coupons appertaining thereto and the Issuer's right of
optional redemption, if any,

                                      -73-
<PAGE>
 
(ii) substitution of mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes or
Coupons, (iii) the rights of Holders of Notes and Coupons appertaining thereto
to receive payments of principal thereof and interest thereon, upon the original
stated due dates therefor (but not upon acceleration), and remaining rights of
such Holders to receive mandatory sinking fund or analogous payments, if any,
(iv) the rights, obligations, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder,
(v) the rights of Holders of Notes and Coupons appertaining thereto as
beneficiaries hereof with respect to the property so deposited with the Trustee
and payable to all or any of them and (vi) the obligations of the Issuer under
Section 3.2) and the Trustee, on demand of the Issuer accompanied by an
Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all
conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and
discharge of this Indenture have been complied with, and at the cost and expense
of the Issuer, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging such satisfaction
and discharge of this Indenture and the Trustee shall at the request of the
Company return to the Company all Collateral Bonds; provided that the rights of
Holders of the Notes and Coupons to receive amounts in respect of principal of
and interest on the Notes and Coupons held by them shall not be delayed longer
than required by then applicable mandatory rules or policies of any national
securities exchange upon which the Notes are listed.  The Issuer agrees to
reimburse the Trustee for any costs or expenses thereafter reasonably and
properly incurred and to compensate the Trustee for any services thereafter
reasonably and properly rendered by the Trustee in connection with this
Indenture or the Notes.

          (B)  The following provisions shall apply to the Notes of each series
unless specifically otherwise provided in the Board Resolution, Officers'
Certificate or supplemental indenture relating thereto provided pursuant to
Section 2.3.  In addition to discharge of this Indenture pursuant to the next
preceding paragraph (A), in the case of any series of Notes as to which the
exact amount of principal of and interest due can be determined at the time of
making the deposit referred to in subparagraph (a) below, the Issuer shall be
deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness on all the Notes of
such series and the Coupons appertaining thereto on the 91st day after the date
of such deposit, and the provisions of this Indenture with respect to the Notes
of such series and Coupons appertaining thereto shall no longer be in effect
(except as to (i) rights of registration of transfer and exchange of Notes of
such series and of Coupons appertaining thereto and the Issuer's right of
optional redemption, if any, (ii) substitution of mutilated, defaced, destroyed,
lost or stolen Notes or Coupons, (iii) the rights of Holders of Notes of such
series and Coupons appertaining thereto to receive payments of principal thereof
and interest thereon, upon the original stated due dates therefor (but not upon
acceleration), and remaining rights of such Holders

                                      -74-
<PAGE>
 
to receive mandatory sinking fund or analogous payments, if any, solely from the
trust fund referred to in subparagraph (a) below, (iv) the rights, obligations,
duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder, (v) the rights of Holders of
Notes of such series and Coupons appertaining thereto as beneficiaries hereof
with respect to the property so deposited with the Trustee and payable to all or
any of them and (vi) the obligations of the Issuer under Section 3.2), and the
Trustee, at the cost and expense of the Issuer, shall, at the Issuer's request,
execute proper instruments acknowledging the same, if:

          (a)  the Issuer shall have irrevocably deposited or caused to be
     irrevocably deposited with the Trustee as a trust fund specifically pledged
     as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of the
     Notes of such series and Coupons appertaining thereto (i) cash in an
     amount, or (ii) Government Obligations, maturing as to principal and
     interest at such times and in such amounts as will insure the availability
     of cash, or (iii) a combination thereof, sufficient in the opinion of a
     nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a
     written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay (A) the
     principal and interest on all Notes of such series and Coupons appertaining
     thereto on each date that such principal or interest is due and payable and
     (B) any mandatory sinking fund or analogous payments on the dates on which
     such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this
     Indenture and the Notes of such series;

          (b)  no Event of Default or event which, with notice or lapse of time
     or both, would become an Event of Default with respect to the Notes of such
     series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit
     or, insofar as clauses (f) and (g) of Section 5.1 are concerned, at any
     time during the period ending on the 91st day after the date of such
     deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed
     satisfied until the expiration of such period);

          (c)  such deposit shall not result in a breach or violation of, or
     constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other agreement or
     instrument to which the Issuer is a party or by which it is bound;

          (d)  such deposit shall not cause any Notes of such series then listed
     on any national securities exchange registered under the Securities
     Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to be delisted;

                                      -75-
<PAGE>
 
          (e)  the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of
     Counsel to the effect that (i) if such deposits shall include Government
     Obligations in respect of any government other than the United States of
     America, such deposit shall not result in the Issuer, the Trustee or such
     trust constituting an "investment company" under the Investment Company Act
     of 1940, as amended, and (ii) (x) the Issuer has received from, or there
     has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (y) since
     the date of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable
     Federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and such opinion
     shall confirm that, the Holders of the Notes of such series then
     Outstanding and Coupons appertaining thereto will not recognize income,
     gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit,
     defeasance and discharge and will be subject to Federal income tax on the
     same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been
     the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred; and

          (f)  the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
     Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions
     precedent herein provided for relating to the defeasance contemplated by
     this paragraph have been complied with.

          (C)  The Issuer shall be released from its obligations under Article
Nine with respect to the Notes of a particular series and any Coupons
appertaining thereto Outstanding on and after the date the conditions set forth
below are satisfied (hereinafter, "covenant defeasance").  Covenant defeasance
means that, with respect to the Outstanding Notes of such series, the Issuer may
omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term,
condition or limitation set forth in Article Nine, whether directly or
indirectly by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to such Article by reason
of any reference in such Article to any other provision herein or by reason of
any reference to such Article in any other document, and such omission to comply
shall not constitute an Event of Default under Section 5.1 with respect to the
Outstanding Notes of such series, but the remainder of this Indenture and other
Outstanding Notes and Coupons shall be unaffected thereby.  The following shall
be the conditions to application of this paragraph (C):

          (a)  the Issuer shall have irrevocably deposited or caused to be
     irrevocably deposited with the Trustee as a trust fund specifically pledged
     as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of the
     Notes of such series and Coupons appertaining thereto, (i) cash in an
     amount, or (ii) Government

                                      -76-
<PAGE>
 
     Obligations, maturing as to principal and interest at such times and in
     such amounts as will insure the availability of cash, or (iii) a
     combination thereof, sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized
     firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification
     thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay (A) the principal and interest on
     all Notes of such series and Coupons appertaining thereto on each date that
     such principal or interest is due and payable and (B) any mandatory sinking
     fund or analogous payments on the dates on which such payments are due and
     payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and the Notes of
     such series;

          (b)  no Event of Default or event which, with notice or lapse of time
     or both, would become an Event of Default with respect to the Notes of such
     series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit
     or, insofar as clauses (f) and (g) of Section 5.1 are concerned, at any
     time during the period ending on the 91st day after the date of such
     deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed
     satisfied until the expiration of such period);

          (c)  such covenant defeasance shall not result in a breach or
     violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other
     agreement or instrument to which the Issuer is a party or by which it is
     bound;

          (d)  such covenant defeasance shall not cause any Notes of such series
     then listed on any national securities exchange registered under the
     Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to be delisted;

          (e)  the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of
     Counsel to the effect that (i) if such deposits shall include Government
     Obligations in respect of any government other than the United States of
     America, such deposit shall not result in the Issuer, the Trustee or such
     trust constituting an "investment company" under the Investment Company Act
     of 1940, as amended, and (ii) the Holders of the Notes of such series then
     Outstanding and Coupons appertaining thereto will not recognize income,
     gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such covenant
     defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts,
     in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if
     such covenant defeasance had not occurred; and

                                      -77-
<PAGE>
 
          (f)  the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
     Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions
     precedent herein provided for relating to such covenant defeasance have
     been complied with.

          Section 10.2  Application by Trustee of Funds Deposited for Payment of
                        --------------------------------------------------------
Notes.  Subject to Section 10.4, all moneys deposited with the Trustee (or other
- -----                                                                           
trustee) pursuant to Section 10.1 in respect of the Outstanding Notes of a
particular series and the Coupons appertaining thereto shall be held in trust
and applied by it to the payment, either directly or through any paying agent
(including the Issuer acting as its own paying agent), to the Holders of such
Notes and Coupons of all sums due and to become due thereon for principal and
interest; but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the
extent required by law.

          Section 10.3  Repayment of Moneys Held by Paying Agent.  In connection
                        ----------------------------------------                
with the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the Notes
of any series, all moneys then held by any paying agent under the provisions of
this Indenture with respect to such series of Notes shall, upon demand of the
Issuer, be repaid to it or paid to the Trustee and thereupon such paying agent
shall be released from all further liability with respect to such moneys.

          Section 10.4  Return of Moneys Held by Trustee and Paying Agent
                        -------------------------------------------------
Unclaimed for Two Years.  Any moneys deposited with or paid to the Trustee or
- -----------------------                                                      
any paying agent for the payment of the principal of or interest on any Note of
any series or Coupons appertaining thereto and not applied but remaining
unclaimed for two years after the date upon which such principal or interest
shall have become due and payable, shall, upon the written request of the Issuer
and unless otherwise required by mandatory provisions of applicable escheat or
abandoned or unclaimed property law, be repaid to the Issuer by the Trustee or
such paying agent, and the Holder of the Notes of such series and of any Coupons
appertaining thereto shall, unless otherwise required by mandatory provisions of
applicable escheat or abandoned or unclaimed property laws, thereafter look only
to the Issuer for any payment which such Holder may be entitled to collect, and
all liability of the Trustee or any paying agent with respect to such moneys
shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such paying agent,
before being required to make any such repayment with respect to moneys
deposited with it for any payment (a) in respect of Registered Notes of any
series, shall at the expense of the Issuer, mail by first-class mail to Holders
of such Notes at their addresses as they shall appear on the Note Register for
the Notes of such series, and (b) in respect of Unregistered Notes of any
series, shall at the expense of the Issuer cause to be published once, in an
Authorized Newspaper in

                                      -78-
<PAGE>
 
the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, notice that such moneys remain
and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days
from the date of such mailing or publication, any unclaimed balance of such
moneys then remaining will be repaid to the Issuer.

          Section 10.5  Indemnity for Government Obligations.  The Issuer shall
                        ------------------------------------                   
pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or
assessed against the Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 10.1
or the principal or interest received in respect of such Government Obligations,
other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of
the Holders of the Notes and Coupons for whose benefit such Government
Obligations are held.


                                 ARTICLE ELEVEN

                     REDEMPTION OF NOTES AND SINKING FUNDS
                     -------------------------------------

          Section 11.1  Applicability of Article.  The provisions of this
                        ------------------------                         
Article shall be applicable to the Notes of any series which are redeemable
before their maturity or to any sinking fund for the retirement of Notes of a
series except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.3 for Notes of
any series.

          Section 11.2  Notice of Redemption; Partial Redemptions.  Notice of
                        -----------------------------------------            
redemption to the Holders of Registered Notes of any series to be redeemed as a
whole or in part shall be given by mailing notice of such redemption by first
class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 days and not more than 60 days prior to
the date fixed for redemption, to such Holders at their last addresses as they
shall appear upon the registry books for such Notes.  Notice of redemption to
the Holders of Unregistered Notes of any series to be redeemed as a whole or in
part, who have filed their names and addresses with the Trustee pursuant to
Section 4.4(c)(ii), shall be given by mailing notice of such redemption by first
class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 days and not more than 60 days prior to
the date fixed for redemption, to such Holders at such addresses as were so
furnished to the Trustee (and, in the case of any such notice given by the
Issuer, the Trustee shall make such information available to the Issuer for such
purpose).  Notice of redemption to all other Holders of Unregistered Notes of
any series shall be published in an Authorized Newspaper in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York, in each case once in each of three successive
calendar weeks, the first publication to be not less than 30 days nor more than
60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption; provided, however, that notice
                                                --------  -------             
of redemption shall not be required to be published if there are no Holders of
Unregistered Notes of any series that have not filed their names and addresses
with the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.4(c)(ii).  Any notice which is

                                      -79-
<PAGE>
 
mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been
duly given, whether or not the Holder receives the notice.  Failure to give
notice by mail, or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Note of any
series designated for redemption as a whole or in part, shall not affect the
validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Note of such series.

          The notice of redemption to each such Holder shall specify the
principal amount of each Note of such series held by such Holder to be redeemed,
the date fixed for redemption, the redemption price, the place or places of
payment, that payment will be made upon presentation and surrender of such Notes
and, in the case of Notes with Coupons attached thereto, of all Coupons
appertaining thereto maturing after the date fixed for redemption, that such
redemption is pursuant to the mandatory or optional sinking or other analogous
fund, or both, if such be the case, that interest accrued to the date fixed for
redemption will be paid as specified in such notice and that on and after said
date interest thereon or on the portions thereof to be redeemed will cease to
accrue.  In case any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of
redemption shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be
redeemed and shall state that on and after the date fixed for redemption, upon
surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes of such series in authorized
denominations for an aggregate principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion
thereof will be issued.

          The notice of redemption of Notes of any series to be redeemed at the
option of the Issuer shall be given by the Issuer or, at the Issuer's request,
by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Issuer.

          On or before the redemption date specified in the notice of redemption
given as provided in this Section, the Issuer will deposit with the Trustee or
with one or more paying agents (or, if the Issuer is acting as its own paying
agent, set aside, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 3.4) an
amount of money sufficient to redeem on the redemption date all the Notes of any
series so called for redemption at the applicable redemption price, together
with accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption.  The Issuer will deliver
to the Trustee at least 30 days prior to the date fixed for redemption an
Officers' Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes of each
series to be redeemed.  In case of a redemption at the option of the Issuer
prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption, the Issuer shall
deliver to the Trustee, prior to the giving of any notice of redemption to
Holders pursuant to this Section, an Officers' Certificate stating that such
restriction has been complied with.  If less than all the Notes of any series
are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall select, in such manner as it shall deem
appropriate and

                                      -80-
<PAGE>
 
fair, Notes of such series to be redeemed in whole or in part.  Notes may be
redeemed in part in multiples equal to the minimum authorized denomination for
Notes of such series or any multiple thereof.  The Trustee shall promptly notify
the Issuer in writing of the Notes of such series selected for redemption and,
in the case of any Notes of such series selected for partial redemption, the
principal amount thereof to be redeemed.  For all purposes of this Indenture,
unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption
of Notes of any series shall relate, in the case of any Note redeemed or to be
redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Note which
has been or is to be redeemed.

          Section 11.3  Payment of Notes Called for Redemption.  If notice of
                        --------------------------------------               
redemption has been given as provided in Section 11.2, the Notes or portions of
Notes specified in such notice shall become due and payable on the date and at
the place stated in such notice at the applicable redemption price, together
with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption, and on and after said
date (unless the Issuer shall default in the payment of such Notes at the
applicable redemption price, together with interest accrued to said date)
interest on the Notes or portions of Notes so called for redemption shall cease
to accrue, the unmatured Coupons, if any, appertaining thereto shall be void
and, except as provided in Sections 6.5 and 10.4, such Notes shall cease from
and after the date fixed for redemption to be entitled to any benefit or
security under this Indenture, and the Holders thereof shall have no right in
respect of such Notes except the right to receive the applicable redemption
price thereof and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption.  On
presentation and surrender of such Notes at a place of payment specified in said
notice, together with all Coupons, if any, appertaining thereto maturing after
the date fixed for redemption, such Notes or the specified portions thereof
shall be paid and redeemed by the Issuer at the applicable redemption price,
together with interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption;
provided that payment of interest becoming due on or prior to the date fixed for
redemption shall be payable, in the case of Notes with Coupons attached thereto,
to the Holders of the Coupons for such interest upon surrender thereof or, in
the case of Registered Notes, to the Holders of such Registered Notes registered
as such on the relevant Record Date, subject to the terms and provisions of
Sections 2.3 and 2.7.

          If any Note called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender
thereof for redemption, the principal shall, until paid or duly provided for,
bear interest from the date fixed for redemption at the rate of interest or
Yield to Maturity (in the case of an Original Issue Discount Note) borne by such
Note.

                                      -81-
<PAGE>
 
          If any Note with Coupons attached thereto is surrendered for
redemption and is not accompanied by all appurtenant Coupons maturing after the
date fixed for redemption, the surrender of such missing Coupon or Coupons may
be waived by the Issuer and the Trustee, if there be furnished to each of them
such security or indemnity as they may require to save each of them harmless.

          Upon presentation of any Note redeemed in part only, the Issuer shall
execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to or on the order of the
Holder thereof, at the expense of the Issuer, a new Note or Notes of such
series, of authorized denominations, in principal amount equal to the unredeemed
portion of the Note so presented.

          Section 11.4  Exclusion of Certain Notes from Eligibility for
                        -----------------------------------------------
Selection for Redemption.  Notes shall be excluded from eligibility for
- ------------------------                                               
selection for redemption if they are identified by registration and certificate
number in an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee at least 30 days
prior to the last date on which notice of redemption may be given as being owned
of record and beneficially by, and not pledged or hypothecated by either (a) the
Issuer or (b) an entity specifically identified in such Officers' Certificate as
directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect
common control with the Issuer.

          Upon presentation of any Note redeemed in part only, the Issuer shall
execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to or on the order of the
Holder thereof, at the expense of the Issuer, a new Note or Notes of such
series, of authorized denominations, in principal amount equal to the unredeemed
portion of the Note so presented.

          Section 11.5  Mandatory and Optional Sinking Funds.  The minimum
                        ------------------------------------              
amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of the Notes of any
series is herein referred to as a "mandatory sinking fund payment", and any
payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of the Notes
of any series is herein referred to as an "optional sinking fund payment".  The
date on which a sinking fund payment is to be made is herein referred to as the
"sinking fund payment date".

          In lieu of making all or any part of any mandatory sinking fund
payment with respect to any series of Notes in cash, the Issuer may at its
option (a) deliver to the Trustee Notes of such series theretofore purchased or
otherwise acquired (except upon redemption pursuant to the mandatory sinking
fund) by the Issuer or receive credit for Notes of such series (not previously
so credited) theretofore purchased or otherwise acquired (except as aforesaid)
by the Issuer and delivered to the Trustee for cancellation pursuant to Section
2.10, (b) receive credit for

                                      -82-
<PAGE>
 
optional sinking fund payments (not previously so credited) made pursuant to
this Section or (c) receive credit for Notes of such series (not previously so
credited) redeemed by the Issuer through any optional redemption provision
contained in the terms of such series.  Notes so delivered or credited shall be
received or credited by the Trustee at the sinking fund redemption price
specified in such Notes.

          On or before the 60th day next preceding each sinking fund payment
date for any series, the Issuer will deliver to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate (which need not contain the statements required by Section 13.5) (a)
specifying the portion of the mandatory sinking fund payment due on such date to
be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion to be satisfied by credit of
Notes of such series and the basis for such credit, (b) stating that none of the
Notes of such series to be so credited has theretofore been so credited, (c)
stating that no defaults in the payment of interest or Events of Default with
respect to such series have occurred (which have not been waived or cured) and
are continuing and (d) stating whether or not the Issuer intends to exercise its
right to make an optional sinking fund payment on such date with respect to such
series and, if so, specifying the amount of such optional sinking fund payment
which the Issuer intends to pay on or before the next succeeding sinking fund
payment date.  Any Notes of such series to be so credited and required to be
delivered to the Trustee in order for the Issuer to be entitled to credit
therefor as aforesaid which have not theretofore been delivered to the Trustee
shall be delivered for cancellation pursuant to Section 2.10 to the Trustee with
such Officers' Certificate (or reasonably promptly thereafter if acceptable to
the Trustee).  Such Officers' Certificate shall be irrevocable, and upon its
receipt by the Trustee the Issuer shall become unconditionally obligated to make
all the cash payments or other deliveries therein referred to, if any, on or
before the next succeeding sinking fund payment date.  Failure of the Issuer, on
or before any such 60th day, to deliver such Officers' Certificate and
securities specified in this paragraph, if any, shall not constitute a default
but shall constitute, on and as of such 60th day, the irrevocable election of
the Issuer that (i) the mandatory sinking fund payment for such series due on
the next succeeding sinking fund payment date shall be paid entirely in cash
without the option to deliver or credit Notes of such series in respect thereof
and (ii) the Issuer will make no optional sinking fund payment with respect to
such series on such date as provided in this Section.

          If the sinking fund payment or payments (mandatory or optional or
both) to be made in cash on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date plus
any unused balance of any preceding sinking fund payments made in cash shall
exceed $50,000 if the Issuer shall so request with respect to the Notes of any
particular series, such cash shall be applied on the next

                                      -83-
<PAGE>
 
succeeding sinking fund payment date to the redemption of Notes of such series
at the applicable sinking fund redemption price, together with accrued interest
to the date fixed for redemption.  If such amount shall be $50,000 or less and
the Issuer makes no such request, then such amount shall be carried over until a
sum in excess of $50,000 is available.  The Trustee shall select, in the manner
provided in Section 11.2, for redemption on such sinking fund payment date a
sufficient principal amount of Notes of such series to absorb said cash, as
nearly as may be, and shall (if requested in writing by the Issuer) inform the
Issuer of the serial numbers of the Notes of such series (or portions thereof)
so selected.  Notes shall be excluded from eligibility for redemption under this
Section if they are identified by registration and certificate number in an
Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee at least 30 days prior to the
sinking fund payment date as being owned of record and beneficially by, and not
pledged or hypothecated by either (a) the Issuer or (b) an entity specifically
identified in such Officers' Certificate as directly or indirectly controlling
or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Issuer.
The Trustee, in the name and at the expense of the Issuer (or the Issuer, if it
shall so request the Trustee in writing), shall cause notice of redemption of
the Notes of such series to be given in substantially the manner provided in
Section 11.2 (and with the effect provided in Section 11.3) for the redemption
of Notes of such series in part at the option of the Issuer.  The amount of any
sinking fund payments not so applied or allocated to the redemption of Notes of
such series shall be added to the next cash sinking fund payment for such series
and, together with such payment, shall be applied in accordance with the
provisions of this Section.  Any and all sinking fund moneys held on the stated
maturity date of the Notes of a particular series (or earlier, if such maturity
is accelerated), which are not held for the payment or redemption of particular
Notes of such series, shall be applied, together with other moneys, if
necessary, sufficient for the purpose, to the payment of the principal of and
interest on the Notes of such series at maturity.

          Unless otherwise provided for, on or before each sinking fund payment
date, the Issuer shall pay to the Trustee in cash or shall otherwise provide for
the payment of all interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption on Notes to
be redeemed on such sinking fund payment date.

          The Trustee shall not redeem or cause to be redeemed Notes of any
series with sinking fund moneys or give any notice of redemption of Notes of
such series by operation of the sinking fund for such series during the
continuance of any Event of Default with respect to such series except that, if
notice of redemption of any Notes of such series shall theretofore have been
given, the Trustee shall redeem or cause to be redeemed such Notes, provided
that the Trustee or one or more paying agents

                                      -84-
<PAGE>
 
shall have received from the Issuer a sum sufficient for such redemption.
Except as aforesaid, any moneys in the sinking fund for such series at the time
when any such Event of Default shall occur, and any moneys thereafter paid into
the sinking fund, shall, during the continuance of such Event of Default, be
deemed to have been collected under Article Five and held for the payment of all
Notes of such series.  In case such Event of Default shall have been waived as
provided in Section 5.10 or the default cured on or before the 60th day
preceding any sinking fund payment date, such moneys shall thereafter be applied
on such sinking fund payment date in accordance with this Section to the
redemption of Notes of such series.

                                 ARTICLE TWELVE

                                COLLATERAL BONDS
                                ----------------

          Section 12.1  Pledge.  The Issuer hereby delivers to and pledges with
                        ------                                                 
the Trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the Notes of all series, the
Collateral Bond fully registered in the name of the Trustee, in trust for the
holders of the Notes as security for (1) the full and prompt payment of the
principal of each Note when and as the same shall become due in accordance with
the terms and provisions of this Indenture, either at the stated maturity
thereof, upon acceleration of the maturity thereof or upon call for redemption,
and (2) the full and prompt payment of any premium and interest on each Note
when and as the same shall become due in accordance with the terms and
provisions of this Indenture.

          As used in this Article Twelve, the phrase "holders of the Notes"
shall mean, in the case of any Registered Global Note, the Depository and any
Person having, from time to time, any beneficial interest in such Note.

          Section 12.2  Receipt.  The Trustee acknowledges receipt of the
                        -------                                          
Collateral Bond for the benefit of the holders from time to time of the Notes.

          Section 12.3  Collateral Bonds Held by the Trustee.  The Trustee, as
                        ------------------------------------                  
the holder of the Collateral Bonds, shall attend any meeting of bondholders
under the First Mortgage as to which it receives due notice.  At such meeting
the Trustee shall vote the Collateral Bonds held by it proportionately with the
vote of the holders of all bonds issued and outstanding under the First
Mortgage, other than the Collateral Bonds; provided, however, that the Trustee
shall not, except upon mailing of notice and the unanimous written approval or
consent of the holders of all Notes then outstanding, vote in favor of any
action which would require the vote pursuant to the applicable provisions of the
First Mortgage of the holders of all Bonds or of all Collateral Bonds then
outstanding which are affected by such action.

                                      -85-
<PAGE>
 
          Section 12.4  No Transfer of Collateral Bonds; Exception.  Except as
                        ------------------------------------------            
required to effect an assignment to a successor trustee under this Indenture or
pursuant to Section 12.5 or Section 12.7 hereof, the Trustee shall not sell,
assign or transfer the Collateral Bonds and the Issuer shall issue stop transfer
instructions to the Mortgage Trustee and any transfer agent under the First
Mortgage to effect compliance with this Section 12.4.

          Section 12.5  Release of Collateral Bonds.  The Trustee shall, upon
                        ---------------------------                          
written request of the Issuer, deliver to the Issuer without charge therefor the
Collateral Bonds, together with such appropriate instruments of transfer or
release as may be reasonably requested by the Issuer, when the conditions
established by Section 10.1 hereof are satisfied.

          Section 12.6  Further Assurances.  The Issuer, at its own expense,
                        ------------------                                  
shall do such further lawful acts and things, and execute and deliver such
additional conveyances, assignments, assurances, agreements, financing
statements and instruments, as the Trustee may at any time reasonably request in
order to better assign, assure, perfect and confirm to the Trustee its security
interest in the Collateral Bonds and for maintaining, protecting and preserving
such security interest.

          Section 12.7  Acceptance of Additional Collateral Bonds.  At any time,
                        -----------------------------------------               
at the option of the Issuer, the Issuer may pledge and deliver to the Trustee,
and the Trustee shall accept, Additional Collateral Bonds registered in the name
of the Trustee as security for the Notes.  Such Additional Collateral Bonds
shall be held in trust by the Trustee for the holders of the Notes as security
for (a) the full and prompt payment of the principal of the Notes when and as
the same shall become due in accordance with the terms and provisions of this
Indenture, either at the stated 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 Note when and as the same shall
become due in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Indenture.

          Prior to its acceptance of Additional Collateral Bonds, the Trustee
shall receive from the Issuer, and (subject to Section 6.7 hereof) shall be
fully protected in relying upon an Officers' Certificate stating that the
delivery of the Additional Collateral Bonds will not result in a default under
the First Mortgage, this Indenture or any other contract, indenture, loan
agreement or other instrument to which the Issuer is a party or by which it or
any of its property is bound, and an Opinion of Counsel stating:

          (a)  that the Additional Collateral Bonds to be issued to the Trustee
have been duly authorized, executed and delivered

                                      -86-
<PAGE>
 
and that such Additional Collateral Bonds are legal, valid and binding
obligations of the Issuer enforceable in accordance with their terms and
entitled to the benefits and security of the First Mortgage, equally and ratably
with all other bonds outstanding under the First Mortgage, subject to
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and other laws of general applicability
relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights and to general
equity principles;

          (b)  that all applicable laws in respect of the execution and delivery
of the Issuer of such Additional Collateral Bonds to the Trustee have been
complied with;

          (c)  that the First Mortgage has been duly recorded in all places
where such recording is necessary for the perfection or preservation of the lien
of the First Mortgage, no financing statements (other than such as have already
been filed) are required to be filed pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code for
the perfection or preservation of the lien of the First Mortgage, and the First
Mortgage constitutes a valid and perfected lien upon the property purported to
be covered thereby, subject only to conditions or exceptions that do not, singly
or in the aggregate, materially impair the use of the property affected thereby
in the operations of the business of the Issuer;

          (d)  that the security interest of the Trustee in such Additional
Collateral Bonds thereby delivered to the Trustee is a valid and perfected
security interest;

          (e)  that all consents or approvals of all federal or state regulatory
agency required in connection with the issuance of such Additional Collateral
Bonds to the Trustee have been obtained and not withdrawn (except that no
opinion need be expressed as to state securities or Blue Sky laws); and

          (f)  such other matters as the Trustee may reasonably request.

          Section 12.8  Exchange of Collateral Bonds.  The Issuer shall have the
                        ----------------------------                            
right, as permitted by Article II, Section 1, subdivision (c) of the First
Mortgage and contemplated by Article I, Section 6 of the Mortgage Supplemental
Indenture, to require that the Trustee present one or more of the Collateral
Bonds then held by it in exchange for one or more other Collateral Bonds with a
lower interest rate, lesser principal amount, different maturity date and
different other terms which mirror the precise terms of the Notes outstanding
from time to time hereunder.  The Trustee shall surrender the applicable
Collateral Bonds then held by it for cancellation by the Issuer concurrently
with receiving the replacement Collateral Bonds from the Issuer and following
not less than five days prior written direction by the Issuer to effect such
exchange.

                                      -87-
<PAGE>
 
                                ARTICLE THIRTEEN

                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
                            ------------------------

          Section 13.1  Incorporators, Stockholders, Officers and Directors of
                        ------------------------------------------------------
Issuer Exempt from Individual Liability.  No recourse under or upon any
- ---------------------------------------                                
obligation, covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture or the First
Mortgage, or in any Note or Coupon or Bond, or because of any indebtedness
evidenced thereby, shall be had against any incorporator, as such, or against
any past, present or future stockholder, officer or director, as such, of the
Issuer or of any successor, either directly or through the Issuer or any
successor, under any rule of law, statute or constitutional provision or by the
enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or
otherwise, all such liability being expressly waived and released by the
acceptance of the Notes and the Coupons appertaining thereto by the Holders
thereof and as part of the consideration for the issue of the Notes and the
Coupons appertaining thereto.

          Section 13.2  Provisions of Indenture for the Sole Benefit of Parties
                        -------------------------------------------------------
and Holders of Notes and Coupons.  Nothing in this Indenture, in the Notes or
- --------------------------------                                             
Coupons appertaining thereto, expressed or implied, shall give or be construed
to give to any person, firm or corporation, other than the parties hereto and
their successors and the Holders of the Notes or Coupons, if any, any legal or
equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture or under any covenant or
provision herein contained, all such covenants and provisions being for the sole
benefit of the parties hereto and their successors and of the Holders of the
Notes or Coupons, if any.

          Section 13.3  Successors and Assigns of Issuer Bound by Indenture.
                        ---------------------------------------------------  
All the covenants, stipulations, promises and agreements in this Indenture
contained by or on behalf of the Issuer shall bind its successors and assigns,
whether so expressed or not.

          Section 13.4  Notices and Demands on Issuer, Trustee and Holders of
                        -----------------------------------------------------
Notes and Coupons.  Any notice or demand which by any provision of this
- -----------------                                                      
Indenture is required or permitted to be given or served by the Trustee or by
any Holder of Notes of any series or Coupons appertaining thereto or upon the
Issuer may be given or served by being deposited postage prepaid in the United
States mail, first-class mail (except as otherwise specifically provided
herein), addressed (until another address of the Issuer is filed by the Issuer
with the Trustee) to Madison Gas and Electric Company, 133 South Blair Street,
Madison, Wisconsin 53703, Attention: Vice President-Finance.  Any notice,
direction, request or demand by the Issuer or any Holder of Notes of any series
or Coupons appertaining thereto to or upon the Trustee

                                      -88-
<PAGE>
 
shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or served by being deposited
postage prepaid in the United States mail, first-class mail (except as otherwise
specifically provided herein), addressed (until another address of the Trustee
is filed by the Trustee with the Issuer) to 321 North Main Street, West Bend,
Wisconsin 53095, Attention: Administrator.  Any notice required or permitted to
be given or served by the Issuer or by the Trustee to or upon (i) any Holders of
Registered Notes of any series or any Holders of Unregistered Notes who have
filed their names and addresses with the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.4(c)(ii),
may be given or served by being deposited in the United States mail, first-class
mail (except as otherwise specifically provided herein), addressed at their
addresses as they shall appear on the Note Register or at the addresses so
filed, respectively, and (ii) any Holders of other Unregistered Notes, by
publication at least once in an Authorized Newspaper in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York.

          In any case where notice to the Holders of Notes is given by mail,
neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed,
to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with
respect to other Holders.  Where this Indenture provides for notice in any
manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the person entitled to receive
such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the
equivalent of such notice.  Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the
Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of
any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.

          In case, by reason of the suspension of or irregularities in regular
mail service, it shall be impracticable to mail notice to the Issuer when such
notice is required to be given pursuant to any provision of this Indenture, then
any manner of giving such notice as shall be reasonably satisfactory to the
Trustee shall be deemed to be a sufficient giving of such notice.

          Section 13.5  Officers' Certificates and Opinions of Counsel;
                        -----------------------------------------------
Statements to be Contained Therein.  Upon any application or demand by the
- ----------------------------------                                        
Issuer to the Trustee to take any action under any of the provisions of this
Indenture, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate
stating that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to
the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating
that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent have been
complied with, except that in the case of any such application or demand as to
which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision
of this Indenture relating to such particular application or demand, no
additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.

                                      -89-
<PAGE>
 
          Each certificate or opinion provided for in this Indenture and
delivered to the Trustee with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant
provided for in this Indenture (other than certificates provided pursuant to
Section 4.3(d)) shall include (a) a statement that the person making such
certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition, (b) 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, (c) 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 (d) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such
person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

          Any certificate, statement or opinion of an officer of the Issuer may
be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion
of or representations by counsel, unless such officer knows that the certificate
or opinion of or representations with respect to the matters upon which his
certificate, statement or opinion may be based as aforesaid are erroneous, or in
the exercise of reasonable care should know that the same are erroneous.  Any
certificate, statement or opinion of counsel may be based, insofar as it relates
to factual matters, information with respect to which is in the possession of
the Issuer, upon the certificate, statement or opinion of or representations by
an officer or officers of the Issuer, unless such counsel knows that the
certificate, statement or opinion or representations with respect to the matters
upon which his certificate, statement or opinion may be based as aforesaid are
erroneous, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know that the same are
erroneous.

          Any certificate, statement or opinion of an officer of the Issuer or
of counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to accounting matters, upon a
certificate or opinion of or representations by an accountant or firm of
accountants in the employ of the Issuer, unless such officer or counsel, as the
case may be, knows that the certificate or opinion or representations with
respect to the accounting matters upon which his certificate, statement or
opinion may be based as aforesaid are erroneous, or in the exercise of
reasonable care should know that the same are erroneous.

          Any certificate or opinion of any independent firm of public
accountants filed with and directed to the Trustee shall contain a statement
that such firm is independent.

          Section 13.6  Payments Due on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.  If the
                        -----------------------------------------------         
date of maturity of interest on or principal of the Notes of any series or any
Coupons appertaining thereto or

                                      -90-
<PAGE>
 
the date fixed for redemption or repayment of any such Note or Coupon shall not
be a Business Day, then payment of interest or principal need not be made on
such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same
force and effect as if made on the date of maturity or the date fixed for
redemption or repayment, and no interest shall accrue for the period after such
date.

          Section 13.7  Conflict of any Provision of Indenture with Trust
                        -------------------------------------------------
Indenture Act of 1939.  If and to the extent that any provision of this
- ---------------------                                                  
Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with any provision set forth in
Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, that impose
duties on any person, such provision of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 shall
control.

          Section 13.8  Wisconsin Law to Govern.  This Indenture and each Note
                        -----------------------                               
and Coupon shall be deemed to be a contract under the laws of the State of
Wisconsin, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws
of such State, except as may otherwise be required by mandatory provisions of
law.

          Section 13.9  Counterparts.  This Indenture may be executed in any
                        ------------                                        
number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original; but such
counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

          Section 13.10  Effect of Headings.  The Article and Section headings
                         ------------------                                   
herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect
the construction hereof.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to
be duly executed, and their respective corporate seals to be hereunto affixed
and attested, all as of January 1, 1994.


                              MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY


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


[CORPORATE SEAL]

Attest:


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

                                      -91-
<PAGE>
 
                              M&I FIRST NATIONAL BANK



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

[CORPORATE SEAL]

Attest:


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

                                      -92-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.3

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

                                   EIGHTEENTH
                             SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
                               _________________

                        MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

                                     TO

                            FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY
             (FORMERLY KNOWN AS FIRST WISCONSIN TRUST COMPANY),

                                   TRUSTEE

                          DATED AS OF MARCH 1, 1994

                          ________________________

                            CREATING AN ISSUE OF
                      FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS, 2029 SERIES

                         __________________________

                        SUPPLEMENTAL TO INDENTURE OF
                         MORTGAGE AND DEED OF TRUST
                         DATED AS OF JANUARY 1, 1946

================================================================================
<PAGE>
 
          Eighteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of the 1st day of March,
1994, between MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY, a corporation duly organized
and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Wisconsin
(hereinafter called the "Company"), party of the first part, and FIRSTAR TRUST
COMPANY (formerly known as FIRST WISCONSIN TRUST COMPANY), a corporation duly
organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of
Wisconsin, having its principal place of business in the City of Milwaukee,
Wisconsin (hereinafter called the "Trustee"), as Trustee under the Indenture
hereinafter mentioned, party of the second part:

          WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore executed and delivered to the
Trustee an Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust (hereinafter called the
"Indenture"), dated as of January 1, 1946, to secure the Company's First
Mortgage Bonds, unlimited in aggregate principal amount except as therein
otherwise provided, and has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee
seventeen supplemental indentures creating seventeen series of bonds, bonds of
seven of which series are outstanding as of the date hereof; and

          WHEREAS, the Company desires in and by this Eighteenth Supplemental
Indenture (hereinafter called "this Supplemental Indenture") to create a
eighteenth series of bonds to be issued under the Indenture, to designate or
otherwise distinguish such series, to specify the particulars necessary to
describe and define the same, and to specify such other provisions and
agreements in respect thereof as are in said Indenture provided or permitted;
and

          WHEREAS, the following terms shall for all purposes of this
Supplemental Indenture have the following meanings unless the context
otherwise requires:

          The term "Additional Bonds" means the Company's bonds, of a series to
     be designated, registered under the Registration Statement and to be
     issuable under and authenticated and delivered from time to time pursuant
     to the Indenture;

          The term "Debt Securities" means the Additional Bonds and the Notes,
     in the combined aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $45,000,000;

          The term "Notes" means the Company's Secured Medium-Term Notes, Series
     A, registered under the Registration Statement and to be issuable under and
     authenticated and delivered from time to time pursuant to the Note
     Indenture;

          The term "Note Indenture" means the Indenture of Trust, dated as of
     March 1, 1994, by and between the Company and M&I First National Bank, as
     trustee, and any indenture supplemental thereto or amendatory
<PAGE>
 
     thereof, pursuant to which the Notes may be issued and will be secured;

          The term "Note Trustee" means the person, corporation or banking
     association acting as trustee from time to time under the Note Indenture;
     and

          The term "Registration Statement" means the Company's Registration
     Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 33-__) filed with the Securities
     and Exchange Commission, including any amendments thereto; and

          WHEREAS, the Company also desires in and by this Supplemental
Indenture to record the description of, and confirm unto the Trustee, certain
property acquired after the execution and delivery of the Seventeenth
Supplemental Indenture; and

          WHEREAS, all the conditions and requirements necessary to make this
Supplemental Indenture, when duly executed and delivered, a valid, binding and
legal instrument in accordance with its terms and for the purposes herein
expressed have been done, performed, and fulfilled, and the execution and
delivery of this Supplemental Indenture in the form and with the terms hereof
have been in all respects duly authorized;

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and in further
consideration of the sum of One Dollar in lawful money of the United States of
America paid to the Company by the Trustee at or before the execution and
delivery of this Supplemental Indenture, the receipt whereof is hereby
acknowledged, and of other good and valuable considerations, it is agreed by and
between the Company and the Trustee as follows:

CONFIRMATION OF CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY ACQUIRED AFTER EXECUTION AND
DELIVERY OF THE SEVENTEENTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

          First.  The Company records in Exhibit "A" to this Supplemental
          -----                                                          
Indenture, which is annexed hereto and made a part hereof, the description of,
and hereby confirms unto the Trustee, the property therein described which has
been acquired by the Company after the execution and delivery of the Seventeenth
Supplemental Indenture and is now subject to the lien of the Indenture in all
respects as if originally described therein, to have and to hold such property
in trust, upon all the terms and trusts and subject to all the matters and to
all conditions, all to the same extent and with the same force and effect as
though conveyed by the Indenture in the first instance.

          Second.  The Company also hereby confirms unto the Trustee all other
          ------                                                              
property of every kind, character and description (other than Excepted Property
as defined in the Indenture), acquired or constructed by the Company after the
execution and delivery of the Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture, located in the
Counties of Dane, Columbia, Kewaunee, Fond du Lac,

                                     -2-
<PAGE>
 
Green Lake, Dodge, Iowa, Juneau, Monroe and Vernon, State of Wisconsin, or
elsewhere, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, all
transmission lines, pipe lines, additions to electric generating plants and to
gas works, substations, and electric and gas distribution systems and
facilities, including those now under construction; also all franchises, leases,
permits, easements, rights of way, consents and licenses; all of said property
being now subject to the lien of the Indenture in all respects as if originally
described therein; together with all and singular the easements, hereditaments
and appurtenances belonging or in any wise appertaining to the property above
described or referred to, and all the estate, title, claims and demands
whatsoever, as well in law as in equity, of the Company in and to the same and
any and every part and parcel thereof; and all and singular the rents, issues,
profits, tolls and other income thereof; excepting always Excepted Property as
defined in the Indenture.


                                   ARTICLE I

                       FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS, 2029 SERIES

          SECTION 1. There is hereby created a series of bonds to be issued
under and secured by the Indenture, to be designated, distinguished and known as
"First Mortgage Bonds, 2029 Series" of the Company (hereinafter called "Bonds of
This Series").  Bonds of This Series may be issued in the aggregate principal
amount of up to $45,000,000, except as provided in the Indenture and this
Supplemental Indenture.  Bonds of This Series shall be issued as fully
registered bonds without coupons and shall be dated as of the interest payment
date next preceding the authentication thereof by the Trustee, except that: (i)
if any Bond of This Series shall be authenticated before July 15, 1994 it shall
be dated as of January 15, 1994 (unless (iii) below is applicable); (ii) if the
Company shall at the time of authentication of a Bond of This Series be in
default in the payment of interest upon Bonds of This Series, such Bond of This
Series shall be dated as of the date of the beginning of the period for which
such interest is so in default; (iii) so long as there is no existing default in
the payment of interest on Bonds of This Series, if any Bond of This Series
shall be authenticated at any time after the close of business on any record
date, as hereinafter defined, with respect to any interest payment date (January
15 or July 15, as the case may be) and on or prior to such interest payment
date, it shall be dated as of such interest payment date; and (iv) interest
shall not begin to accrue on the Bonds of this Series until one or more Notes
shall have been issued, authenticated and delivered pursuant to the Note
Indenture, and then only to the extent that interest accrues on the outstanding
principal amount of such Notes.

          The registered owner of any Bond of This Series dated as of an
interest payment date as provided in (iii) above shall,

                                     -3-
<PAGE>
 
if the Company has defaulted in the payment of interest due on such interest
payment date and such default shall be continuing, be entitled to exchange such
Bond of This Series for a Bond or Bonds of This Series of the same aggregate
principal amount dated as of the interest payment date next preceding the
interest payment date first mentioned in this sentence.  If the Trustee shall
have knowledge at any time that any registered owner of a Bond of This Series
shall be entitled by the provisions of the next preceding sentence to exchange
such Bond of This Series, the Trustee shall within 30 days mail to such owner at
the address of such owner appearing upon the registry book of the Company a
notice informing such owner that such owner has such right of exchange.

          Each of the Bonds of This Series shall mature January 15, 2029 (or on
such earlier date or dates as of which any of the Notes shall mature) (each such
date being hereinafter referred to as a "Maturity Date").  The principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on each Bond of This Series shall be payable in
lawful money of the United States of America in immediately available funds to
the registered owner at the address of such owner appearing on the registry
books of the Company, except that the final payment of each particular Bond of
This Series shall be payable to such owner upon presentation and transfer
thereof at the principal office of the Trustee.  The rate of interest on each
Bond of This Series shall with respect to any interest payment date be equal to
such rate or rates per annum as shall cause the aggregate amount of interest
payable on the Bonds of This Series to equal the aggregate amount of interest
payable on the Notes on such dates or 25% per annum, whichever is less, in each
case payable on the first day of January and July of each year during which any
Notes are outstanding; and the terms and manner of redemption for each Bond of
This Series shall be as referred to in this Article I.

          So long as there shall be no existing default in the payment of
interest on the Bonds of This Series, the person in whose name any Bond of This
Series is registered at the close of business on the record date (as hereinafter
defined) with respect to any interest payment date shall be entitled to receive
the interest payable on such interest payment date notwithstanding any transfer
or exchange of such Bond of This Series subsequent to such record date and on or
prior to such interest payment date.  If and to the extent that the Company
shall default in the payment of the interest due on such interest payment date,
such defaulted interest shall, upon the subsequent payment thereof, be paid to
the person in whose name such Bond of This Series is registered on the date of
such payment.

          If and to the extent that the Company pays interest for any given
period of time on the Notes, then there shall be deemed to be paid on the Bonds
of This Series an amount of interest equal to the amount of such interest paid
on the Notes; provided, however, that such payment of interest shall be deemed
to be so

                                     -4-
<PAGE>
 
paid only when and to the extent that notice of such payment of interest is
given by the Company to the Trustee.

          The term "record date" as used herein with respect to any interest
payment date shall mean the 10th business day prior to such interest payment
date.  The term "business day" as used herein shall mean any day other than a
Saturday or a Sunday or a day on which the offices of the Trustee are closed
pursuant to authorization of law.

          SECTION 2. The Bonds of This Series shall be redeemable prior to
maturity only as provided in Sections 4 and 5 of this Article I and not
pursuant to any other provisions of the Indenture as previously supplemented
unless all bonds outstanding thereunder shall be redeemed.

          In case the Company shall at any time elect to redeem, or in
accordance with this Supplemental Indenture shall be required to redeem, all or
any part of the Bonds of This Series, it shall give notice to the effect that it
has so elected or is so required to redeem all or a part thereof, as the case
may be, on a date therein designated, specifying in case of redemption of a part
of the Bonds of This Series the distinctive numbers of the bonds to be redeemed
(and the portion thereof to be redeemed in the case of partial redemption of any
bond), and in every case stating the applicable redemption price, the provision
of this Supplemental Indenture pursuant to which such redemption is being made
and that on and after such date interest will cease to accrue on the bonds (or
portions thereof in the case of partial redemption of any particular bond) to be
so redeemed.

          Such notice shall be mailed by the Company, postage prepaid, at least
30 and not more than 45 days prior to such date of redemption, to the Trustee
and to the registered owners of all Bonds of This Series to be so redeemed, at
their respective addresses appearing upon the register thereof.

          In the event that the Company shall desire to exercise its right, or
is required by the provisions of this Supplemental Indenture, to redeem all or
any part of the Bonds of This Series it shall, except as modified herein, comply
with the terms and conditions of Article IV of the Indenture with regard to the
redemption of bonds, and such redemption shall be made under and subject to the
terms and provisions of said Article IV and in the manner and with the effect
stated therein; provided, however, that the Company shall specify, in accordance
with the provisions of this Supplemental Indenture, those Bonds of This Series
which are to be redeemed if only a part thereof are to be redeemed, and payments
in respect of the redemption of Bonds of This Series shall be made directly by
the Company to the registered owners of the bonds entitled thereto.

          In the event that any Bond of This Series shall be redeemed in part,
the portion of any such bond so redeemed in

                                     -5-
<PAGE>
 
part shall be $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof, and payment of the
redemption price of such portion of a bond shall be made by the Company (or the
Trustee, as the case may be) to the registered owner thereof, at its address
appearing on the register, without presentation or surrender thereof, provided
that there is on file with the Company and the Trustee (and not theretofore
rescinded by written notice from such registered owner to the Company and the
Trustee) a written commitment from such registered owner acknowledging that
payments in respect of redemption are to be made in accordance with this Section
2 and to the effect that such registered owner will make notations on such bond
or a paper attached thereto of the portion thereof so redeemed, except that the
final payment of each particular Bond of This Series shall be payable to such
owner upon presentation and surrender thereof at the principal office of the
Trustee.  Prior to any transfer by the registered owner of any Bonds of This
Series, the same shall be surrendered to the Company or the Trustee for
appropriate notation thereon of, or in exchange for a new bond or bonds for, the
unredeemed balance of the principal amount thereof.  The Trustee shall not be
under any duty to determine that any of the notations mentioned herein have been
made or be liable in any manner with respect thereto.

          SECTION 3. Bonds of This Series may be issued in the denomination of
$1,000, and in such multiples of $1,000 as the Company may authorize, numbered
consecutively from "RU1" upward, the execution and delivery thereof to be
conclusive evidence of such authorization.

          The Bonds of This Series and the Trustee's certificate of
authentication thereon shall be substantially in the respective forms set forth
in Exhibit B annexed hereto (any of the provisions of such Bonds may be set
forth on the reverse side thereof).

          SECTION 4.  On each Maturity Date and on any other date on which the
principal amount of the Bonds of This Series shall become due and payable, the
aggregate principal amount of the Bonds of This Series so payable shall be equal
to the lesser of (i) $45,000,000 and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of the
Notes maturing on such date.

          If and when any Notes are purchased by the Company and surrendered to
the Note Trustee for cancellation, or the principal of any Notes is redeemed or
paid by the Company, or any Additional Bonds are issued by the Company, then
there shall be deemed to be paid, or in the case of mandatory or optional
redemption of any Notes, correspondingly redeemed, a principal amount of the
Bonds of This Series then outstanding equal to the principal amount of the Notes
so purchased, redeemed or paid or the Additional Bonds so issued, as the case
may be; provided, however, that such payment or redemption of the Bonds of This
Series shall be deemed to be made only when and to the extent that notice of
such purchase, redemption or payment of such Notes

                                     -6-
<PAGE>
 
or issuance of such Additional Bonds is given by the Company to the Trustee.

          SECTION 5.  The Company shall redeem the Bonds of This Series in whole
on a redemption date prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to 100% of
the principal amount of the Notes outstanding on such date, plus accrued
interest on the Notes to such redemption date, if the Trustee shall have
received a written demand from the Note Trustee for redemption of one or more of
the Bonds of This Series held by the Note Trustee stating that an "Event of
Default" under the Note Indenture has occurred and is continuing, that payment
of the principal of the Notes has been accelerated, that the Note Trustee is
waiving notice of redemption of the Bonds of This Series and specifying a date
for such redemption which shall be not less than 30 nor more than 60 days after
the date of such written demand; provided, however, that the Bonds of This
Series shall not be redeemed in the event that prior to such proposed redemption
date (a) the Trustee shall have received a certificate of the Note Trustee (i)
stating that there has been a waiver of such Event of Default and a rescission
and annulment of such acceleration by the holders of the Notes in accordance
with the Note Indenture or (ii) otherwise withdrawing said written demand or (b)
an event of default as defined in Section 2 of Article IX of the Indenture shall
have occurred and be continuing and there shall have been a declaration of
acceleration of the principal of all the bonds.

          SECTION 6.  Bonds of This Series shall not be transferable except as
required to effect assignment thereof to the Note Trustee or any successor
trustee under the Note Indenture, or in the exercise of rights and remedies
consequent upon an event of default thereunder, and then only by the registered
owner thereof upon presentation and surrender thereof at the principal office of
the Trustee in the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, or at the principal office of
any successor in trust, and a legend to that effect may be placed on Bonds of
This Series.  In the case of an exchange, Bonds of This Series may be exchanged
for Bonds of This Series of the same aggregate principal amount but of different
authorized denomination or denominations.  Any such exchanges and transfers
shall be without charge (other than for taxes and other governmental charges, if
any) and otherwise be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Article
II of the Indenture.

          As permitted by Article II, Section 1, subdivision (c) of the
Indenture and Section 12.8 of the Note Indenture, the Company shall be entitled
to require that the Note Trustee present one or more Bonds of This Series to the
Trustee in exchange for other Bonds of This Series with a lower interest rate
and different Maturity Date and other terms which mirror the precise terms of
the Notes outstanding from time to time under the Note Indenture; provided,
however, that until, and notwithstanding the absence of, such exchange, the
Bonds of This Series shall for all purposes of the Indenture and this

                                     -7-
<PAGE>
 
Supplemental Indenture be deemed to have the same terms as such outstanding
Notes.

          Every Bond of This Series surrendered for transfer or exchange shall
be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the
registered owner or by a duly authorized attorney (transferring such bond to the
Company in the case of exchanges), and the signature to such transfer power
shall be guaranteed to the satisfaction of the Trustee.

          All Bonds of This Series so surrendered shall be forthwith canceled
and delivered to or upon the order of the Company.

          All Bonds of This Series executed, authenticated and delivered in
exchange for bonds so surrendered shall be valid obligations of the Company,
evidencing the same debt as the bonds surrendered, and shall be secured by the
same lien and be entitled to the same benefits and protections as the bonds in
exchange for which they are executed, authenticated and delivered.

          The Company shall not be required to make any exchange or transfer of
Bonds of This Series either (i) during a period of 15 days next preceding any
interest payment date but only if there is an existing default in the payment of
interest on the Bonds of This Series or (ii) after the bonds so presented for
exchange or transfer, or any portion thereof, have been drawn for redemption or
have been called for redemption, but may do so at its option.

          SECTION 7.  Pending the preparation of definitive Bonds of This Series
the Company may from time to time execute, and, upon its written order, the
Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of such definitive bonds and
subject to the same provisions, limitations and conditions, one or more
temporary printed, lithographed or typewritten bonds, in registered form,
substantially of the tenor of the bonds to be issued as herein-before recited,
of any denomination specified in the written order of the Company for the
authentication and delivery thereof, without coupons, and with such omissions,
insertions and vari-ations as may be determined by the Board of Directors of the
Company.  Such temporary bonds may, in lieu of the statement of the specified
redemption terms required to be set forth in Bonds of This Series in definitive
form, include a reference to the Form of Bond of This Series set forth in
Exhibit B annexed hereto for a statement of such redemption terms.

          If any such temporary Bonds of This Series shall at any time be so
authenticated and delivered in lieu of definitive bonds, the Company shall
without unreasonable delay at its own expense prepare, execute and deliver to
the Trustee and there-upon, upon the presentation and surrender of temporary
bonds, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor,

                                     -8-
<PAGE>
 
without charge to the holder, definitive bonds of the same series for the same
principal sum in the aggregate as the temporary bonds surrendered.  All
temporary bonds so surrendered shall be forthwith canceled by the Trustee and
delivered to or upon the order of the Company.  Until exchanged for definitive
bonds, the temporary bonds shall in all respects be entitled to the lien and
security of the Indenture and all supplemental indentures.

          SECTION 8.  Definitive Bonds of This Series may be in the form of
fully engraved bonds or bonds printed or lithographed with or without steel
engraved borders or typewritten bonds.

          SECTION 9.  In the event that an interest payment date or the maturity
date or a date fixed for redemption of any Bonds of This Series shall not be a
business day, then payment of interest, principal or the redemption price, as
the case may be, need not be made on such date, but may be made on the next
succeeding business day, with the same force and effect as if made on such
interest payment date, maturity date or date fixed for redemption, and no
interest shall accrue for the period after such date.


                                 ARTICLE II

                        ISSUE OF BONDS OF THIS SERIES

          Bonds of This Series may be executed, authenticated and delivered from
time to time as permitted by the provisions of Article III of the Indenture.


                                 ARTICLE III

                    SINKING FUND FOR BONDS OF THIS SERIES

          The Bonds of This Series are not subject to redemption by operation of
any sinking fund.


                                 ARTICLE IV

                     COVENANT WITH RESPECT TO DIVIDENDS

          SECTION 1.  The Company covenants and agrees that, so long as any
Bonds of This Series are outstanding, it will not declare or pay any dividend on
its common stock (other than dividends payable solely in shares of its common
stock) or make any other distribution on or purchase any shares of its common
stock, unless, after giving effect to such dividend, distribution or purchase,
the aggregate of all such dividends and distributions and all amounts applied
to such purchases, subsequent to December 31, 1945, shall not exceed the earned
surplus of the

                                     -9-
<PAGE>
 
Company available for dividends on its common stock accumulated subsequent to
December 31, 1945.

          For the purposes of this Article IV, the earned surplus of the Company
available for dividends on its common stock accumulated subsequent to December
31, 1945, shall be determined in accordance with sound accounting practice;
provided, however, that (i) all direct charges to earned surplus, except charges
occasioned by dividends (other than dividends payable solely in common stock of
the Company) or other distributions on or purchases of shares of common stock of
the Company, shall be deemed to be charges against earned surplus existing at
December 31, 1945, to the extent thereof, and to such extent shall not diminish
earned surplus accumulated subsequent to that date, and (ii) in no event shall
profits or losses resulting from the sale or abandonment of mortgaged property
or other capital assets, or taxes on or in respect of any such profits, be
credited to or charged against earned surplus of the Company available for
dividends on its common stock accumulated subsequent to December 31, 1945.

          The provisions of this Section 1 shall not apply to the acquisition of
shares of common stock of the Company effected through the exchange of other
shares of common stock of the Company, or otherwise acquired without expenditure
of assets of the Company.

          SECTION 2.  The Company covenants that, so long as any Bonds of This
Series are outstanding, it will file with the Trustee within four months after
the close of each calendar year, beginning with the calendar year in which Bonds
of This Series are first issued, an accountant's certificate stating as of the
end of such calendar year (i) the earned surplus of the Company available for
dividends on its common stock accumulated subsequent to December 31, 1945 and
(ii) the aggregate amount of all dividends (other than dividends payable solely
in shares of common stock of the Company) and other distributions on or
purchases of shares of common stock of the Company subsequent to December 31,
1945.


                                  ARTICLE V

                                 THE TRUSTEE

          The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or
in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or the
due execution hereof by the Company, or for or in respect of the recitals and
statements contained herein, all of which recitals and statements are made
solely by the Company.

          Except as herein otherwise provided, no duties, responsibilities or
liabilities are assumed, or shall be

                                    -10-
<PAGE>
 
construed to be assumed, by the Trustee by reason of this Supplemental Indenture
other than as set forth in the Indenture; and this Supplemental Indenture is
executed and accepted on behalf of the Trustee, subject to all the terms and
conditions set forth in the Indenture, as fully to all intents as if the same
were herein set forth at length.

                                 ARTICLE VI

                            INDENTURE AMENDMENTS

          SECTION 1.  The following phrase shall be added to the end of
subdivision (a) following the third paragraph of Section 1 of Article II of the
Indenture:  "and the rate of interest applicable to the bonds of any series may
vary or be adjustable from time to time in accordance with a formula or formulae
determined or approved by the Board of Directors or pursuant to authority
delegated by the Board of Directors as expressed in a Certified Resolution;
provided, however, that the terms of any such series of bonds shall include a
provision establishing a maximum, fixed rate of interest which shall be borne by
the bonds of such series in the event that such variable rate or the rate as
adjusted determined in accordance with such formula or formulae would exceed
such fixed rate;"

          SECTION 2.  For the purposes of the calculation required by the first
paragraph of subdivision 3(e) of Article III of the Indenture (including any
other provision of the Indenture referring to such subdivision), annual interest
in respect of the Bonds of This Series shall be equal to the sum of (i) the sum
of the amounts determined by multiplying the principal amount of each Note, if
any, outstanding on the date of such calculation which bears a fixed rate of
interest by such fixed rate, plus (ii) the amount determined by multiplying the
aggregate principal amount of each Note, if any, outstanding on the date of such
calculation which bear interest at rates which fluctuate or may fluctuate from
time to time in accordance with indices specified in such Notes by 25% per annum
plus (iii) the product of (x) 25% per annum and (y) the difference between (1)
$45,000,000 and (2) the aggregate amount of Debt Securities outstanding on the
date of such calculation (or, in the event that the calculation relates to the
issuance of Additional Bonds, to be outstanding after giving effect to such
issuance).


                                 ARTICLE VII

                          MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

          Except in so far as herein otherwise expressly provided, all the
provisions, terms and conditions of the Indenture shall be deemed to be
incorporated in, and made a part of, this Supplemental Indenture; and the
Indenture as supplemented by the Fifth, Seventh, Tenth and the Fourteenth
through

                                    -11-
<PAGE>
 
the Seventeenth Supplemental Indentures, and by this Supplemental Indenture, is
in all respects ratified and confirmed; and the Indenture and said supplemental
indentures shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument.

          Nothing in this Supplemental Indenture is intended or shall be
construed to give to any person or corporation, other than the parties hereto
and the holders of bonds issued and to be issued under and secured by the
Indenture, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of
this Supplemental Indenture, or under any covenant, condition or provision
herein contained, all the covenants, conditions and provisions of this
Supplemental Indenture being intended to be, and being, for the sole and
exclusive benefit of the parties hereto and of the holders of bonds issued and
to be issued under the Indenture and secured thereby.

          All covenants, promises and agreements in this Supplemental Indenture
contained by or on behalf of the Company shall bind its successors and assigns
whether so expressed or not.

          This Supplemental Indenture may be executed in any number of
counterparts, and each of such counterparts when so executed shall be deemed to
be an original; but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and
the same instrument.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY has caused this
Supplemental Indenture to be executed by its President or one of its Vice-
Presidents and its corporate seal to be hereunto affixed, duly attested by its
Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries, and FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY
(formerly known as FIRST WISCONSIN TRUST COMPANY), as Trustee as aforesaid, has
caused the same to be executed by one of its Vice-Presidents or

                                    -12-
<PAGE>
 
Assistant Vice-Presidents and its corporate seal to be hereunder affixed, duly
attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries, as of the day and
year first above written.

                              MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY,


                              By
                                -----------------------------------
                                David C. Mebane
                                President, Chief Executive
                                Officer and Chief Operating
                                Officer

Countersigned:


- ------------------------------
Gary J. Wolter
Vice President - Administration
   and Secretary

Signed, sealed, acknowledged
   and delivered by Madison
   Gas and Electric Company in
   the presence of:


- ------------------------------                [CORPORATE SEAL]
     Joseph T. Krzos


- ------------------------------
     Linda L. Schaak



                                    -13-
<PAGE>
 
                                    FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY,
                                       as Trustee,


                                    By
                                      ----------------------------
                                      Joseph S. Quinn
                                      Vice President

Countersigned:


- ------------------------------
     Thomas P. Coughlin
     Assistant Secretary

Signed, sealed, acknowledged
   and delivered by Firstar Trust
   Company (formerly known as First
   Wisconsin Trust Company) in
   the presence of:


- ------------------------------                [CORPORATE SEAL]
     Yvonne Siira


- ------------------------------
     Julieann Matthews

                                    -14-
<PAGE>
 
STATE OF WISCONSIN  )
                    )  SS:
DANE COUNTY         )



          Personally came before me this ___ day of ___________, 1994, David C.
Mebane, to me known to be the President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Operating Officer, and Gary J. Wolter, to me known to be the Vice President -
Administration and Secretary, of the above-named MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC
COMPANY, one of the corporations described in and which executed the foregoing
instrument, and to me known to be the persons who as such officers executed the
foregoing instrument in the name and behalf of said corporation, and
acknowledged the same, and acknowledged that the seal affixed to said instrument
is the corporate seal of said corporation, and that they signed, sealed and
delivered said instrument in the name and behalf of said corporation by
authority of its Board of Directors, and said David C. Mebane and Gary J. Wolter
then and there acknowledged said instrument to be the free act and deed of said
corporation by each of them voluntarily executed.

          Given under my hand and notarial seal this _____ day of _____________,
1994.


                              ___________________________________
                              Nancy J. Harrington
                              Notary Public, State of Wisconsin


My commission expires: October 8, 1995

                                              [NOTARY SEAL]

                                    -15-
<PAGE>
 
STATE OF WISCONSIN  )
                    )  SS.:
MILWAUKEE COUNTY    )



          Personally came before me this _____ day of __________, 1994, Joseph
S. Quinn, to me known to be a Vice President, and Thomas P. Coughlin, to me
known to be an Assistant Secretary, of the above-named FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY
(formerly known as FIRST WISCONSIN TRUST COMPANY), one of the corporations
described in and which executed the foregoing instrument, and to me known to be
the persons who as such officers executed the foregoing instrument in the name
and behalf of said corporation, and acknowledged the same, and acknowledged that
the seal affixed to said instrument is the corporate seal of said corporation,
and that they signed, sealed and delivered said instrument in the name and
behalf of said corporation by authority of its Board of Directors, and said
Joseph S. Quinn and Thomas P. Coughlin, then and there acknowledged said
instrument to be the free act and deed of said corporation by each of them
voluntarily executed.

          Given under my hand and notarial seal this ___ day of ______________,
1994.


                              ___________________________________
                              Julieann Matthews
                              Notary Public, State of Wisconsin


My commission expires June 23, 1996.

                                              [NOTARY SEAL]



This instrument drafted by:

Thomas C. Judge, Esq.
Michael, Best & Friedrich
100 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin  53202-4108

                                    -16-
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT "A"

                  To the Eighteenth Supplemental Indenture


          The Property of the Company, acquired after execution and delivery of
the Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture, referred to in paragraph First, at page
                                                                 -----         
2 of the foregoing Eighteenth Indenture, located in the counties named below, in
the State of Wisconsin, is described as follows:

                    [To be inserted at time of execution]



                                     A-1
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT "B"

                  To the Eighteenth Supplemental Indenture

                        (Form of Bond of This Series)

          THIS BOND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE EXCEPT TO A SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE UNDER THE
          ---------------------------------------------------------------------
INDENTURE OF TRUST, DATED AS OF MARCH 1, 1994, FROM MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY TO M&I FIRST NATIONAL BANK, AS TRUSTEE, OR IN THE EXERCISE OF RIGHTS AND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REMEDIES UNDER THE NOTE INDENTURE DEFINED BELOW.
- ----------------------------------------------- 

                      MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

                      First Mortgage Bonds, 2029 Series

                            Due January 15, 2029

No.                                                 $
   ---------                                          ------------

          MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY (hereinafter called the "Company"), a
corporation of the State of Wisconsin, for value received, hereby promises to
pay to

or registered assigns, on January 15, 2029 (or on such earlier date or dates as
of which any of the Notes (as hereinafter defined) shall mature (each such date
being hereinafter referred to as a "Maturity Date), the sum of

Dollars in lawful money of the United States of America, and to pay interest
thereon with respect to any interest payment date at the rate equal to such rate
or rates per annum as shall cause the aggregate amount of interest payable on
this bond to equal the aggregate amount of interest payable on the Notes on such
date or 25% per annum, whichever is less, in like lawful money, payable on the
fifteenth day of January and July in each year until the Company's obligation
with respect to the payment of such principal sum shall be discharged as
provided in the indentures hereinafter mentioned.  The principal of, premium, if
any, and interest on this bond shall be payable in lawful money of the United
States of America in immediately available funds to the person in whose name
this bond is registered, at the address thereof appearing on the registry books
of the Company, except that final payment hereon shall be made to such person
upon presentation and surrender hereof at the principal office of the Trustee
hereinafter referred to.  So long as there shall be no existing default in the
payment of interest on this bond, the interest payable hereon on any interest
payment date shall be payable to the person in whose name this bond is
registered at the close of business on the 10th business day prior to such
interest payment date, notwithstanding any transfer or exchange of this bond
subsequent to such record date and on or prior to

                                     B-1
<PAGE>
 
such interest payment date.  If and to the extent the Company shall default in
the payment of interest on such interest payment date, such defaulted interest
shall, upon the subsequent payment thereof, be paid to the person in whose name
this bond is registered on the date of such payment.

          This bond is one, of the series hereinafter specified, of the bonds of
the Company (herein called the "bonds") known as its "First Mortgage Bonds,"
issued and to be issued in one or more series under, and all equally and ratably
secured by, an Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of January 1,
1946, duly executed by the Company to First Wisconsin Trust Company (now known
as Firstar Trust Company), Trustee (herein called the "Trustee"), to which
Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto (herein collectively called
the "Indenture") reference is hereby made for a description of the property
mortgaged and pledged, the nature and extent of the security, the terms and
conditions upon which the bonds are, and are to be, issued and secured, and the
rights of the bearers or registered owners of the bonds and of the Trustee in
respect of such security.  As provided in the Indenture, the bonds may be for
various principal sums and are issuable in series, which may mature at different
times, may bear interest at different rates and may otherwise vary as therein
provided.

          This bond is one of a series created by the Eighteenth Supplemental
Indenture, dated as of March 1, 1994, between the Company and the Trustee (the
"Supplemental Indenture"), which is supplemental to the Indenture.  The bonds of
this series (hereinafter called the "Bonds of This Series") are issued in order
to secure the Company's obligation to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on the Company's Secured Medium-Term Notes, Series A (the "Notes"),
issuable by the Company from time to time under and pursuant to an Indenture
dated as of March 1, 1994 (the "Note Indenture"), executed and delivered by the
Company to M&I First National Bank, as trustee (the "Note Trustee").  The Notes
are payable from payments made, or caused to be made, by the Company of
principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Bonds of This Series.  Upon
certain terms and conditions, amounts paid by the Company for the purchase or
redemption of the Notes shall be applied against payment obligations in
connection with the Bonds of This Series and to the extent so applied shall
satisfy a like amount otherwise due in respect of the Bonds of This Series.

          To the extent permitted by 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 bearers or registered owners of the bonds
and coupons may be made, and compliance with the Indenture or any such
supplemental indenture may be waived, with the consent of the Company, by an
affirmative vote of the bearers or registered owners of not less than 66-2/3% in
principal amount of the bonds entitled to vote at a meeting of bondholders
called and held as provided in said

                                     B-2
<PAGE>
 
Indenture and by an affirmative vote of not less than 66-2/3% in principal
amount of the bonds entitled to vote of each series affected by such
modification or alteration or waiver in case one or more, but less than all, of
the series of bonds then outstanding under the Indenture are so affected;
provided, however, that no such modification or alteration or waiver shall be
made which will (a) affect the terms of payment of the principal of, or premium,
if any, or interest on, this bond, or the right of the registered owner hereof
to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the
respective due dates expressed in this bond, or (b) otherwise than as permitted
by the Indenture, permit the creation by the Company of any mortgage lien
ranking prior to or on a parity with the lien of the Indenture or of any
indenture supplemental thereto, with respect to any property covered thereby, or
give to any bond or bonds secured by the Indenture any preference over any other
bond or bonds so secured, or deprive any bondholders of the security afforded by
the lien of the Indenture, or (c) reduce the percentage in principal amount of
the bonds required to authorize any such modification or alteration or waiver;
all as more fully provided in the Indenture.

          On each Maturity Date and on any other date on which the principal
amount of the Bonds of This Series shall become due and payable, principal on
the Bonds of This Series shall be payable in an amount equal to the lesser of
(i) $45,000,000 and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of the Notes maturing on
such date.

          In the event that the Trustee or the Company is notified by the Note
Trustee that (a) an event of default under the Note Indenture has occurred and
is continuing, and (b) the Note Trustee has declared the principal of all Notes
then outstanding immediately due and payable thereunder, then the Company shall
call for redemption and redeem all of the Bonds of This Series then outstanding
at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued
interest thereon to the date fixed for redemption; provided, however, that such
requirement of redemption shall be deemed to be waived if prior to the date
fixed for such redemption of the Bonds of This Series such event of default is
waived or notice withdrawn.

          Notice of any redemption as hereinbefore described shall be mailed at
least 30 and not more than 45 days prior to the redemption date to the
registered owner of the bonds so to be redeemed, at its address as the same
shall appear on the Company's books for registration of transfer, all subject to
the conditions and as more fully set forth in the Indenture and in the
Supplemental Indenture and provided that such notice may be waived as set forth
in the Note Indenture.  In the event of the selection for redemption of a
portion only of the principal of this bond, payment of the redemption price will
be made only (a) upon presentation of this bond for notation hereon of such
payment, (b) upon surrender of this bond in exchange for a Bond

                                     B-3
<PAGE>
 
or Bonds of This Series (but only of authorized denominations) for the
unredeemed balance of the principal amount of this bond, or (c) upon receipt by
the Company and the Trustee of a written commitment as provided in Section 2 of
Article I of the Supplemental Indenture.

          In case an event of default as defined in the Indenture shall occur,
the principal of this bond may become or be declared due and payable in the
manner, and with the effect, and subject to the conditions provided in the
Indenture.

          If and when any Notes are purchased by the Company and surrendered to
the Note Trustee for cancellation, or the principal of any Notes is redeemed or
paid by the Company, or any Additional Bonds (as defined in the Supplemental
Indenture) are issued by the Company, then there shall be deemed to have been
paid, or in the case of mandatory or optional redemption of any Notes,
correspondingly redeemed, a principal amount of the Bonds of This Series then
outstanding equal to the principal amount of the Notes so purchased, redeemed or
paid or Additional Bonds so issued; provided, however, that with respect to the
Notes such payment or redemption of the Bonds of This Series shall be deemed to
have been made only when and to the extent that notice of such purchase,
redemption or payment of such Notes is given by the Company to the Trustee.

          This bond is not transferable except to the Note Trustee, or any
successor trustee, or in the exercise of rights and remedies consequent upon an
event of default under the Note Indenture.  To the extent that it is
transferable, it is transferable by the registered owner hereof in person, or by
attorney duly authorized in writing, at the principal office of the Trustee in
the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, or at the principal office of any successor in
trust, upon presentation and surrender of this bond, accompanied by a written
instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered owner or a duly
authorized attorney, with the signature guaranteed to the satisfaction of the
Trustee.  Upon any such transfer a new registered Bond of This Series in the
same aggregate principal amount will be issued to the transferee in exchange
therefor, and in the manner provided in the Supplemental Indenture, Bonds of
This Series may at the option of the registered owners (or, in certain instances
specified in the Supplemental Indenture, at the direction of the Company), and
upon surrender at said office of the Trustee, or of any successor in trust, be
exchanged for Bonds of This Series of the same aggregate principal amount in
larger or smaller authorized denominations, all without charge (except for any
stamp tax or other governmental charge).

          The Company and the Trustee and any paying agent may deem and treat
the person in whose name this bond is registered as the absolute owner hereof
for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal hereof
and interest hereon and for all other purposes, and neither the Company nor the
Trustee

                                     B-4
<PAGE>
 
nor any paying agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

          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
otherwise in respect hereof or of the Indenture or any indenture supplemental
thereto, against any incorporator, or against any stockholder, director or
officer, past, present or future, of the Company, as such, or of any predecessor
or successor corporation, 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, stock-holders, directors
or officers being waived and released by every owner hereof by the acceptance of
this bond and as part of the consideration for the issue hereof, and being
likewise waived and released by the terms of the Indenture.

          This bond shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose
unless and until the certificate hereon shall have been executed by the Trustee
or its successor in trust under the Indenture.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY has caused this
bond to be signed in its name by the manual or facsimile signature of its
President or one of its Vice Presidents, and its corporate seal to be impressed
or imprinted hereon and attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant
Secretaries.

Dated:                         MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY,


                               By
                                 ----------------------------------
                                     David C. Mebane
                                     President, Chief Executive
                                     Officer and Chief Operating
                                     Officer

Attest:


- ------------------------------
Gary J. Wolter
Vice President - Administration
   and Secretary



[CORPORATE SEAL]

                                     B-5
<PAGE>
 
                       (Form of Trustee's Certificate)


          This bond is one of the bonds, of the series designated therein,
described in the within-mentioned Indenture and Eighteenth Supplemental
Indenture.


                                    FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY,
                                       as Trustee,


                                    By
                                      --------------------------------
                                            AUTHORIZED OFFICER


                                     B-6
<PAGE>
 
                         (Form of Prepayment Record)

                              PREPAYMENT RECORD

                         Principal Amount of Bond $
                            Due January 15, 2029


Prepayments on and Redemptions of Principal
- -------------------------------------------

                                                   
                                 Balance             Signature of Authorized
Amount           Date           Outstanding             Officer and Title
- ------           ----           -----------          -----------------------




                                     B-7

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.4



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

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

                              [________________]
                            SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

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

                       MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

                                      TO

                             FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY
                              (FORMERLY KNOWN AS
                        FIRST WISCONSIN TRUST COMPANY),

                                    TRUSTEE

                       DATED AS OF _____________, 199__

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

                           CREATING AN ISSUE OF __%
                      FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS, ______ SERIES

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

                         SUPPLEMENTAL TO INDENTURE OF
                          MORTGAGE AND DEED OF TRUST
                          DATED AS OF JANUARY 1, 1946

================================================================================
<PAGE>
 
          ____________________ Supplemental Indenture, dated as of the _____ day
of ______________, 199__, between MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY, a
corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the
State of Wisconsin (hereinafter called the "Company"), party of the first part,
and FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY (formerly known as FIRST WISCONSIN TRUST COMPANY), a
corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the
State of Wisconsin, having its principal place of business in the City of
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (hereinafter called the "Trustee"), as Trustee under the
Indenture hereinafter mentioned, party of the second part:

          WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore executed and delivered to the
Trustee an Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust (hereinafter called the
"Indenture"), dated as of January 1, 1946, to secure the Company's First
Mortgage Bonds, unlimited in aggregate principal amount except as therein
otherwise provided, and has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee
______________ supplemental indentures creating ________________ series of
bonds, bonds of ___________ of which series are outstanding as of the date
hereof; and

          WHEREAS, the Company desires in and by this ___________ Supplemental
Indenture (hereinafter called "this Supplemental Indenture") to create a
________________ series of bonds to be issued under the Indenture, to designate
or otherwise distinguish such series, to specify the particulars necessary to
describe and define the same, and to specify such other provisions and
agreements in respect thereof as are in said Indenture provided or permitted;
and

          WHEREAS, the Company also desires in and by this Supplemental
Indenture to record the description of, and confirm unto the Trustee, certain
property acquired after execution and delivery of the _________________
Supplemental Indenture; and

          WHEREAS, all the conditions and requirements necessary to make this
Supplemental Indenture, when duly executed and delivered, a valid, binding and
legal instrument in accordance with its terms and for the purposes herein
expressed have been done, performed, and fulfilled, and the execution and
delivery of this Supplemental Indenture in the form and with the terms hereof
have been in all respects duly authorized;

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and in further
consideration of the sum of One Dollar in lawful money of the United States of
America paid to the Company by the Trustee at or before the execution and
delivery of this Supplemental Indenture, the receipt whereof is hereby
acknowledged, and of other good and valuable considerations, it is agreed by and
between the Company and the Trustee as follows:

                                      -1-
<PAGE>
 
CONFIRMATION OF CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY ACQUIRED AFTER EXECUTION AND
DELIVERY OF THE ______________ SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

          First.  The Company records in Exhibit "A" to this Supplemental
          -----                                                          
Indenture, which is annexed hereto and made a part hereof, the description of,
and hereby confirms unto the Trustee, the property therein described which has
been acquired by the Company after the execution and delivery of the
_______________ Supplemental Indenture and is now subject to the lien of the
Indenture in all respects as if originally described therein, to have and to
hold such property in trust, upon all the terms and trusts and subject to all
the matters and to all conditions, all to the same extent and with the same
force and effect as though conveyed by the Indenture in the first instance.

          Second.  The Company also hereby confirms unto the Trustee all other
          ------                                                              
property of every kind, character and description (other than Excepted Property
as defined in the Indenture), acquired or constructed by the Company after the
execution and delivery of the ______________ Supplemental Indenture, located in
the Counties of Dane, Columbia, Kewaunee, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Dodge, Iowa,
Juneau, Monroe and Vernon [and ___________], State of Wisconsin, or elsewhere,
including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, all transmission
lines, pipe lines, additions to electric generating plants and to gas works,
substations, and electric and gas distribution systems and facilities, including
those now under construction; also all franchises, leases, permits, easements,
rights of way, consents and licenses; all of said property being now subject to
the lien of the Indenture in all respects as if originally described therein;
together with all and singular the easements, hereditaments and appurtenances
belonging or in any wise appertaining to the property above described or
referred to, and all the estate, title, claims and demands whatsoever, as well
in law as in equity, of the Company in and to the same and any and every part
and parcel thereof; and all and singular the rents, issues, profits, tolls and
other income thereof; excepting always Excepted Property as defined in the
Indenture.


                                   ARTICLE I

                    ___% FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS, ______ SERIES

          SECTION 1.  There is hereby created a series of bonds to be issued
under and secured by the Indenture, to be designated, distinguished and known as
"___% First Mortgage Bonds, ______ Series" of the Company (hereinafter called
"Bonds of This Series").  Bonds of This Series may be issued without limitation
as to aggregate principal amount except as provided in the Indenture and this
Supplemental Indenture.  Bonds of This Series shall be issued as fully
registered bonds without coupons and shall be dated as of the interest payment
date next preceding

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
the authentication thereof by the Trustee, except that:  (i) if any Bond of This
Series shall be authenticated before __________, 199__ it shall be dated as of
_____________, 199__ (unless (iii) below is applicable); (ii) if the Company
shall at the time of authentication of a Bond of This Series be in default in
the payment of interest upon Bonds of This Series, such Bond of This Series
shall be dated as of the date of the beginning of the period for which such
interest is so in default; and (iii) so long as there is no existing default in
the payment of interest on Bonds of This Series, if any Bond of This Series
shall be authenticated at any time after the close of business on any record
date, as hereinafter defined, with respect to any interest payment date
(___________ or _____________, as the case may be) and on or prior to such
interest payment date, it shall be dated as of such interest payment date.

          The registered owner of any Bond of This Series dated as of an
interest payment date as provided in (iii) above shall, if the Company has
defaulted in the payment of interest due on such interest payment date and such
default shall be continuing, be entitled to exchange such Bond of This Series
for a Bond or Bonds of This Series of the same aggregate principal amount dated
as of the interest payment date next preceding the interest payment date first
mentioned in this sentence.  If the Trustee shall have knowledge at any time
that any registered owner of a Bond of This Series shall be entitled by the
provisions of the next preceding sentence to exchange such Bond of This Series,
the Trustee shall within 30 days mail to such owner at the address of such owner
appearing upon the registry book of the Company a notice informing such owner
that such owner has such right of exchange.

          Each of the Bonds of This Series shall mature ________, _____.  The
principal of, premium, if any, and interest on each Bond of This Series shall be
payable in lawful money of the United States of America at the principal office
of the Trustee in the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, or at the principal office
of any successor in trust; provided that, at the option of the Company, the
interest on each Bond of This Series shall be payable by check mailed to the
registered owner.  The rate of interest on each Bond of This Series shall be
___% per annum, payable on the ____________ day of _____________ and __________
of each year; and the terms of redemption for each Bond of This Series shall be
as referred to in Section 2 of this Article I.

          So long as there shall be no existing default in the payment of
interest on the Bonds of This Series, the person in whose name any Bond of This
Series is registered at the close of business on the record date (as hereinafter
defined) with respect to any interest payment date shall be entitled to receive
the interest payable on such interest payment date notwithstanding any transfer
or exchange of such Bond of This Series subsequent to such record date and on or
prior to such interest payment date.  If and to the extent the Company shall
default in the

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
payment of the interest due on such interest payment date, such defaulted
interest shall, upon the subsequent payment thereof, be paid to the person in
whose name such Bond of This Series is registered on the date of such payment.

          The term "record date" as used herein with respect to any interest
payment date shall mean the 10th business day prior to such interest payment
date.  The term "business day" as used herein shall mean any day other than a
Saturday or a Sunday or a day on which the offices of the Trustee are closed
pursuant to authorization of law.

          SECTION 2.  The Bonds of This Series shall be redeemable prior to
maturity, in whole at any time or in part from time to time except as
hereinafter provided, either at the option of the Company or pursuant to the
requirements of the Indenture, on notice given in the manner and with the effect
provided in Article IV of the Indenture and as in this Section 2 provided, at
the applicable redemption prices provided in the Form of Bond of This Series set
forth in Exhibit B annexed hereto.

          In case the Company shall at any time elect to redeem in accordance
with this Supplemental Indenture, all or any part of the Bonds of This Series,
it shall give notice to the effect that it has so elected to redeem all or a
part thereof, as the case may be, on a date therein designated, specifying in
case of redemption of a part of the Bonds of This Series the distinctive numbers
of the bonds to be redeemed (and the portion thereof to be redeemed in the case
of partial redemption of any bond), and in every case stating the applicable
redemption price, the provision of this Supplemental Indenture pursuant to which
such redemption is being made and in substance that on said date there will
become and be due and payable upon each bond or portion thereof so to be
redeemed, at the principal office of the Trustee in the City of Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, or at the principal office of any successor in trust, the redemption
price thereof hereinbefore in this Section 2 referred to, and that on and after
such date interest thereon will cease to accrue.

          Such notice shall be mailed by the Company, postage prepaid, at least
30 and not more than 45 days prior to such date of redemption, to the registered
owners of all Bonds of This Series to be so redeemed, at their respective
addresses appearing upon the register thereof.  Any notice which is mailed as
herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been properly and
sufficiently given on the date of such mailing, whether or not the holder
receives such notice.  In any case, failure to give due notice by mail, or any
defect in such notice, to the registered owner of any Bond of This Series
designated for redemption as a whole or in part shall not affect the validity of
the proceedings for the redemption of any other Bond of This Series.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
          Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Bonds of This
Series so called for redemption, or the specified portions thereof, shall, on
the date designated in such notice, become due and payable at the then
applicable redemption price, and upon presentation and surrender thereof,
accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered
owner or by a duly authorized attorney with the signature guaranteed to the
satisfaction of the Trustee, such bonds or the specified portions thereof shall
be paid and redeemed at said redemption price, and on and after said redemption
date interest on said bonds shall cease to accrue.

          In case of any redemption of Bonds of This Series by the Trustee
pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture, notice of redemption shall be given
by the Trustee in a similar manner as hereinabove provided.

          SECTION 3.  Bonds of This Series may be issued in the denomination of
$1,000, and in such multiples of $1,000 as the Company may authorize, numbered
consecutively from "RU1" upward, the execution and delivery thereof to be
conclusive evidence of such authorization.

          The Bonds of This Series and the Trustee's certificate of
authentication thereon shall be substantially in the respective forms set forth
in Exhibit B annexed hereto (any of the provisions of such Bonds may be set
forth on the reverse side thereof).

          SECTION 4.  Bonds of This Series shall be transferable and
exchangeable at the option of the registered owners thereof upon presentation
and surrender thereof at the principal office of the Trustee in the City of
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, or at the principal office of any successor in trust.  In
the case of an exchange, Bonds of This Series may be exchanged for bonds of the
same aggregate principal amount but of different authorized denomination or
denominations.  Any exchanges and transfers shall be without charge (other than
for taxes and other governmental charges, if any) and otherwise be subject to
the terms and conditions set forth in Article II of the Indenture.

          Every Bond of This Series so surrendered for transfer or exchange
shall be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the
registered owner or by duly authorized attorney (transferring such bond to the
Company in the case of exchanges), and the signature to such transfer power
shall be guaranteed to the satisfaction of the Trustee.

          All Bonds of This Series so surrendered shall be forthwith cancelled
and delivered to or upon the order of the Company.

          All Bonds of This Series executed, authenticated and delivered in
exchange for bonds so surrendered shall be valid

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt as the bonds surrendered,
and shall be secured by the same lien and be entitled to the same benefits and
protection as the bonds in exchange for which they are executed, authenticated
and delivered.

          The Company shall not be required to make any exchange or transfer of
Bonds of This Series either (i) during a period of 15 days next preceding any
interest payment date but only if there is an existing default in the payment of
interest on the Bonds of This Series or (ii) after the bonds so presented for
exchange or transfer, or any portion thereof, have been drawn for redemption or
have been called for redemption, but may do so at its option.

          SECTION 5.  Pending the preparation of definitive Bonds of This Series
the Company may from time to time execute, and, upon its written order, the
Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of such definitive bonds and
subject to the same provisions, limitations and conditions, one or more
temporary printed, lithographed or typewritten bonds, in registered form,
substantially of the tenor of the bonds to be issued as hereinbefore recited, of
any denomination specified in the written order of the Company for the
authentication and delivery thereof, without coupons, and with such omissions,
insertions and variations as may be determined by the Board of Directors of the
Company.  Such temporary bonds may, in lieu of the statement of the specified
redemption prices required to be set forth in Bonds of This Series in definitive
form, include a reference to the Form of Bond of This Series set forth in
Exhibit B annexed hereto for a statement of such redemption prices.

          If any such temporary Bonds of This Series shall at any time be so
authenticated and delivered in lieu of definitive bonds, the Company shall
without unreasonable delay at its own expense prepare, execute and deliver to
the Trustee and thereupon, upon the presentation and surrender of temporary
bonds, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor, without
charge to the holder, definitive bonds of the same series for the same principal
sum in the aggregate as the temporary bonds surrendered.  All temporary bonds so
surrendered shall be forthwith cancelled by the Trustee and delivered to or upon
the order of the Company.  Until exchanged for definitive bonds, the temporary
bonds shall in all respects be entitled to the lien and security of the
Indenture and all supplemental indentures.

          SECTION 6.  Definitive Bonds of This Series may be in the form of
fully engraved bonds or bonds printed or lithographed with or without steel
engraved borders or typewritten bonds.

          SECTION 7.  In the event that an interest payment date or the maturity
date or a date fixed for redemption of any Bonds of This Series shall not be a
business day, then payment of

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
interest, principal or the redemption price, as the case may be, need not be
made on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding business day, with the
same force and effect as if made on such interest payment date, maturity date or
date fixed for redemption, and no interest shall accrue for the period after
such date.


                                   ARTICLE II

                         ISSUE OF BONDS OF THIS SERIES

          Bonds of This Series may be executed, authenticated and delivered from
time to time as permitted by the provisions of Article III of the Indenture.


                                  ARTICLE III

                     SINKING FUND FOR BONDS OF THIS SERIES

          [Sinking Fund provisions, if any, to be inserted at time of
execution.]


                                   ARTICLE IV

                       COVENANT WITH RESPECT TO DIVIDENDS

          SECTION 1.  The Company covenants and agrees that, so long as any
Bonds of This Series are outstanding, it will not declare or pay any dividend on
its common stock (other than dividends payable solely in shares of its common
stock) or make any other distribution on or purchase any shares of its common
stock, unless, after giving effect to such dividend, distribution or purchase,
the aggregate of all such dividends and distributions and all amounts applied to
such purchases, subsequent to December 31, 1945, shall not exceed the earned
surplus of the Company available for dividends on its common stock accumulated
subsequent to December 31, 1945.

          For the purposes of this Article IV, the earned surplus of the Company
available for dividends on its common stock accumulated subsequent to December
31, 1945, shall be determined in accordance with sound accounting practice;
provided, however, that (i) all direct charges to earned surplus, except charges
occasioned by dividends (other than dividends payable solely in common stock of
the Company) or other distributions on or purchases of shares of common stock of
the Company, shall be deemed to be charges against earned surplus existing at
December 31, 1945, to the extent thereof, and to such extent shall not diminish
earned surplus accumulated subsequent to that date, and (ii) in no event shall
profits or losses resulting from the sale or abandonment of mortgaged property
or other capital

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
assets, or taxes on or in respect of any such profits, be credited to or charged
against earned surplus of the Company available for dividends on its common
stock accumulated subsequent to December 31, 1945.

          The provisions of this Section 1 shall not apply to the acquisition of
shares of common stock of the Company effected through the exchange of other
shares of common stock of the Company, or otherwise acquired without expenditure
of assets of the Company.

          SECTION 2.  The Company covenants that, so long as any Bonds of This
Series are outstanding, it will file with the Trustee within four months after
the close of each calendar year, beginning with the calendar year in which Bonds
of This Series are first issued, an accountant's certificate stating as of the
end of such calendar year (i) the earned surplus of the Company available for
dividends on its common stock accumulated subsequent to December 31, 1945 and
(ii) the aggregate amount of all dividends (other than dividends payable solely
in shares of common stock of the Company) and other distributions on or
purchases of shares of common stock of the Company subsequent to December 31,
1945.


                                   ARTICLE V

                                  THE TRUSTEE

          The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or
in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or the
due execution hereof by the Company, or for or in respect of the recitals and
statements contained herein, all of which recitals and statements are made
solely by the Company.

          Except as herein otherwise provided, no duties, responsibilities or
liabilities are assumed, or shall be construed to be assumed, by the Trustee by
reason of this Supplemental Indenture other than as set forth in the Indenture;
and this Supplemental Indenture is executed and accepted on behalf of the
Trustee, subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture, as
fully to all intents as if the same were herein set forth at length.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

          Except in so far as herein otherwise expressly provided, all the
provisions, terms and conditions of the Indenture shall be deemed to be
incorporated in, and made a part of, this Supplemental Indenture; and the
Indenture as

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
supplemented by the __________ through the ______________________ Supplemental
Indentures, and by this Supplemental Indenture, is in all respects ratified and
confirmed; and the Indenture and said supplemental indentures shall be read,
taken and construed as one and the same instrument.

          Nothing in this Supplemental Indenture is intended or shall be
construed to give to any person or corporation, other than the parties hereto
and the holders of bonds issued and to be issued under and secured by the
Indenture, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of
this Supplemental Indenture, or under any covenant, condition or provision
herein contained, all the covenants, conditions and provisions of this
Supplemental Indenture being intended to be, and being, for the sole and
exclusive benefit of the parties hereto and of the holders of bonds issued and
to be issued under the Indenture and secured thereby.

          All covenants, promises and agreements in this Supplemental Indenture
contained by or on behalf of the Company shall bind its successors and assigns
whether so expressed or not.

          This Supplemental Indenture may be executed in any number of
counterparts, and each of such counterparts when so executed shall be deemed to
be an original; but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and
the same instrument.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY has caused this
Supplemental Indenture to be executed by its President or one of its Vice-
Presidents and its corporate seal to be hereunto affixed, duly attested by its
Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries, and FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY, as
Trustee as aforesaid, has caused the same to be executed by one of its Vice-
Presidents or Assistant Vice-Presidents and its corporate seal to

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
be hereunto affixed, duly attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant
Secretaries, as of the day and year first above written.

                                             MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY,


                                             By 
                                                --------------------------------
                                                      [Name and Title]


Countersigned:


- ------------------------
[Name and Title]
                                                            [CORPORATE SEAL]

Signed, sealed, acknowledged
  and delivered by Madison
  Gas and Electric Company in
  the presence of:


- ---------------------------
[Name]


- ---------------------------
[Name]

                                     -10-
<PAGE>
 
                                             FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY,
                                               as Trustee,


                                             By 
                                                --------------------------------
                                                      [Name and Title]


Countersigned:
                                                            [CORPORATE SEAL]

- ---------------------------
[Name and Title]


Signed, sealed, acknowledged
  and delivered by Firstar
  Trust Company in the
  presence of:


- ------------------------------
[Name]


- ------------------------------
[Name]

                                     -11-
<PAGE>
 
STATE OF WISCONSIN  )
                    )    SS:
____ COUNTY         )


          Personally came before me this ____ day of ___________, 199__,
______________________________, to me known to be the
______________________________, and ______________________, to me known to be
the _______________________________,  of the above-named MADISON GAS AND
ELECTRIC COMPANY, one of the corporations described in and which executed the
foregoing instrument, and to me known to be the persons who as such officers
executed the foregoing instrument in the name and behalf of said corporation,
and acknowledged the same, and acknowledged that the seal affixed to said
instrument is the corporate seal of said corporation, and that they signed,
sealed and delivered said instrument in the name and behalf of said corporation
by authority of its Board of Directors, and said __________________ and
______________________ then and there acknowledged said instrument to be the
free act and deed of said corporation by each of them voluntarily executed.

          Given under my hand and notarial seal this ____ day of
_________________, 199__.



                                             -----------------------------------
                                             [NAME]
                                             Notary Public, State of Wisconsin



My commission expires: ____________

                                                            [NOTARY SEAL]

                                     -12-
<PAGE>
 
STATE OF WISCONSIN  )
                    )    SS.:
____________ COUNTY )


          Personally came before me this _____ day of _________, 199__,
_______________________, to me known to be a _______________________________,
and _________________________, to me known to be a __________________________,
of the above-named FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY, one of the corporations described in
and which executed the foregoing instrument, and to me known to be the persons
who as such officers executed the foregoing instrument in the name and behalf of
said corporation, and acknowledged the same, and acknowledged that the seal
affixed to said instrument is the corporate seal of said corporation, and that
they signed, sealed and delivered said instrument in the name and behalf of said
corporation by authority of its Board of Directors, and said
_________________________ and _______________ then and there acknowledged said
instrument to be the free act and deed of said corporation by each of them
voluntarily executed.

          Given under my hand and notarial seal this _______ day of
________________, 199__.



                                             -----------------------------------
                                             [NAME]
                                             Notary Public, State of Wisconsin


My commission expires: __________________

                                                            [NOTARY SEAL]


This instrument drafted by:

Thomas C. Judge
Michael, Best & Friedrich
100 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin  53202-4108

                                     -13-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "A"

                To the __________________ Supplemental Indenture


          The property of the Company, acquired after execution and delivery of
the ________________ Supplemental Indenture, referred to in paragraph First, at
                                                                      -----    
page 2 of the foregoing ____________________ Indenture, located in the counties
named below, in the State of Wisconsin, is described as follows:

                     [To be inserted at time of execution]

                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"

               To the ___________________ Supplemental Indenture

                         (Form of Bond of This Series)

                        MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

                    ___% First Mortgage Bonds, ______ Series

                           Due ________________, ____


No._________                                                           $________

          MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY (hereinafter called the "Company"), a
corporation of the State of Wisconsin, for value received, hereby promises to
pay to

or registered assigns, on ______________, _____, the sum of

Dollars in lawful money of the United States of America, and to pay interest
thereon from the date hereof at the rate of ___ per annum, in like lawful money,
payable on the ______________ day of _______________ and _____________ in each
year until the Company's obligation with respect to the payment of such
principal sum shall be discharged as provided in the indentures hereinafter
mentioned.  The principal of, premium, if any, and interest on this bond shall
be payable to the person in whose name this bond is registered, at the principal
office of the Trustee hereinafter referred to, in the City of Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, or at the principal office of any successor in trust; provided that,
at the option of the Company, the interest on this bond shall be payable by
check mailed to such registered owner.  So long as there shall be no existing
default in the payment of interest on this bond, the interest payable hereon on
any interest payment date shall be payable to the person in whose name this bond
is registered at the close of business on the 10th business day prior to such
interest payment date, notwithstanding any transfer or exchange of this bond
subsequent to such record date and on or prior to such interest payment date.
If and to the extent the Company shall default in the payment of interest on
such interest payment date, such defaulted interest shall, upon the subsequent
payment thereof, be paid to the person in whose name this bond is registered on
the date of such payment.

          This bond is one, of the series hereinafter specified, of the bonds of
the Company (herein called the "bonds") known as its "First Mortgage Bonds,"
issued and to be issued in one or more series under, and all equally and ratably
secured by, an Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of January 1,
1946, duly executed by the Company to First Wisconsin Trust

                                      B-1
<PAGE>
 
Company (now known as Firstar Trust Company), Trustee (herein called the
"Trustee"), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto (herein
collectively called the "Indenture") reference is hereby made for a description
of the property mortgaged and pledged, the nature and extent of the security,
the terms and conditions upon which the bonds are, and are to be, issued and
secured, and the rights of the bearers or registered owners of the bonds and of
the Trustee in respect of such security.  As provided in the Indenture, the
bonds may be for various principal sums and are issuable in series, which may
mature at different times, may bear interest at different rates and may
otherwise vary as therein provided.  This bond is one of a series entitled "___%
First Mortgage Bonds, ______ Series" (herein called the "Bonds of This Series")
created by the ____________ Supplemental Indenture (herein called the
"Supplemental Indenture"), dated as of _______________, 199__, between the
Company and the Trustee.

          To the extent permitted by 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 bearers or registered owners of the bonds
and coupons may be made, and compliance with the Indenture or any such
supplemental indenture may be waived, with the consent of the Company, by an
affirmative vote of the bearers or registered owners of not less than 66-2/3% in
principal amount of the bonds entitled to vote at a meeting of bondholders
called and held as provided in said Indenture and by an affirmative vote of not
less than 66-2/3% in principal amount of the bonds entitled to vote of each
series affected by such modification or alteration or waiver in case one or
more, but less than all, of the series of bonds then outstanding under the
Indenture are so affected; provided, however, that no such modification or
alteration or waiver shall be made which will (a) affect the terms of payment of
the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, this bond, or the right of
the registered owner hereof to institute suit for the enforcement of any such
payment on or after the respective due dates expressed in this bond, or (b)
otherwise than as permitted by the Indenture, permit the creation by the Company
of any mortgage lien ranking prior to or on a parity with the lien of the
Indenture or of any indenture supplemental thereto, with respect to any property
covered thereby, or give to any bond or bonds secured by the Indenture any
preference over any other bond or bonds so secured, or deprive any bondholder of
the security afforded by the lien of the Indenture, or (c) reduce the percentage
in principal amount of the bonds required to authorize any such modification or
alteration or waiver; all as more fully provided in the Indenture.

     [Redemption provisions, if any, to be inserted at time of execution.]

                                      B-2
<PAGE>
 
          In the event that any bond shall not be presented for payment when the
principal thereof becomes due, either at maturity or otherwise or at the date
fixed for the redemption thereof, and the Company shall have on deposit with the
Trustee in trust for the purpose, on the date when such bond is so due, funds
sufficient to pay the principal of, and premium, if any, on, such bond, together
with all interest due thereon to the date of maturity of such bond or to the
date fixed for the redemption thereof, then all liability of the Company to the
registered owner of said bond for the payment of the principal thereof and
premium, if any, and interest thereon shall forthwith cease, determine and be
completely discharged and such registered owner shall no longer be entitled to
any lien or benefit of the Indenture.

          Notice of any redemption as described above shall be mailed at least
30 and not more than 45 days prior to the redemption date to the registered
owners of the bonds to be redeemed, at their respective addresses appearing upon
the registry thereof, all subject to the conditions and as more fully set forth
in the Indenture and the Supplemental Indenture.  In the event of the selection
for redemption of a portion only of the principal of this bond, payment of the
redemption price will be made only (a) upon presentation of this bond for
notation hereon of such payment, or (b) upon surrender of this bond in exchange
for a Bond or Bonds of This Series (but only of authorized denominations) for
the unredeemed balance of the principal amount of this bond.

          In case an event of default as defined in the Indenture shall occur,
the principal of this bond may become or be declared due and payable in the
manner, and with the effect, and subject to the conditions provided in the
Indenture.

          This bond is transferable by the registered owner hereof in person, or
by attorney duly authorized in writing, at the principal office of the Trustee
in the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, or at the principal office of any successor
in trust, upon presentation and surrender of this bond, accompanied by a written
instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered owner or a duly
authorized attorney, with the signature guaranteed to the satisfaction of the
Trustee, and upon any such transfer a new registered Bond of This Series in the
same aggregate principal amount will be issued to the transferee in exchange
herefor, and, in the manner provided in the Supplemental Indenture, Bonds of
This Series may at the option of the registered owners and upon surrender at
said office of the Trustee, or of any successor in trust, be exchanged for Bonds
of This Series of the same aggregate principal amount in larger or smaller
authorized denominations, all without charge (except for any tax or other
governmental charge).

                                      B-3
<PAGE>
 
          The Company and the Trustee and any paying agent may deem and treat
the person in whose name this bond is registered as the absolute owner hereof
for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal hereof
and interest hereon and for all other purposes, and neither the Company nor the
Trustee nor any paying agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

          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
otherwise in respect hereof or of the Indenture or any indenture supplemental
thereto, against any incorporator, or against any stockholder, director or
officer, past, present or future, of the Company, as such, or of any predecessor
or successor corporation, 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 waived and released by every owner hereof by the acceptance of
this bond and as part of the consideration for the issue hereof, and being
likewise waived and released by the terms of the Indenture.

          This bond shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose
unless and until the certificate hereon shall have been executed by the Trustee
or its successor in trust under the Indenture.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY has caused this
bond to be signed in its name by the manual or facsimile signature of its
President or one of its Vice Presidents, and its corporate seal to be impressed
or imprinted hereon and attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant
Secretaries.

Dated:                                       MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY,



                                             By
                                                --------------------------------
                                                [Name and Title]


Attest:                                                     [CORPORATE SEAL]


- -------------------------
[Name and Title]

                                      B-4
<PAGE>
 
                       (Form of Trustee's Certificate)

          This bond is one of the bonds, of the series designated therein,
described in the within-mentioned Indenture and ________________ Supplemental
Indenture.


                                             FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY,
                                               as Trustee,


                                             By
                                                --------------------------------
                                                      AUTHORIZED OFFICER

                                      B-5

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.5
                                                                     -----------
<TABLE> 
<S>                 <C>                  <C>                                  <C>              <C>             <C> 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSIP NUMBER                                           AGENT'S NAME                            MADISON GAS AND 
                                                                                               ELECTRIC COMPANY 
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL SUM       SETTLEMENT DATE                    INTEREST RATE          DATE OF TRANSFER 
                    (ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE)                  %                                   
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRADE DATE          AGENT'S COMMISSION                STATED MATURITY          INITIAL         TAXPAYER ID         PRICE 100%
                                                                               REDEMPTION      OR SOC SEC NO.      (UNLESS
                                                                               DATE            OF PURCHASER        OTHERWISE
                                                                                                                   INDICATED)
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS OF                                   SECURED MEDIUM-TERM NOTE                                 TRUSTEE AND PAYING 
REGISTERED OWNER                                      SERIES A (FIXED RATE)                                     AGENT M&I FIRST 
                                                      CONFIRMATION                                              NATIONAL BANK 
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSTOMER'S          RETAIN FOR TAX       THE TIME OF THE TRANSACTION           PLEASE SIGN AND                  SEE REVERSE SIDE
COPY                PURPOSES             WILL BE FURNISHED UPON                RETURN ENCLOSED 
                                         REQUEST OF THE CUSTOMER               RECEIPT         
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>

REGISTERED                                                            REGISTERED
NO. ____

                        MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
                       SECURED MEDIUM-TERM NOTE, SERIES A
                                  (Fixed Rate)

     If this security is issued with original issue discount ("OID"), the "Total
Amount of OID", "Yield to Stated Maturity" and "Initial Accrual Period OID"
(computed under the approximate method) will be as set forth below for United
States federal income tax purposes.


PRINCIPAL SUM:                     INTEREST RATE:

ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE:               INTEREST PAYMENT DATES:

RECORD DATES:                      STATED MATURITY:

TOTAL AMOUNT OF OID:               INITIAL REDEMPTION DATE:

INITIAL ACCRUAL PERIOD OID:        REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE:

YIELD TO STATED MATURITY:          ANNUAL REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE:
 (for OID purposes):

     If applicable as described above, the redemption price shall initially be
the Redemption Percentage of the principal amount of this Note to be redeemed
and shall decline at each anniversary of the Initial Redemption Date by the
Annual Redemption Percentage of the principal amount to be redeemed until the
redemption price is 100% of such principal amount.

     Unless this certificate is presented by an authorized representative of The
Depository Trust Company (55 Water Street, New York, New York) to the Company or
its agent for registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and any certificate
issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or such other name as is
requested by an authorized representative of The Depository Trust Company and
any payment hereon is made to Cede & Co., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE
HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL since the
registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.

     MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY, a Wisconsin corporation (herein called
the "Company", which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture
referred to on the reverse hereof), for value received, hereby promises to pay
to

or registered assigns, the Principal Sum stated above at the Stated Maturity
specified above and to pay interest thereon on the Interest Payment Dates
specified below in each year, at the Interest Rate per annum specified above
(but not in excess off 25% per annum), from the most recent Interest Payment
Date to which interest has been paid or duly made available for payment, unless
no interest has been paid on this Note, in which case from
<PAGE>
 
and including the Original Issue Date specified above until payment of said
principal sum has been made or duly made available for payment.  Interest shall
be payable semi-annually in arrears on each Interest Payment Date, which, unless
specified otherwise above, shall be January 15 and July 15 of each year, and at
Stated Maturity or, if applicable, upon redemption.  Each payment of interest
payable at Stated Maturity or, if applicable, upon redemption shall include
interest accrued to, but excluding the date of Stated Maturity or, if
applicable, the date of redemption.  The interest so payable and punctually paid
or duly made available for payment shall be paid to the person in whose name
this Note is registered at the close of business on the Record Date, which,
unless specified otherwise above, shall be the January 1 and July 1 (whether or
not a Business Day, as defined on the reverse hereof) next preceding the January
15 and July 15 Interest Payment Dates, provided, however, that interest payable
                                       --------  -------                       
at Stated Maturity, or, if applicable, upon redemption shall be payable to the
person to whom the principal hereof shall be payable.  The first payment of
interest on this Note, if the Original Issue Date is between a Record Date and
an Interest Payment Date or on an Interest Payment Date, shall be made on the
Interest Payment Date following the next succeeding Record Date to the person in
whose name this Note is registered on such Record Date.  If the Company shall
not punctually pay or provide payment for interest payable on any Interest
Payment Date, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the person in whose name
this Note is registered at the close of business on a special record date for
the payment of such Defaulted Interest established by notice to the registered
Holders of Notes not less than 15 days preceding such special record date.

     Payment of principal and premium, if any, and interest payable at Stated
Maturity, or upon redemption, if applicable, on this Note shall be made at the
Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee in West Bend, Wisconsin, in each case in
immediately available funds and provided that this Note is presented in time for
the Paying Agent or the Company, if applicable, to make such payment in such
funds in accordance with its normal procedures. Payment of interest shall be
made by check mailed to the registered address of the person entitled thereto,
unless such person and the Company have agreed that such payment will be made by
wire transfer in immediately available funds. Interest on the Notes shall be
calculated on the basis of a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months.

     REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE TO THE FURTHER PROVISIONS OF THIS NOTE SET FORTH
ON THE REVERSE HEREOF, WHICH FURTHER PROVISIONS SHALL FOR ALL PURPOSES HAVE THE
SAME EFFECT AS IF SET FORTH AT THIS PLACE.

     Unless the Certificate of Authentication hereon has been manually executed
by the Trustee under the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof, the Holder
of this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture nor shall
this Note be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly
executed, manually or in facsimile.

Dated:

     TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF          MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC   
     AUTHENTICATION                    COMPANY


This is one of the Securities          By:
of the series designated herein                                   Vice President
referred to in the within-mentioned
Indenture                              Attest:
                                                                       Secretary

M&I FIRST NATIONAL BANK,               [Facsimile Corporate Seal]
as Trustee


By:

    Authorized signature

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
                        MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
                       Secured Medium-Term Note, Series A
                                  (Fixed Rate)

     This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company
(herein called the "Notes") issued or to be issued under an indenture dated as
of March 1, 1994 (herein called the "Indenture"), between the Company and M&I
First National Bank, as trustee (herein called the "Trustee", which term
includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all
indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a description of
the respective rights and duties thereunder of the Trustee, the Company and the
Holders of the Notes and the terms upon which the Notes are, and are to be,
authenticated and delivered.  This Note is one of the series designated on the
face hereof.  The Notes will not be subject to any sinking fund or analogous
provision.  This Note, together with any other Notes heretofore, concurrently or
hereafter issued by the Company in accordance with the Indenture, shall be
equally and ratably secured by and entitled to the benefits of the Company's
First Mortgage Bonds, 2029 Series, delivered and pledged to the Trustee pursuant
to the Indenture and the First Mortgage (as defined therein).

     In case an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, relating to the
Notes shall have occurred and be continuing, the principal hereof may be
declared, and upon such declaration shall become, due and payable, in the
manner, with the effect and subject to the provisions contained in the
Indenture.  The Indenture provides that in certain events such declaration as it
affects the Notes and its consequences may be waived by the Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.  Any such
waiver by the Holder of this Note (unless revoked as provided in the Indenture)
shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders and
owners of this Note and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer
hereof or in exchange or substitution herefor, irrespective of whether or not
any notation of such waiver is made upon this Note or such other Notes.

     The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the Trustee,
with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate
principal amount at Stated Maturity of the Notes at the time outstanding,
evidenced as in the Indenture provided, to execute supplemental indentures
which, if they pertain specifically to the Notes, may add any provisions to or
change in any manner or eliminate any of the provisions of the Indenture
relating to the Notes or of any supplemental indenture relating to the Notes or
modify in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Notes; provided, however
                                                             --------  -------
that no such supplemental indenture shall (i) extend the Stated Maturity of any
Note, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend the
time of payment of any interest thereon, or reduce any premium payable upon the
redemption thereof, or reduce the amount of an OID Note that would be due and
payable upon a declaration of acceleration of Stated Maturity thereof, without
the consent of the Holder of each Note so affected, or (ii) reduce the aforesaid
majority in aggregate principal amount of Notes, the consent of the Holders of
which is required for any such supplemental indenture relating to the Notes,
without the consent of the Holders of all Notes then outstanding.  It is also
provided in the Indenture that, prior to the declaration of maturity of the
Notes upon the occurrence of an Event of Default relating to the Notes, the
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount at Stated Maturity of the
Notes at the time outstanding may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes
waive any past default under the Indenture relating to the Notes and its
consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium,
if any) or interest on any of the Notes.  Any such waiver by the Holder of this
Note (unless revoked as provided in the Indenture) shall be conclusive and
binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders and owners

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
of this Note and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or
in exchange or substitution herefor, irrespective of whether or not any notation
of such consent or waiver is made upon this Note or such other Notes.

     The Company may terminate all of its obligations under the Notes and, with
certain limited exceptions described in the Indenture, under the Indenture, by
(i) irrevocably depositing in trust with the Trustee money or Government
Obligations (or any combination thereof) sufficient to pay principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on the Notes at Stated Maturity or on any date
fixed for redemption, as the case may be, and (ii) complying with certain other
conditions specified in the Indenture.  Alternatively, the Company may, upon the
making of such deposit and the satisfaction of certain conditions specified in
the Indenture, omit to comply with certain of its covenants in the Indenture,
and such omission shall not be an Event of Default with respect to the Notes.

     The Notes are issuable in registered form without coupons in denominations
(unless otherwise specified on the face hereof) of $1,000 and any integral
multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.  This Note may be exchanged by the Holder
hereof for an equal aggregate principal amount of Notes of other authorized
denominations at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee in West Bend,
Wisconsin.

     This Note is transferable and the registration of the transfer hereof may
be effected by the registered Holder or by his attorney duly authorized in
writing upon due presentment for registration of transfer at the Corporate Trust
Office of the Trustee in West Bend, Wisconsin, without charge except for any tax
or other governmental charge imposed in relation thereto.  Upon such
registration of transfer a new Note or Notes, of authorized denominations, for a
like aggregate principal amount at Stated Maturity, will be issued to the
transferee in exchange therefor.

     Prior to due presentation for registration of transfer of this Note, the
Company, the Trustee, any paying agent and the Security Registrar may deem and
treat the registered Holder hereof as the absolute owner hereof (whether or not
this Note shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notation of ownership or
writing hereon by any person), for the purpose of receiving payment as herein
provided and for all other purposes, and neither the Company nor the Trustee nor
any paying agent nor any Security Registrar shall be affected by any notice to
the contrary.

     No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of (or premium,
if any) or the interest on this Note, or for any claim based hereon, or
otherwise in respect hereof, or based on or in respect of the Indenture or any
indenture supplemental thereto, against any incorporator, stockholder, officer
or director or employee as such, past, present or future, of the Company or of
any 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 being, by the acceptance hereof and as part of the consideration
for the issue hereof, expressly waived and released.

     This Note is not subject to redemption by the Company prior to the date
specified on the face hereof.  If no such date is specified, this Note is not
subject to redemption prior to Stated Maturity.  If such date is specified, this
Note is redeemable at the option of the Company, on or after such date, in whole
or in part in increments of principal amount of $1,000 (provided that any
remaining principal amount of this Note shall be at least the minimum
denomination specified herein), at the redemption price set forth on the face
hereof, together with interest thereon payable to the date of redemption, on
notice given not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to such redemption
date, all as

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
provided in the Indenture.  If no such redemption price is specified, the
redemption price shall be 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed.  In the
event of a redemption of this Note in part only, a new Note or Notes in
authorized denominations and in principal amount equal to the amount of the
unredeemed portion hereof shall be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon
the cancellation hereof.

     No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note or of
the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is
absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on this Note at the place, at the respective times and at the rate
herein prescribed.

     Any payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest required to be made
on an Interest Payment Date or at Stated Maturity, or upon redemption, if
applicable, on a day which is not a Business Day need not be made on such day,
but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and
effect as if made, as the case may be, on the Interest Payment Date, at Stated
Maturity, or the date of redemption, and no interest shall accrue for the period
from and after such Interest Payment Date, Stated Maturity, or date of
redemption.  "Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday or a Sunday that
is not a day on which banking institutions in West Bend, Wisconsin, or in New
York, New York, are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to be
closed.

     All terms used in this Note which are defined in the Indenture shall have
the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

     The Indenture and this Note shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

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

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
                                 ABBREVIATIONS

     The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of
this instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:

     TEN COM   -as tenants in common
     TEN ENT   -as tenants by the entireties
     JT TEN    -as joint tenants with right of
                survivorship and not as tenants
                in common

                         UNIF GIFT MIN ACT- _____Custodian_______
                                            (Cust)        (Minor)
                                Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act

                                ---------------------------------
                                               (State)

                   Additional abbreviations may also be used
                         though not in the above list.


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


FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto


Please Insert Social Security
or Other Identifying Number
of Assignee
- ------------------------- 
                           
- ----------------------------------------------------------------

- ----------------------------------------------------------------
     Please print or typewrite name and address including
                   postal zip code of assignee

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
the within Note of MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY and all rights thereunder
and hereby does irrevocably constitute and appoint
                                           
                                                         Attorney
- --------------------------------------------------------         
to transfer said Note on the books of the within Company, with
full power of substitution in the premises.


Dated:
      -----------------------

                                    Signature 
                                             ---------------------
 
                                    NOTICE: The signature to this assignment
                                    must correspond with the name as written
                                    upon the face of the Note in every
                                    particular, without alteration or
                                    enlargement, or any change whatever.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>

<TABLE> 
<S>                 <C>                  <C>                                  <C>              <C>             <C> 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSIP NUMBER                                           AGENT'S NAME                            MADISON GAS AND 
                                                                                               ELECTRIC COMPANY 
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL SUM       SETTLEMENT DATE                    INTEREST RATE          DATE OF TRANSFER 
                    (ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE)                  %                                   
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRADE DATE          AGENT'S COMMISSION                STATED MATURITY          INITIAL         TAXPAYER ID         PRICE 100%
                                                                               REDEMPTION      OR SOC SEC NO.      (UNLESS
                                                                               DATE            OF PURCHASER        OTHERWISE
                                                                                                                   INDICATED)
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS OF                                   SECURED MEDIUM-TERM NOTE                                 TRUSTEE AND PAYING 
REGISTERED OWNER                                      SERIES A (FIXED RATE)                                     AGENT M&I FIRST 
                                                      CONFIRMATION                                              NATIONAL BANK 
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSTOMER'S          RETAIN FOR TAX       THE TIME OF THE TRANSACTION           PLEASE SIGN AND                  SEE REVERSE SIDE
COPY                PURPOSES             WILL BE FURNISHED UPON                RETURN ENCLOSED 
                                         REQUEST OF THE CUSTOMER               RECEIPT         
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>

REGISTERED                                                            REGISTERED
NO. ____

                        MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
                       SECURED MEDIUM-TERM NOTE, SERIES A
                                  (Fixed Rate)

     If this security is issued with original issue discount ("OID"), the "Total
Amount of OID", "Yield to Stated Maturity" and "Initial Accrual Period OID"
(computed under the approximate method) will be as set forth below for United
States federal income tax purposes.


PRINCIPAL SUM:                     INTEREST RATE:

ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE:               INTEREST PAYMENT DATES:

RECORD DATES:                      STATED MATURITY:

TOTAL AMOUNT OF OID:               INITIAL REDEMPTION DATE:

INITIAL ACCRUAL PERIOD OID:        REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE:

YIELD TO STATED MATURITY:          ANNUAL REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE:
 (for OID purposes):


     If applicable as described above, the redemption price shall initially be
the Redemption Percentage of the principal amount of this Note to be redeemed
and shall decline at each anniversary of the Initial Redemption Date by the
annual Redemption Percentage of the principal amount to be redeemed until the
redemption price is 100% of such principal amount.

     MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY, a Wisconsin corporation (herein called
the "Company", which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture
referred to on the reverse hereof), for value received, hereby promises to pay
to

or registered assigns, the Principal Sum stated above.

Dated:
RECEIPT
NOT NEGOTIABLE

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<S>                 <C>                  <C>                                  <C>              <C>             <C> 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSIP NUMBER                                           AGENT'S NAME                            MADISON GAS AND 
                                                                                               ELECTRIC COMPANY 
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL SUM       SETTLEMENT DATE                    INTEREST RATE          DATE OF TRANSFER 
                    (ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE)                  %                                   
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRADE DATE          AGENT'S COMMISSION                STATED MATURITY          INITIAL         TAXPAYER ID         PRICE 100%
                                                                               REDEMPTION      OR SOC SEC NO.      (UNLESS
                                                                               DATE            OF PURCHASER        OTHERWISE
                                                                                                                   INDICATED)
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS OF                                   SECURED MEDIUM-TERM NOTE                                 TRUSTEE AND PAYING 
REGISTERED OWNER                                      SERIES A (FIXED RATE)                                     AGENT M&I FIRST 
                                                      CONFIRMATION                                              NATIONAL BANK 
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSTOMER'S          RETAIN FOR TAX       THE TIME OF THE TRANSACTION           PLEASE SIGN AND                  SEE REVERSE SIDE
COPY                PURPOSES             WILL BE FURNISHED UPON                RETURN ENCLOSED 
                                         REQUEST OF THE CUSTOMER               RECEIPT         
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>

REGISTERED                                                            REGISTERED
NO. ____

                        MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
                       SECURED MEDIUM-TERM NOTE, SERIES A
                                  (Fixed Rate)

     If this security is issued with original issue discount ("OID"), the "Total
Amount of OID", "Yield to Stated Maturity" and "Initial Accrual Period OID"
(computed under the approximate method) will be as set forth below for United
States federal income tax purposes.


PRINCIPAL SUM:                     INTEREST RATE:

ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE:               INTEREST PAYMENT DATES:

RECORD DATES:                      STATED MATURITY:

TOTAL AMOUNT OF OID:               INITIAL REDEMPTION DATE:

INITIAL ACCRUAL PERIOD OID:        REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE:

YIELD TO STATED MATURITY:          ANNUAL REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE:
 (for OID purposes):


     If applicable as described above, the redemption price shall initially be
the Redemption Percentage of the principal amount of this Note to be redeemed
and shall decline at each anniversary of the Initial Redemption Date by the
annual Redemption Percentage of the principal amount to be redeemed until the
redemption price is 100% of such principal amount.

     MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY, a Wisconsin corporation (herein called
the "Company", which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture
referred to on the reverse hereof), for value received, hereby promises to pay
to

or registered assigns, the Principal Sum stated above.

Dated:
RECEIPT
NOT NEGOTIABLE

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<S>                 <C>                  <C>                                  <C>              <C>             <C> 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSIP NUMBER                                           AGENT'S NAME                            MADISON GAS AND 
                                                                                               ELECTRIC COMPANY 
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL SUM       SETTLEMENT DATE                    INTEREST RATE          DATE OF TRANSFER 
                    (ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE)                  %                                   
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRADE DATE          AGENT'S COMMISSION                STATED MATURITY          INITIAL         TAXPAYER ID         PRICE 100%
                                                                               REDEMPTION      OR SOC SEC NO.      (UNLESS
                                                                               DATE            OF PURCHASER        OTHERWISE
                                                                                                                   INDICATED)
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS OF                                   SECURED MEDIUM-TERM NOTE                                 TRUSTEE AND PAYING 
REGISTERED OWNER                                      SERIES A (FIXED RATE)                                     AGENT M&I FIRST 
                                                      CONFIRMATION                                              NATIONAL BANK 
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSTOMER'S          RETAIN FOR TAX       THE TIME OF THE TRANSACTION           PLEASE SIGN AND                  SEE REVERSE SIDE
COPY                PURPOSES             WILL BE FURNISHED UPON                RETURN ENCLOSED 
                                         REQUEST OF THE CUSTOMER               RECEIPT         
                                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>

REGISTERED                                                            REGISTERED
NO. ____

                        MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
                       SECURED MEDIUM-TERM NOTE, SERIES A
                                  (Fixed Rate)

     If this security is issued with original issue discount ("OID"), the "Total
Amount of OID", "Yield to Stated Maturity" and "Initial Accrual Period OID"
(computed under the approximate method) will be as set forth below for United
States federal income tax purposes.


PRINCIPAL SUM:                     INTEREST RATE:

ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE:               INTEREST PAYMENT DATES:

RECORD DATES:                      STATED MATURITY:

TOTAL AMOUNT OF OID:               INITIAL REDEMPTION DATE:

INITIAL ACCRUAL PERIOD OID:        REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE:

YIELD TO STATED MATURITY:          ANNUAL REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE:
 (for OID purposes):


     If applicable as described above, the redemption price shall initially be
the Redemption Percentage of the principal amount of this Note to be redeemed
and shall decline at each anniversary of the Initial Redemption Date by the
annual Redemption Percentage of the principal amount to be redeemed until the
redemption price is 100% of such principal amount.

     MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY, a Wisconsin corporation (herein called
the "Company", which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture
referred to on the reverse hereof), for value received, hereby promises to pay
to

or registered assigns, the Principal Sum stated above.

Dated:
RECEIPT
NOT NEGOTIABLE

                                      -10-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 4.6
                                                                   -----------
<TABLE> 

<S>                    <C>                            <C>                                      <C>           <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSIP NUMBER                                           AGENT'S NAME                             MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL SUM          SETTLEMENT DATE                 INTEREST RATE BASIS      DATE OF TRANSFER             INITIAL
                       (ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE)           AND INDEX MATURITY                                    INTEREST
                                                                                                             RATE  %
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRADE DATE             AGENT'S COMMISSION              STATED MATURITY    INITIAL        TAXPAYER ID         PRICE 100%
                                                                          REDEMPTION     OR SOC SEC NO.      (UNLESS   
                                                                          DATE           OF PURCHASER        OTHERWISE 
                                                                                                             INDICATED) 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS OF REGISTERED OWNER                   SECURED MEDIUM-TERM NOTE                 TRUSTEE AND PAYING AGENT
                                                       SERIES A (FLOATING RATE)                   M&I FIRST NATIONAL BANK
                                                       CONFIRMATION 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSTOMER'S             RETAIN FOR TAX       THE TIME OF THE TRANSACTION         PLEASE SIGN AND          SEE REVERSE SIDE 
COPY                   PURPOSES             WILL BE FURNISHED UPON              RETURN ENCLOSED 
                                            REQUEST OF THE CUSTOMER             RECEIPT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

REGISTERED                                                       REGISTERED
NO. ____

                        MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
                       SECURED MEDIUM-TERM NOTE, SERIES A
                                (Floating Rate)

     If this security is issued with original issue discount ("OID"), the "Total
Amount of OID", "Yield to Stated Maturity" and "Initial Accrual Period OID"
(computed under the approximate method) will be as set forth below for United
States federal income tax purposes.


PRINCIPAL SUM:                     INITIAL REDEMPTION DATE:

ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE:               REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE:

INTEREST RATE BASIS:               ANNUAL REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE:

INDEX MATURITY:                    STATED MATURITY:

INITIAL INTEREST RATE:             SPREAD (plus or minus):

INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD:           SPREAD MULTIPLIER:

INTEREST RESET PERIOD:             MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE:

INTEREST PAYMENT DATES:            MINIMUM INTEREST RATE:

INTEREST RESET DATES:              CALCULATION DATES:

INTEREST DETERMINATION DATES:      CALCULATION AGENT:

TOTAL AMOUNT OF OID:               YIELD TO STATED MATURITY:
                                   (for OID purposes):
INITIAL ACCRUAL PERIOD OID:
 
     If applicable as described above, the redemption price shall initially be
the Redemption Percentage of the principal amount of this Note to be redeemed
and shall decline at each anniversary of the Initial Redemption Date by the
Annual Redemption Percentage of the principal amount to be redeemed until the
redemption price is 100% of such principal amount.

     MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY, a Wisconsin corporation (herein called
the "Company", which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture
referred to on the reverse hereof), for value received, hereby promises to pay
to

or registered assigns, the Principal Sum stated above at the Stated Maturity
specified above and to pay interest thereon at a rate per annum equal to the
Initial Interest Rate specified above until the first Interest Reset Date and
thereafter at a rate
<PAGE>
 
determined in accordance with the provisions on the reverse hereof, depending
upon the Interest Rate Basis specified above, until the principal hereof is paid
or duly made available for payment.  The Company will pay interest monthly,
quarterly, semi-annually or annually as specified above as the Interest Payment
Period on each interest payment date specified above (each, an "Interest Payment
Date"), commencing with the first Interest Payment Date next succeeding the
Original Issue Date specified above, and at Stated Maturity or, if applicable,
upon redemption, provided, however, that the first payment of interest on this
                 --------  -------                                            
Note, if the Original Issue Date is between a Record Date, as defined below, and
an Interest Payment Date or on an Interest Payment Date, shall be made on the
Interest Payment Date following the next succeeding Record Date to the person in
whose name this Note is registered on such Record Date, and provided, further,
                                                            --------  ------- 
that if an Interest Payment Date would fall on a day that is not a Business Day,
as defined on the reverse hereof, such Interest Payment Date shall be the
following day that is a Business Day, except that if the Interest Rate Basis is
LIBOR and such next Business Day falls in the next calendar month, such Interest
Payment Date shall be the next preceding day that is a Business Day.

     Interest on this Note shall accrue from and including the most recent
Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly made available for
payment, unless no interest has been paid on this Note, in which case from and
including the Original Issue Date specified above, until payment of the
principal hereof has been made or duly made available for payment, provided,
                                                                   -------- 
however, that if the Interest Reset Period specified above is daily or weekly,
- -------                                                                       
interest hereon shall accrue from and including the day following the most
recent Record Date to which interest has been paid or duly made available for
payment, or, if no interest has been paid, from and including the Original Issue
Date, and provided, further, that unless otherwise indicated above, the interest
          --------  -------                                                     
payable on any Interest Payment Date shall be the amount of interest accrued to,
but excluding, the Interest Payment Date (except that if the Interest Reset
Period specified above is daily or weekly, the interest payable on any Interest
Payment Date shall be the amount of interest accrued to and including the Record
Date next preceding such Interest Payment Date), and the interest payable at
Stated Maturity, or, if applicable, upon redemption shall include interest
accrued to, but excluding, Stated Maturity or, if applicable, the date of
redemption.  The interest so payable and punctually paid or duly made available
for payment on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the person in whose
name this Note (or one or more predecessor Notes) is registered at the close of
business on the date 15 calendar days prior to an Interest Payment Date (whether
or not a Business Day) (the "Record Date"), provided, however, that interest
                                            --------  -------               
payable at Stated Maturity or, if applicable, upon redemption shall be payable
to the person to whom the principal hereof shall be payable.  If the Company
shall not punctually pay or provide payment for interest payable on an Interest
Payment Date, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the person in whose name
this Note is registered at the close of business on a special record date for
the payment of such Defaulted Interest established by notice to the registered
Holders of Notes not less than 15 days preceding such special record date.

     Payment of the principal and premium, if any, and interest payable at
Stated Maturity, or upon redemption, if applicable, on this Note shall be made
at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee in West Bend, Wisconsin, in each
case in immediately available funds and provided that this Note is presented in
time for the Paying Agent or the Company, if applicable, to make such payments
in such funds in accordance with its normal procedures.  Payment of interest
shall be made by check mailed to the registered address of the person entitled
thereto, unless such person and the Company have agreed that such payment shall
be made by wire transfer in immediately available funds.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
     REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE TO THE FURTHER PROVISIONS OF THIS NOTE SET FORTH
ON THE REVERSE HEREOF, WHICH FURTHER PROVISIONS SHALL FOR ALL PURPOSES HAVE THE
SAME EFFECT AS IF SET FORTH AT THIS PLACE.

     Unless the Certificate of Authentication hereon has been manually executed
by the Trustee under the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof, the Holder
of this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture nor shall
this Note be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly
executed, manually or in facsimile, and a facsimile of its corporate seal to be
imprinted hereon.


Dated:

     TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF                MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC   
     AUTHENTICATION                          COMPANY

This is one of the Securities                By:
of the series designated herein                              Vice President
referred to in the within-mentioned
Indenture.                                       Attest:

                                                                  Secretary
M&I FIRST NATIONAL BANK,
as Trustee
                                               [Facsimile Corporate Seal]


By:
     Authorized Signature





                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
                        MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
                       Secured Medium-Term Note, Series A
                                (Floating Rate)

     This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company
(herein called the "Notes") issued or to be issued under an indenture dated as
of March 1, 1994 (herein called the "Indenture"), between the Company and M&I
First National Bank, as trustee (herein called the "Trustee", which term
includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all
indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a description of
the respective rights and duties thereunder of the Trustee, the Company and the
Holders of the Notes and the terms upon which the Notes are, and are to be,
authenticated and delivered.  This Note is one of the series designated on the
face hereof.  The Notes will not be subject to any sinking fund or analogous
provision.  This Note, together with any other Notes heretofore, concurrently or
hereafter issued by the Company in accordance with the Indenture, shall be
equally and ratably secured by and entitled to the benefits of the Company's
First Mortgage Bonds, 2029 Series, delivered and pledged to the Trustee pursuant
to the Indenture and the First Mortgage (as defined therein).

     This Note will bear interest at the rate determined by reference to the
Interest Rate Basis shown on the face hereof (i) plus or minus the Spread, if
any, or (ii) multiplied by the Spread Multiplier, if any, specified on the face
hereof.  The "Interest Rate Basis" shall be the rate determined in accordance
with the applicable provision below.  The rate of interest on this Note will be
reset either daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually as
specified on the face hereof (the "Interest Reset Period").  Commencing on the
first Interest Reset Date, the rate at which interest on this Note is payable
shall be reset as of each Interest Reset Date.  Unless otherwise provided on the
face hereof, the Interest Reset Date will be, in the case of a Note which resets
daily, each Business Day; in the case of a Note (other than a Note with the
Treasury Rate as the Interest Rate Basis (a "Treasury Rate Note")) which resets
weekly, the Wednesday of each week; in the case of a Treasury Rate Note which
resets weekly, the Tuesday of each week; in the case of a Note which resets
monthly, the third Wednesday of each month; in the case of a Note which resets
quarterly, the third Wednesday of March, June, September and December; in the
case of a Note which resets semi-annually, the third Wednesday of the two months
set forth on the face hereof; and in the case of a Note which resets annually,
the third Wednesday of the month set forth on the face hereof.  If any Interest
Reset Date would otherwise be a day that is not a Business Day, the Interest
Reset Date shall be postponed until the next Business Day, except that in the
case of a LIBOR Note, if the Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar
month, such Interest Reset Date shall be the immediately preceding Business Day.
"Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday or a Sunday that (a) is not a
day on which banking institutions in West Bend, Wisconsin, or in New York, New
York, are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to be closed, and
(b) with respect to LIBOR Notes only, is a day on which dealings in deposits in
U.S. dollars are transacted in the London interbank market.

     Accrued interest hereon shall be an amount calculated by multiplying the
face amount hereof by an accrued interest factor.  Such accrued interest factor
shall be computed by adding the interest factor calculated for each day from the
Original Issue Date or from the day succeeding the last date for which interest
shall have been paid or duly made available for payment, as the case may be, to
but excluding the date for which accrued interest is being calculated.  The
interest factor for each day shall be computed by dividing the interest rate
applicable to such day by 360 in the case of the Commercial Paper Rate, Prime
Rate, CD Rate, Federal Funds Effective Rate or LIBOR or by the actual number of
days in the year in the case of the Treasury Rate.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
     The interest rate in effect on each day shall be (a) if such day is an
Interest Reset Date, the interest rate with respect to the Interest
Determination Date (as defined below) pertaining to such Interest Reset Date or
(b) if such day is not an Interest Reset Date, the interest rate with respect to
the Interest Determination Date pertaining to the next preceding Interest Reset
Date, provided that (i) the interest rate in effect from the Original Issue Date
      --------                                                                  
to the first Interest Reset Date shall be the Initial Interest Rate specified on
the face hereof and (ii) the interest rate in effect for the ten days
immediately prior to Stated Maturity shall be the rate in effect on the tenth
day preceding Stated Maturity.

     The Interest Determination Date with respect to the Commercial Paper Rate,
Prime Rate, CD Rate, Federal Funds Effective Rate and LIBOR shall be the second
Business Day preceding the Interest Reset Date.  The Interest Determination Date
with respect to the Treasury Rate shall be the day of the week in which such
Interest Reset Date falls on which Treasury bills normally would be auctioned,
                                                                              
provided, however, that if as a result of a legal holiday or otherwise an
- --------  -------                                                        
auction is held on Friday of the week preceding the Interest Reset Date, the
related Interest Determination Date shall be such preceding Friday, and provided
                                                                        --------
further that if an auction shall fall on any Interest Reset Date then the
- -------                                                                  
Interest Reset Date instead shall be the first Business Day immediately
following such auction.

     The Calculation Date, if applicable, pertaining to any Interest
Determination Date shall be the tenth calendar date after such Interest
Determination Date or if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding
Business Day, provided that with respect to LIBOR Notes only, the Calculation
              --------                                                       
Date shall be the Interest Determination Date.

     Unless otherwise provided on the face hereof, all percentages resulting
from any calculation on the Notes will be rounded if necessary to the nearest
one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, with five one-millionths of a
percentage point rounded upwards (e.g., 9.876545% (or .09876545) would be
rounded to 9.87655% (or .0987655)) and all dollar amounts used in or resulting
from such calculation on the Notes will be rounded to the nearest cent (with
one-half cents being rounded upwards).

       Determination of the Commercial Paper Rate.  The Commercial Paper Rate
       ------------------------------------------                            
means with respect to any Interest Determination Date (a "Commercial Paper
Interest Determination Date"), the Money Market Yield (as defined below) of the
rate on such date for commercial paper having the Index Maturity specified on
the face hereof as published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System in "Statistical Release H.15(519), Selected Interest Rates", or any
successor publication, published by the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System ("H.15(519)") under the heading "Commercial Paper".  In the event
that such rate is not published prior to 9:00 A.M. New York City time on the
Calculation Date pertaining to such Commercial Paper Interest Determination
Date, then the Commercial Paper Rate shall be the Money Market Yield of the rate
on such Commercial Paper Interest Determination Date for commercial paper having
the Index Maturity shown on the face hereof as published by the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York in its daily statistical release "Composite 3:30 P.M.
Quotations for U.S. Government Securities", or any successor publication,
published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York ("Composite Quotations") under
the heading "Commercial Paper".  If such rate is neither published in H.15(519)
by 9:00 A.M. New York City time on such Calculation Date nor in Composite
Quotations by 3:00 P.M. New York City time on such date, then the Commercial
Paper Rate for that Commercial Paper Interest Determination Date shall be
calculated by the Calculation Agent and shall be the Money Market Yield of the
arithmetic mean of the offered rates, as of 11:00 A.M. New York City time on
such Commercial Paper Interest Determination Date, of three leading dealers of
commercial paper in The City of New York selected by

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
the Calculation Agent for commercial paper having the Index Maturity specified
on the face hereof placed for an industrial issuer whose bond rating is "AA" or
the equivalent from a nationally recognized rating agency, provided, however,
                                                           --------  ------- 
that if fewer than three dealers selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent
are quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the interest rate hereon with respect
to such Commercial Paper Interest Determination Date shall be the Commercial
Paper Rate in effect on such Commercial Paper Interest Determination Date.

     "Money Market Yield" shall be the yield calculated in accordance with the
following formula:

                                    D x 360
                                 -------------
           Money Market Yield =  360 - (D x M)  x 100

where "D" refers to the per annum rate for commercial paper quoted on a bank
discount basis and expressed as a decimal and "M" refers to the actual number of
days in the period for which interest is being calculated.

       Determination of the Prime Rate.  The Prime Rate means with respect to
       -------------------------------                                       
any Interest Determination Date (a "Prime Rate Interest Determination Date") the
rate set forth on such date in H.15(519) under the heading "Bank Prime Loan".
In the event that such rate is not published prior to 9:00 A.M. New York City
time on the Calculation Date pertaining to such Prime Rate Interest
Determination Date, then the Prime Rate shall be the arithmetic mean of the
rates of interest publicly announced by each bank that appear on the Reuters
Screen NYMF Page (as defined below) as such bank's prime rate or base lending
rate as in effect for that Prime Rate Interest Determination Date.  If fewer
than four such rates but more than one such rate appear on the Reuters Screen
NYMF Page for the Prime Rate Interest Determination Date, the Prime Rate shall
be the arithmetic mean of the prime rates (quoted on the basis of the actual
number of days in the year divided by a 360-day year) as of the close of
business on such Prime Rate Interest Determination Date by four major money
center banks in The City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent.  If
fewer than two quotations are provided, the Prime Rate shall be determined on
the basis of the rates furnished in The City of New York by the appropriate
number of substitute banks or trust companies organized and doing business under
the laws of the United States, or any State thereof, having total equity capital
of at least $500,000,000 and being subject to supervision or examination by a
Federal or State authority, selected by the Calculation Agent to provide such
rate or rates; provided, however, that if the banks selected as aforesaid by the
               --------  -------                                                
Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the interest
rate hereon with respect to such Prime Rate Interest Determination Date shall be
the Prime Rate in effect on such Prime Rate Interest Determination Date.

     "Reuters Screen NYMF Page" means the display designated as page "NYMF" on
the Reuters Monitor Money Rates Service (or such other page as may replace the
NYMF page on that service for the purpose of displaying prime rates or base
lending rates of major United States banks).

       Determination of the CD Rate.  The CD Rate means with respect to any
       ----------------------------                                        
Interest Determination Date (a "CD Rate Interest Determination Date") the rate
on such date for negotiable certificates of deposit having the Index Maturity
specified on the face hereof as published in H.15(519) under the heading "CDs
(Secondary Market)".  In the event that such rate is not published prior to 9:00
A.M. New York City time on the Calculation Date pertaining to such CD Rate
Interest Determination Date, then the CD Rate shall be the rate on such CD Rate
Interest Determination Date for negotiable certificates of deposit having the
Index Maturity specified on the face hereof as published in Composite Quotations
under the heading "Certificates of Deposit".  If such rate is neither published
in H.15(519) by

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
9:00 A.M. New York City time on such Calculation Date nor in Composite
Quotations by 3:00 P.M. New York City time on such date, the CD Rate for that CD
Interest Determination Date shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent and
shall be the arithmetic mean of the secondary market offered rates as of 10:00
A.M. New York City time on that CD Rate Interest Determination Date of three
leading nonbank dealers of negotiable U.S. dollar certificates of deposit in The
City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent for negotiable certificates
of deposit of major United States money market banks with a remaining maturity
closest to the Index Maturity specified on the face hereof in a denomination of
$5,000,000; provided, however, that if fewer than three dealers selected as
            --------  -------                                              
aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are quoting as mentioned in this sentence,
the interest rate hereon with respect to such CD Rate Interest Determination
Date shall be the CD Rate in effect on such CD Rate Interest Determination Date.

       Determination of the Federal Funds Effective Rate.  The Federal Funds
       -------------------------------------------------                    
Effective Rate means with respect to any Interest Determination Date (a "Federal
Funds Effective Interest Determination Date") the rate on that date for Federal
Funds as published in H.15(519) under the heading "Federal Funds (Effective)"
or, if not so published by 9:00 A.M. New York City time on the Calculation Date
pertaining to such Federal Funds Effective Interest Determination Date, then the
Federal Funds Effective Rate shall be the rate on such Federal Funds Effective
Interest Determination Date as published in Composite Quotations under the
heading "Federal Funds/Effective Rate".  If such rate is neither published in
H.15(519) by 9:00 A.M. New York City time on such Calculation Date nor in
Composite Quotations by 3:00 P.M. New York City time on such date, then the
Federal Funds Effective Rate for such Federal Funds Effective Interest
Determination Date shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent and shall be the
arithmetic mean of the rates, as of 9:00 A.M. New York City time on such Federal
Funds Effective Interest Determination Date, for the last transaction in
overnight Federal Funds arranged by three leading brokers of Federal Funds
transactions in The City of New York, selected by the Calculation Agent;
                                                                        
provided, however, that if fewer than three brokers selected as aforesaid by the
- --------  -------                                                               
Calculation Agent are quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the interest rate
hereon with respect to such Federal Funds Effective Interest Determination Date
shall be the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such Federal Funds
Effective Interest Determination Date.

       Determination of LIBOR.  LIBOR shall be determined on the basis of the
       ----------------------                                                
offered rates for deposits of not less than U.S. $1,000,000 having the Index
Maturity specified on the face hereof, commencing on the second Business Day
immediately following each Interest Determination Date with respect to LIBOR (a
"LIBOR Interest Determination Date"), which appear on the Reuters Screen LIBO
Page (as defined below) at approximately 11:00 A.M. London time on the LIBOR
Interest Determination Date.  If at least two such offered rates appear on the
Reuters Screen LIBO Page, LIBOR in respect of such LIBOR Interest Determination
Date shall be the arithmetic mean of such offered rates as determined by the
Calculation Agent.

     If fewer than two such offered rates appear on the Reuters Screen LIBO
Page, LIBOR shall be determined on the basis of the rates at approximately 11:00
A.M. London time on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date at which deposits in
U.S. dollars having the specified Index Maturity are offered to prime banks in
the London interbank market by four major banks in the London interbank market
selected by the Calculation Agent commencing on the second Business Day
immediately following such LIBOR Interest Determination Date and in a principal
amount not less than U.S. $1,000,000 that in the Calculation Agent's judgment is
representative for a single transaction in such market at such time (a
"Representative Amount").  The Calculation Agent shall request the principal
London office of each of such banks to

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
provide a quotation of its rate.  If at least two such quotations are provided,
LIBOR in respect of such LIBOR Interest Determination Date shall be the
arithmetic mean of such quotations.  If fewer than two such quotations are
provided, LIBOR in respect of such LIBOR Interest Determination Date shall be
the arithmetic mean of the rates quoted, at approximately 11:00 A.M. New York
City time on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date, by three major banks in The
City of New York, selected by the Calculation Agent for loans in U.S. dollars to
leading European banks having the Index Maturity specified on the face hereof
commencing on the second Business Day immediately following such LIBOR Interest
Determination Date and in a Representative Amount, provided, however, that if
                                                   --------  -------         
fewer than three banks selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are
quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the rate of interest hereon with respect
to such LIBOR Interest Determination Date shall be the LIBOR in effect on such
LIBOR Interest Determination Date.

     "Reuters Screen LIBO Page" means the display designated as page "LIBO" on
the Reuters Monitor Money Rates Service (or such other page as may replace the
LIBO page on that service for the purpose of displaying London interbank offered
rates of major banks).

       Determination of the Treasury Rate.  The Treasury Rate means with respect
       ----------------------------------                                       
to any Interest Determination Date (a "Treasury Interest Determination Date")
the rate for the most recent auction of direct obligations of the United States
of America ("Treasury bills") having the Index Maturity specified on the face
hereof as such rate is published in H.15(519) under the heading "U.S. Government
Securities/Treasury Bills/Auction Average (Investment)", or, if not so published
by 9:00 A.M. New York City time on the Calculation Date pertaining to such
Treasury Interest Determination Date, the auction average rate (expressed as a
bond equivalent on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable, and
applied on a daily basis) for such auction as otherwise announced by the United
States Department of the Treasury.  In the event that the results of the auction
of Treasury bills having the Index Maturity specified on the face hereof are
neither published in H.15(519) by 9:00 A.M. New York City time on such
Calculation Date nor otherwise published or reported as provided above by 3:00
P.M. New York City time on such date, or if no such auction is held in a
particular week, then the rate of interest hereon shall be calculated by the
Calculation Agent and shall be a yield to maturity (expressed as a bond
equivalent on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days as applicable and applied
on a daily basis) of the arithmetic mean of the secondary market bid rates as of
approximately 3:30 P.M. New York City time on such Treasury Interest
Determination Date of three leading primary United States government securities
dealers in The City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent for the issue
of Treasury bills with a remaining maturity closest to the Index Maturity
specified on the face hereof, provided, however, that if fewer than three
                              --------  -------                          
dealers selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are quoting as mentioned
in this sentence, the interest rate hereon with respect to such Treasury
Interest Determination Date shall be the Treasury Rate in effect on such
Treasury Interest Determination Date.

     The Calculation Agent shall calculate the interest rate hereon in
accordance with the foregoing procedures on or before each Calculation Date.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the interest hereon shall not be greater than the
Maximum Interest Rate, if any, or less than the Minimum Interest Rate, if any,
respectively specified on the face hereof.

     At the request of the Holder hereof, the Calculation Agent shall provide to
the Holder hereof the interest rate hereon then in effect and, if different, the
interest rates which will become effective as a result of a determination made
on the most recent Interest Determination Date with respect thereto.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
     In case an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, relating to the
Notes shall have occurred and be continuing, the principal hereof may be
declared, and upon such declaration shall become, due and payable, in the
manner, with the effect and subject to the provisions contained in the
Indenture.  The Indenture provides that in certain events such declaration as it
affects the Notes and its consequences may be waived by the Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.  Any such
waiver by the Holder of this Note (unless revoked as provided in the Indenture)
shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders and
owners of this Note and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer
hereof or in exchange or substitution herefor, irrespective of whether or not
any notation of such waiver is made upon this Note or such other Notes.

     The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the Trustee,
with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate
principal amount at Stated Maturity of the Notes at the time outstanding,
evidenced as in the Indenture provided, to execute supplemental indentures
which, if they pertain specifically to the Notes, may add any provisions to or
change in any manner or eliminate any of the provisions of the Indenture
relating to the Notes or of any supplemental indenture relating to the Notes or
modify in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Notes, provided, however,
                                                             --------  ------- 
that no such supplemental indenture shall (i) extend the Stated Maturity of any
Note, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend the
time of payment of any interest thereon, or reduce any premium payable upon the
redemption thereof, or reduce the amount of an OID Note that would be due and
payable upon a declaration of acceleration of Stated Maturity thereof, without
the consent of the Holder of each Note so affected, or (ii) reduce the aforesaid
majority in aggregate principal amount of Notes, the consent of the Holders of
which is required for any such supplemental indenture relating to the Notes,
without the consent of the Holders of all Notes then outstanding.  It is also
provided in the Indenture that, prior to the declaration of maturity of the
Notes upon the occurrence of an Event of Default relating to the Notes, the
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount at Stated Maturity of the
Notes at the time outstanding may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes
waive any past default under the Indenture relating to the Notes and its
consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium,
if any) or interest on any of the Notes.  Any such waiver by the Holder of this
Note (unless revoked as provided in the Indenture) shall be conclusive and
binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders and owners of this Note and
of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange or
substitution herefor, irrespective of whether or not any notation of such
consent or waiver is made upon this Note or such other Notes.

     The Company may terminate all of its obligations under the Notes and, with
certain limited exceptions described in the Indenture, under the Indenture, by
(i) irrevocably depositing in trust with the Trustee money or Government
Obligations (or any combination thereof) sufficient to pay principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on the Notes at Stated Maturity or on any date
fixed for redemption, as the case may be, and (ii) complying with certain other
conditions specified in the Indenture.  Alternatively, the Company may, upon the
making of such deposit and the satisfaction of certain conditions specified in
the Indenture, omit to comply with certain of its covenants in the Indenture,
and such omission shall not be an Event of Default with respect to the Notes.

     The Notes are issuable in registered form without coupons in denominations
of $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.  This Note may
be exchanged by the Holder hereof for an equal aggregate principal amount of
Notes of other

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
authorized denominations at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee in West
Bend, Wisconsin.

     This Note is transferable and the registration of the transfer hereof may
be effected by the registered Holder or by his attorney duly authorized in
writing upon due presentment for registration of transfer at the Corporate Trust
Office of the Trustee in West Bend, Wisconsin, without charge except for any tax
or other governmental charge imposed in relation thereto.  Upon such
registration of transfer a new Note or Notes, of authorized denominations, for a
like aggregate principal amount at Stated Maturity, will be issued to the
transferee in exchange therefor.

     Prior to due presentation for registration of transfer of this Note, the
Company, the Trustee, any paying agent and the Security Registrar may deem and
treat the registered Holder hereof as the absolute owner hereof (whether or not
this Note shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notation of ownership or
writing hereon by any other person), for the purpose of receiving payment as
herein provided and for all other purposes, and neither the Company nor the
Trustee nor any paying agent nor any Security Registrar shall be affected by any
notice to the contrary.

     No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of (or premium,
if any) or the interest on this Note, or for any claim based hereon, or
otherwise in respect hereof, or based on or in respect of the Indenture or any
indenture supplemental thereto, against any incorporator, stockholder, officer
or director or employee as such, past, present or future, of the Company or of
any 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 being, by the acceptance hereof and as part of the consideration
for the issue hereof, expressly waived and released.

     This Note is not subject to redemption by the Company prior to the date
specified on the face hereof.  If no such date is specified, this Note is not
subject to redemption prior to Stated Maturity.  If such date is specified, this
Note is redeemable at the option of the Company, on or after such date, in whole
or in part in increments of principal amount of $1,000 (provided that any
remaining principal amount of this Note shall be at least $1,000), at the
redemption price set forth on the face hereof, together with interest thereon
payable to the date of redemption, on notice given not less than 30 nor more
than 60 days prior to such redemption date, all as provided in the Indenture.
If no such redemption price is specified, the redemption price shall be 100% of
the principal amount to be redeemed.  In the event of a redemption of this Note
in part only, a new Note or Notes in authorized denominations and in principal
amount equal to the amount of the unredeemed portion hereof shall be issued in
the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

     No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note or of
the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is
absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on this Note at the place, at the respective times and at the rate
herein prescribed.

     Any payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest required to be made
on an Interest Payment Date or at Stated Maturity, or upon redemption, if
applicable, on a day which is not a Business Day need not be made on such day,
but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and
effect as if made, as the case may be, on the Interest Payment Date, at Stated
Maturity, or the date of redemption, and no interest shall accrue for the period
from and after such Interest Payment Date, Stated Maturity, or date of
redemption.

                                     -10-
<PAGE>
 
     All terms used in this Note which are defined in the Indenture shall have
the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

     The Indenture and this Note shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

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

                                     -11-
<PAGE>
 
                                 ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this
instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according
to applicable laws or regulations:

     TEN COM      -as tenants in common
     TEN ENT      -as tenants by the entireties
     JT TEN       -as joint tenants with right of
                   survivorship and not as tenants
                   in common

                      UNIF GIFT MIN ACT- _____Custodian_______
                            (Cust)        (Minor)
                         Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act

                         --------------------------------
                               (State)

                   Additional abbreviations may also be used
                         though not in the above list.

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

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto


Please Insert Social Security
or Other Identifying Number
of Assignee
- -------------------------- 
                          
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Please print or typewrite name and address including
                   postal zip code of assignee

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
the within Note of MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY and all rights thereunder
and hereby does irrevocably constitute and appoint

                                                          
                                                                   Attorney
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
to transfer said Note on the books of the within Company, with
full power of substitution in the premises.


Dated:
      -----------------------
                                    Signature
                                             ---------------------

                                    NOTICE: The signature to this assignment
                                    must correspond with the name as written
                                    upon the face of the Note in every
                                    particular, without alteration or
                                    enlargement, or any change whatever.

                                     -12-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<S>                    <C>                  <C>                          <C>               <C>               <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSIP NUMBER                                    AGENT'S NAME                               MADISON GAS AND                      
                                                                                           ELECTRIC COMPANY     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL SUM         SETTLEMENT DATE           INTEREST RATE BASIS      DATE OF TRANSFER                    INITIAL       
                      (ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE)     AND INDEX MATURITY                                           INTEREST      
                                                                                                             RATE  %       
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRADE DATE            AGENT'S COMMISSION        STATED MATURITY          INITIAL           TAXPAYER ID       PRICE 100%       
                                                                         REDEMPTION        OR SOC SEC NO.    (UNLESS          
                                                                         DATE              OF PURCHASER      OTHERWISE        
                                                                                                             INDICATED)       
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS OF                             SECURED MEDIUM-TERM NOTE                                     TRUSTEE AND PAYING 
REGISTERED OWNER                                SERIES A (FLOATING RATE)                                     AGENT M&I FIRST
                                                CONFIRMATION                                                 NATIONAL BANK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSTOMER'S            RETAIN FOR TAX        THE TIME OF THE TRANSACTION  PLEASE SIGN AND                     SEE REVERSE SIDE
COPY                  PURPOSES              WILL BE FURNISHED UPON       RETURN ENCLOSED       
                                            REQUEST OF THE CUSTOMER      RECEIPT               
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

REGISTERED                                                      REGISTERED
NO. ____
                        MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
                       SECURED MEDIUM-TERM NOTE, SERIES A
                                (Floating Rate)

     If this security is issued with original issue discount ("OID"), the "Total
Amount of OID", "Yield to Stated Maturity" and "Initial Accrual Period OID"
(computed under the approximate method) will be as set forth below for United
States federal income tax purposes.


PRINCIPAL SUM:                     INITIAL REDEMPTION DATE:

ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE:               REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE:

INTEREST RATE BASIS:               ANNUAL REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE:

INDEX MATURITY:                    STATED MATURITY:

INITIAL INTEREST RATE:             SPREAD (plus or minus):

INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD:           SPREAD MULTIPLIER:

INTEREST RESET PERIOD:             MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE:

INTEREST PAYMENT DATES:            MINIMUM INTEREST RATE:

INTEREST RESET DATES:              CALCULATION DATES:

INTEREST DETERMINATION DATES:      CALCULATION AGENT:

TOTAL AMOUNT OF OID:               YIELD TO STATED MATURITY:
                                   (for OID purposes):
INITIAL ACCRUAL PERIOD OID:


     If applicable as described above, the redemption price shall initially be
the Redemption Percentage of the principal amount of this Note to be redeemed
and shall decline at each anniversary of the Initial Redemption Date by the
Annual Redemption Percentage of the principal amount to be redeemed until the
redemption price is 100% of such principal amount.

                                     -13-
<PAGE>
 
     MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY, a Wisconsin corporation (herein called
the "Company", which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture
referred to on the reverse hereof), for value received, hereby promises to pay
to

or registered assigns, the Principal Sum stated above.

Dated:

RECEIPT
NOT NEGOTIABLE





                                     -14-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 

<S>                    <C>                      <C>                                             <C>          <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSIP NUMBER                                           AGENT'S NAME                             MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL SUM          SETTLEMENT DATE                 INTEREST RATE BASIS      DATE OF TRANSFER             INITIAL
                       (ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE)           AND INDEX MATURITY                                    INTEREST
                                                                                                             RATE  %
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRADE DATE             AGENT'S COMMISSION              STATED MATURITY    INITIAL        TAXPAYER ID         PRICE 100%
                                                                          REDEMPTION     OR SOC SEC NO.      (UNLESS   
                                                                          DATE           OF PURCHASER        OTHERWISE 
                                                                                                             INDICATED) 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS OF REGISTERED OWNER                   SECURED MEDIUM-TERM NOTE                 TRUSTEE AND PAYING AGENT
                                                       SERIES A (FLOATING RATE)                   M&I FIRST NATIONAL BANK
                                                       CONFIRMATION 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSTOMER'S             RETAIN FOR TAX       THE TIME OF THE TRANSACTION         PLEASE SIGN AND          SEE REVERSE SIDE 
COPY                   PURPOSES             WILL BE FURNISHED UPON              RETURN ENCLOSED 
                                            REQUEST OF THE CUSTOMER             RECEIPT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

REGISTERED                                                      REGISTERED
NO. ____

                        MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
                       SECURED MEDIUM-TERM NOTE, SERIES A
                                (Floating Rate)

     If this security is issued with original issue discount ("OID"), the "Total
Amount of OID", "Yield to Stated Maturity" and "Initial Accrual Period OID"
(computed under the approximate method) will be as set forth below for United
States federal income tax purposes.

PRINCIPAL SUM:                     INITIAL REDEMPTION DATE:

ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE:               REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE:

INTEREST RATE BASIS:               ANNUAL REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE:

INDEX MATURITY:                    STATED MATURITY:

INITIAL INTEREST RATE:             SPREAD (plus or minus):

INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD:           SPREAD MULTIPLIER:

INTEREST RESET PERIOD:             MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE:

INTEREST PAYMENT DATES:            MINIMUM INTEREST RATE:

INTEREST RESET DATES:              CALCULATION DATES:

INTEREST DETERMINATION DATES:      CALCULATION AGENT:

TOTAL AMOUNT OF OID:               YIELD TO STATED MATURITY
                                   (for OID purposes):
INITIAL ACCRUAL PERIOD OID:
 

     If applicable as described above, the redemption price shall initially be
the Redemption Percentage of the principal amount of this Note to be redeemed
and shall decline at each anniversary of the Initial Redemption Date by the
Annual Redemption Percentage of the principal amount to be redeemed until the
redemption price is 100% of such principal amount.

                                     -15-
<PAGE>
 
     MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY, a Wisconsin corporation (herein called
the "Company", which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture
referred to on the reverse hereof), for value received, hereby promises to pay
to

or registered assigns, the Principal Sum stated above.

Dated:

RECEIPT
NOT NEGOTIABLE





                                     -16-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 

<S>                    <C>                      <C>                                            <C>           <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSIP NUMBER                                           AGENT'S NAME                             MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL SUM          SETTLEMENT DATE                 INTEREST RATE BASIS      DATE OF TRANSFER             INITIAL
                       (ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE)           AND INDEX MATURITY                                    INTEREST
                                                                                                             RATE  %
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRADE DATE             AGENT'S COMMISSION              STATED MATURITY    INITIAL        TAXPAYER ID         PRICE 100%
                                                                          REDEMPTION     OR SOC SEC NO.      (UNLESS   
                                                                          DATE           OF PURCHASER        OTHERWISE 
                                                                                                             INDICATED) 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS OF REGISTERED OWNER                   SECURED MEDIUM-TERM NOTE                 TRUSTEE AND PAYING AGENT
                                                       SERIES A (FLOATING RATE)                   M&I FIRST NATIONAL BANK
                                                       CONFIRMATION 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSTOMER'S             RETAIN FOR TAX       THE TIME OF THE TRANSACTION         PLEASE SIGN AND          SEE REVERSE SIDE 
COPY                   PURPOSES             WILL BE FURNISHED UPON              RETURN ENCLOSED 
                                            REQUEST OF THE CUSTOMER             RECEIPT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

REGISTERED                                                      REGISTERED
NO. ____

                        MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
                       SECURED MEDIUM-TERM NOTE, SERIES A
                                (Floating Rate)

     If this security is issued with original issue discount ("OID"), the "Total
Amount of OID", "Yield to Stated Maturity" and "Initial Accrual Period OID"
(computed under the approximate method) will be as set forth below for United
States federal income tax purposes.


PRINCIPAL SUM:                     INITIAL REDEMPTION DATE:

ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE:               REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE:

INTEREST RATE BASIS:               ANNUAL REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE:

INDEX MATURITY:                    STATED MATURITY:

INITIAL INTEREST RATE:             SPREAD (plus or minus):

INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD:           SPREAD MULTIPLIER:

INTEREST RESET PERIOD:             MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE:

INTEREST PAYMENT DATES:            MINIMUM INTEREST RATE:

INTEREST RESET DATES:              CALCULATION DATES:

INTEREST DETERMINATION DATES:      CALCULATION AGENT:

TOTAL AMOUNT OF OID:               YIELD TO STATED MATURITY
                                   (for OID purposes):
INITIAL ACCRUAL PERIOD OID:
 

     If applicable as described above, the redemption price shall initially be
the Redemption Percentage of the principal amount of this Note to be redeemed
and shall decline at each anniversary of the Initial Redemption Date by the
Annual Redemption Percentage of the principal amount to be redeemed until the
redemption price is 100% of such principal amount.

                                     -17-
<PAGE>
 
     MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY, a Wisconsin corporation (herein called
the "Company", which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture
referred to on the reverse hereof), for value received, hereby promises to pay
to

or registered assigns, the Principal Sum stated above.

Dated:

RECEIPT
NOT NEGOTIABLE










                                     -18-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.7
                                                                     -----------
                          MEDIUM TERM NOTES, SERIES A


                          CALCULATION AGENCY AGREEMENT

                                    BETWEEN
                        MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
                                      AND
                            M&I FIRST NATIONAL BANK

                           DATED AS OF MARCH 1, 1994


          Madison Gas and Electric Company, a Wisconsin corporation (the
"Issuer"), proposes to  issue and sell its Medium-Term Notes, Series A  (the
"Notes") from time to time under, and pursuant to, the terms of an indenture,
dated as of March 1, 1994 (the "Indenture"), between the Issuer and M&I First
National Bank, as trustee (in such capacity, the "Trustee").

          For the purpose of providing for an agent of the Issuer to calculate
the rates applicable to those Notes on which interest is to accrue at a variable
or floating rate ("Floating Rate Notes"), determined by reference to LIBOR, the
Commercial Paper Rate, the Treasury Rate, the CD Rate, the Prime Rate or the
Federal Funds Effective Rate (collectively, the "Base Rates") as are specified
and described in the Floating Rate Notes, the form of which is attached hereto
as Exhibit A, the Issuer and M&I First National Bank hereby agree as follows
(capitalized terms used but not defined herein having the meanings set forth in
Exhibit A):

          SECTION 1. APPOINTMENT OF CALCULATION AGENT

          The Issuer hereby appoint M&I First National Bank as Calculation Agent
(in such capacity, the "Calculation Agent") of the Issuer with respect to any
Floating Rate Notes to be issued by the Issuer under and pursuant to the terms
of the Indenture, and the Calculation Agent hereby accepts its obligations as
set forth in this Agreement.

          SECTION 2. CALCULATION OF BASE RATES

          As soon as reasonably practical on or after each Interest
Determination Date for any Floating Rate Note, the Calculation Agent shall
determine the applicable Base Rate and notify the Issuer and the Trustee of such
Base Rate.  If at any time the Calculation Agent is not also acting as Trustee
under the Indenture, the Issuer will cause the Trustee to give the Calculation
Agent at least three Business Days notice of each such Interest Determination
Date.
<PAGE>
 
          SECTION 3. NEW BASE RATES

          If the Issuer proposes to issue Floating Rate Notes whose interest
rate will be determined on a basis or formula not referred to above (a "New Base
Rate"), the Issuer shall give a description of such New Base Rate to the
Calculation Agent.  The Calculation Agent shall determine if it is able and
willing to calculate the New Base Rate and upon its agreement in writing to do
so the term "Base Rate" shall be deemed to include the New Base Rate.  If the
Calculation Agent notifies the Issuer that it is not able or willing to
calculate the New Base Rate, or that it is only willing to do so on the basis of
an increase of its fees not acceptable to the Issuer, the Calculation Agent
shall have no responsibility with respect to such New Base Rate and the Issuer
shall appoint a different Calculation Agent to determine the New Base Rate.

          SECTION 4. FEES AND EXPENSES

          The Calculation Agent shall be entitled to such compensation for its
services under this Agreement as may be agreed upon with the Issuer, and the
Issuer shall pay such compensation and shall reimburse the Calculation Agent for
all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the
Calculation Agent in connection with the services rendered by it under this
Agreement, except any expenses, disbursements or advances attributable to its
gross negligence or bad faith.

          SECTION 5.  RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF CALCULATION AGENT

          The Calculation Agent shall incur no liability for, or in respect of,
any action taken, omitted to be taken or suffered by it in reliance upon any
Floating Rate Note, certificate, affidavit, instruction, notice, request,
direction, order, statement or other paper, document or communication received
from the Issuer and reasonably believed by it to be genuine.  Any order,
certificate, affidavit, instruction, notice, request, direction, statement or
other communication from the Issuer made or given by it and sent, delivered or
directed to the Calculation Agent under, pursuant to or as permitted by any
provision of this Agreement shall be sufficient for purposes of this Agreement
if such communication is in writing and signed by any officer or individual
designated by any Vice President of the Issuer.  The Calculation Agent may
consult with counsel satisfactory to it and the opinion of such counsel shall
constitute full and complete authorization and protection of the Calculation
Agent with respect to any action taken, omitted to be taken or suffered by it
hereunder in good faith and in accordance with and in reliance upon the opinion
of such counsel.  In acting under this Agreement, the Calculation Agent (in its
capacity as such) does not assume any obligation towards, or any relationship of
agency or trust for or with, the holders of the Notes.

                                     -2-
<PAGE>
 
          SECTION 6.  RIGHT OF CALCULATION AGENT TO OWN FLOATING RATE NOTES

          The Calculation Agent may act as Trustee under the Indenture and it,
its officers, directors, employees and shareholders may become owners of, or
acquire any interests in, Floating Rate Notes with the same rights as if the
Calculation Agent were not the Calculation Agent, and may engage in, or have an
interest in, any financial or other transaction with the Issuer as if the
Calculation Agent were not the Calculation Agent.

          SECTION 7.  DUTIES OF CALCULATION AGENT

          The Calculation Agent shall be obligated only to perform such duties
as are specifically set forth herein and no other duties or obligations on the
part of the Calculation Agent, in its capacity as such, shall be implied by this
Agreement.

          SECTION 8. TERMINATION, RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL OF CALCULATION AGENT

          The Calculation Agent may at any time terminate this Agreement by
giving no less than 90 days written notice to the Issuer unless the Issuer
consents in writing to a shorter time.  Upon receipt of notice of termination by
the Calculation Agent, the Issuer agrees promptly to appoint a successor
Calculation Agent.  The Issuer may terminate this Agreement at any time by
giving written notice to the Calculation Agent and specifying the date when the
termination shall become effective; provided, however, that no termination by
the Calculation Agent or by the Issuer shall become effective prior to the date
of the appointment by the Issuer, as provided in Section 9 hereof, of a
successor Calculation Agent and the acceptance of such appointment by such
successor Calculation Agent.  Upon termination by either party pursuant to the
provisions of this Section, the Calculation Agent shall be entitled to the
payment of any compensation owed to it by the Issuer hereunder and to the
reimbursement of all reasonable expense, disbursements and advances incurred or
made by the Calculation Agent in connection with the services rendered by it
hereunder, as provided by Section 4 hereof, and the provisions of Section 10
shall remain in effect following such termination.

          SECTION 9.APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR CALCULATION AGENT

          Any successor Calculation Agent appointed by the Issuer following
termination of this Agreement pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 hereof
shall execute and deliver to the Calculation Agent and to the Issuer an
instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon such successor Calculation
Agent shall, without any further act or instrument, become vested with all the
rights, immunities, duties and obligations of the

                                     -3-
<PAGE>
 
Calculation Agent, with like effect as if originally named as Calculation Agent
hereunder, and the departing Calculation Agent shall thereupon be obligated to
transfer and deliver, and such successor Calculation Agent shall be entitled to
receive and accept, copies of any available records maintained by the
Calculation Agent in connection with the performance of its obligations
hereunder.

          SECTION 10. INDEMNIFICATION

          The Issuer shall indemnify the Calculation Agent for, and hold it
harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence or
bad faith on its part, arising out of or in connection with the administration
of this Agreement or performance of its powers or duties hereunder, including
the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in
connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties
hereunder.

          SECTION 11.  MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR SALE OF BUSINESS BY 
CALCULATION AGENT

          Any corporation into which the Calculation Agent may be merged,
converted, or consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger,
conversion or consolidation to which the Calculation Agent may be a party, or
any corporation to which the Calculation Agent may sell or otherwise transfer
all or substantially all of its corporate trust business, shall, to the extent
permitted by applicable law, become the Calculation Agent under this Agreement
without the execution of any paper or any further act by the parties hereto.

          SECTION 12.  NOTICES

          Any notice or other communication given hereunder shall be delivered
in person, sent by letter, telecopy or telex or communicated by telephone
(subject, in the case of communication by telephone, to written confirmation
dispatched within 24 hours) to the addresses given below or such other address
as the party to receive such notice may have previously specified:

          To the Issuer:                Madison Gas and Electric Company
                                        133 South Blair Street
                                        Madison, Wisconsin 53703
                                        Attention:  Vice President-
                                                    Finance

          To the Calculation Agent:     M&I First National Bank
                                        321 North Main Street
                                        West Bend, Wisconsin 53095
                                        Attention:

                                     -4-
<PAGE>
 
Any notice hereunder given by letter, telecopy or telex shall be deemed to
have been received when it would have been received in the ordinary course of
post or transmission, as the case may be.

          SECTION 13.  BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT

          Except as provided herein, this Agreement is solely for the benefit of
the parties hereto and their successors and assigns and no other person shall
acquire or have any rights under or by virtue hereof.

          SECTION 14. GOVERNING LAW

          This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been entered into the day and 
year first above written.


                                           MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY


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


                                           M&I FIRST NATIONAL BANK



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





                                     -5-
<PAGE>
 
                                                            EXHIBIT A

                           FORM OF FLOATING RATE NOTE



                                [To Be Attached]












                                     -6-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 5
                                                                      ---------



March 2, 1994



Madison Gas and Electric Company
133 South Blair Street
Post Office Box 1231
Madison, Wisconsin  53701-1231

Re:  Debt Securities

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We refer to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration
Statement") being filed by Madison Gas and Electric Company (the "Company")
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").  Pursuant
to the Registration Statement, the Company is registering an additional
$40,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its Debt Securities (the "Debt
Securities") for issuance and sale from time to time pursuant to Rule 415 under
the Securities Act.  Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Registration Statement.

     We are familiar with the proceedings to date with respect to the proposed
issuance and sale of the Debt Securities and have examined such records,
documents and questions of law, and satisfied ourselves as to such matters of
fact, as we have considered relevant and necessary as a basis for this opinion.

     Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

     1.   The Company is duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws
          of the State of Wisconsin.

     2.   The Debt Securities will be legally issued when:

          (i)    The Registration Statement shall have become effective under
                 the Securities Act;

          (ii)   The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (the "PSCW") shall
                 have issued an appropriate Certificate of Authority authorizing
                 the issuance and sale of the Debt Securities
<PAGE>
 
Madison Gas and Electric Company
March 2, 1994
Page 2



                 pursuant to the Company's Application filed with the PSCW;

          (iii)  The Debt Securities shall have been issued and sold in
                 accordance with authorizations of or authority delegated by the
                 Board of Directors of the Company and with an appropriate
                 Certificate of Authority of the PSCW in response to the above-
                 mentioned Application, and as contemplated by the Registration
                 Statement;

          (iv)   All statutory fees and taxes imposed upon or by reason of the
                 issuance of the Debt Securities shall have been paid;

          (v)    Your Board of Directors shall have authorized the issuance,
                 execution and delivery of each applicable Supplemental
                 Indenture;

          (vi)   The Mortgage and the Note Indenture shall have been qualified
                 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended;

          (vii)  The Mortgage and the Note Indenture shall have been executed
                 and acknowledged; and

          (viii) The Debt Securities shall have been duly executed,
                 authenticated and delivered to the purchasers thereof against
                 payment of the agreed consideration therefor.

     We do not find it necessary for the purposes of this opinion to cover, and
accordingly we express no opinion with respect to, the application of the
securities or blue sky laws of the various states to the issuance or sale of the
Debt Securities.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an Exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to all references to our firm included in or made a
part of the Registration Statement.  In giving such consent, we do not thereby
admit that
<PAGE>
 
Madison Gas and Electric Company
March 2, 1994
Page 3


we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of
the Securities Act or the related Rules promulgated by the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                    Very truly yours,



                    /s/ MICHAEL, BEST & FRIEDRICH

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 12

                      Madison Gas and Electric Company
              Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
                                S E C Method
                      For the years ended December 31,



<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                            1993           1992           1991           1990           1989    
                                            ----           ----           ----           ----           ----  
<S>                                        <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>    
    EARNINGS:                                                                                                 
Income before interest expense:            $36,299        $37,243        $37,564        $36,227        $35,149
                                                                                                              
  Add / (deduct):                                                                                             
   Current federal and state income taxes,                                                                    
   and investment tax credits - deferred    10,709         10,221         11,338          9,680          5,748
                                                                                                              
  Income taxes on other income -               499            588             96             61            388
                                                                                                              
  Deferred income taxes                      3,255          2,563          3,197          2,528          2,720
                                                                                                              
  Amortization of debt discount,                                                                              
   premium and expense -                       121             73             82             83             84
                                                                                                              
  Interest component on rentals                638            765            923            921            877
                                                                                                              
  Allowance for funds used during                                                                             
   construction -  borrowed                     49             29             52             83            484
  (equity portion included in income                                                                          
    before interest)                                                                                          
                                                                                                              
                                           -------        -------        -------        -------        -------
TOTAL EARNINGS as defined                  $51,570        $51,482        $53,252        $49,583        $45,450
                                           =======        =======        =======        =======        =======
                                                                                                              
                                                                                                              
    FIXED CHARGES:                                                                                            
                                                                                                              
  Interest on Long Term Debt               $11,195        $13,249        $12,460        $12,688        $12,757
                                                                                                              
  Amortization of debt discount,                                                                              
   premium and expense -                       121             73             82             83             84
                                                                                                              
  Other interest                               478            216            276          1,593          2,280
                                                                                                              
  Interest component on rentals                638            765            923            921            877
                                                                                                              
                                           -------        -------        -------        -------        -------
TOTAL FIXED CHARGES as defined             $12,432        $14,303        $13,741        $15,285        $15,998
                                           =======        =======        =======        =======        =======
                                                                                                              
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO                                                                                          
  FIXED CHARGES                               4.15x          3.60x         3.88x           3.24x         2.84x
                                           =======        =======        ======         =======        ======  


</TABLE> 



<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
  As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Registration Statement of our reports dated February 12, 1993
included or incorporated by reference in Madison Gas and Electric Company's
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 and to all references to our
Firm included in this Registration Statement.
 
                                     /s/  Arthur Andersen & Co.
 
Chicago, Illinois
February 25, 1994
 
 

 

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
  We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated February 11, 1994, on our audit of
the financial statements of Madison Gas and Electric Company included in the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 11, 1994. We also consent
to the reference to our Firm under the caption "Experts."
 
                                          /s/ Coopers & Lybrand
 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 
February 25, 1994
 
 
 

<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 25.1

                      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) _________

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

                             FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY
              (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

                Wisconsin                                       39-0281260
     (Jurisdiction of incorporation or                       (I.R.S. Employer
organization if not a U. S. National Bank)                Identification Number)

777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin                   53202
   (Address of principal executive offices)                     (Zip Code)
 
           KEVIN C. SCHULLER, VICE PRESIDENT AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY
                             FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY
                           777 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE
                          MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 53202
                           TELEPHONE (414) 765-5725
          (Name, address, and telephone number of agent for service)
 
                       MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
              (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

                Wisconsin                                   39-0444025
      (State or other jurisdiction                       (I.R.S. Employer
    of incorporation or organization)                 Identification Number)
 
             133 South Blair Street
                 P.O. Box 1231
               Madison, Wisconsin                          53701-1231
     (Address of principal executive offices)              (Zip Code)

                             FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS
                        (Title of indenture securities)

<PAGE>

Item 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.

              Office of Commissioner of Banking, Madison, Wisconsin
              Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C.

         (b)  Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

              The corporate trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust
              powers.

Item 2.  Affiliations with the Obligor.

         If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such
         affiliation.

         The obligor is not an affiliate of the trustee.

Item 3.  Voting Securities of the Trustee.

         Furnish the following information as to each class of voting securities
         of the trustee:

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 25, 1994

                      COL. A                              COL. B
                   TITLE OF CLASS                  AMOUNT OUTSTANDING

         Per General Instruction B to Form T-1, no response is required to this
         item as the obligor is not presently in default.

Item 4.  Trusteeships under Other Indentures.

         If the trustee is a trustee under another indenture under which any
         other securities, or certificates of interest or participation in any
         other securities, of the obligor are outstanding, furnish the following
         information:

         (a)  Title of the securities outstanding under each such other
              indenture.

              Per General Instruction B to Form T-1, no response is required to
              this item as the obligor is not presently in default.

         (b)  A brief statement of the facts relied upon as a basis for the
              claim that no conflicting interest within the meaning of Section
              310(b)(1) of the Act arises as a result of the trusteeship under
              any such other indenture, including a statement as to how the
              indenture securities will rank as compared with the securities
              issued under such other indenture.

         Per General Instruction B to Form T-1, no response is required to this
         item as the obligor is not presently in default.


                                       1
<PAGE>
         
Item 5.  Interlocking Directorates and Similar Relationships with the Obligor
         or Underwriters.

         If the trustee or any of the directors or executive officers of the
         trustee is a director, officer, partner, employee, appointee, or
         representative of the obligor or of any underwriter for the obligor,
         identify each such person having any such connection and state the
         nature of each such connection.

         Per General Instruction B to Form T-1, no response is required to this
         item as the obligor is not presently in default.

Item 6.  Voting Securities of the Trustee Owned by the Obligor or its Officials.

         Furnish the following information as to the voting securities of the
         trustee owned beneficially by the obligor and each director, partner,
         and executive officer of the obligor:

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 25, 1994

            COL. A             COL. B            COL. C              COL. D
         NAME OF OWNER     TITLE OF CLASS     AMOUNT OWNED       PERCENTAGE OF
                                              BENEFICIALLY     VOTING SECURITIES
                                                                 REPRESENTED BY
                                                                  AMOUNT GIVEN
                                                                    IN COL. C

         Per General Instruction B to Form T-1, no response is required to this
         item as the obligor is not presently in default.

Item 7.  Voting Securities of the Trustee Owned by Underwriters or their
         Officials.

         Furnish the following information as to the voting securities of the
         trustee  owned beneficially by each underwriter for the obligor and
         each director,  partner, and executive officer of each such
         underwriter:

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 25, 1994


            COL. A             COL. B            COL. C              COL. D
         NAME OF OWNER     TITLE OF CLASS     AMOUNT OWNED       PERCENTAGE OF
                                              BENEFICIALLY     VOTING SECURITIES
                                                                 REPRESENTED BY
                                                                  AMOUNT GIVEN
                                                                    IN COL. C


         Per General Instruction B to Form T-1, no response is required to this
         item as the obligor is not presently in default.

                                       2
<PAGE>

Item 8.  Securities of the Obligor Owned or Held by the Trustee.

         Furnish the following information as to securities of the obligor owned
         beneficially or held as collateral security for obligations in default
         by the trustee:
 
                            AS OF FEBRUARY 25, 1994
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
            COL. A             COL. B                COL. C                 COL. D
         <S>               <C>               <C>                       <C> 
         TITLE OF CLASS       WHETHER             AMOUNT OWNED             PERCENT OF
                           THE SECURITIES    BENEFICIALLY OR HELD      CLASS REPRESENTED
                             ARE VOTING      AS COLLATERAL SECURITY     BY AMOUNT GIVEN
                            OR NONVOTING         FOR OBLIGATIONS            IN COL. C
                             SECURITIES             IN DEFAULT
</TABLE> 

         Per General Instruction B to Form T-1, no response is required to this
         item as the obligor is not presently in default.

 Item 9. Securities of Underwriters Owned or Held by the Trustee.
 
         If the trustee owns beneficially or holds as collateral security for
         obligations in default any securities of an underwriter for the
         obligor, furnish the following information as to each class of
         securities of such underwriter any of which are so owned or held by the
         trustee:

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 25, 1994
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
            COL. A             COL. B                COL. C                 COL. D
         <S>               <C>               <C>                       <C> 
            Name of            Amount              Amount owned            Percent of
          issuer and        outstanding         beneficially or held    class represented
         title of class                        as collateral security    by amount given
                                                 for obligations in         in Col. C
                                                 default by trustee
</TABLE> 
 
         Per General Instruction B to Form T-1, no response is required to this
         item as the obligor is not presently in default. 

Item 10. Ownership or Holdings by the Trustee of Voting Securities of Certain 
         Affiliates or Security Holders of the Obligor.
 
         If the trustee owns beneficially or holds as collateral security for
         obligations in default voting securities of a person who, to the
         knowledge of the trustee (1) owns 10 percent or more of the voting
         securities of the obligor or (2) is an affiliate, other than a
         subsidiary, of the obligor, furnish the following information as to the
         voting securities of such person:

         
                            AS OF FEBRUARY 25, 1994

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
            COL. A             COL. B                COL. C                 COL. D
         <S>               <C>               <C>                       <C> 
            Name of            Amount              Amount owned            Percent of
          issuer and        outstanding         beneficially or held    class represented
         title of class                        as collateral security    by amount given
                                                 for obligations in         in Col. C
                                                 default by trustee
    </TABLE>

         Per General Instruction B to Form T-1, no response is required to this
         item as the obligor is not presently in default.

                                       3
<PAGE>


Item 11.  Ownership or Holdings by the Trustee of any Securities of a Person
          Owning 50 Percent or More of the Voting Securities of the Obligor.

          If the trustee owns beneficially or holds as collateral security for
          obligations in default any securities of a person who, to the
          knowledge of the trustee, owns 50 percent or more of the voting
          securities of the obligor, furnish the following information as to
          each class of securities of such person any of which are so owned or
          held by the trustee:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                      AS OF FEBRUARY 25, 1994
                    <S>              <C>            <C>                      <C> 
                         COL. A         COL. B              COL. C                 COL. D
                         NAME OF        AMOUNT           AMOUNT OWNED            PERCENT OF
                       ISSUER AND     OUTSTANDING     BENEFICIALLY OR HELD    CLASS REPRESENTED
                     TITLE OF CLASS                  AS COLLATERAL SECURITY    BY AMOUNT GIVEN
                                                       FOR OBLIGATIONS IN         IN COL. C
                                                       DEFAULT BY TRUSTEE
</TABLE> 
 
          Per General Instruction B to Form T-1, no response is required to this
          item as the obligor is not presently in default.

Item 12.  Indebtedness of the Obligor to the Trustee.
 
          Except as noted in the instructions, if the obligor is indebted to the
          trustee, furnish the following information:
          
                  COL. A                       COL. B                COL. C
          NATURE OF INDEBTEDNESS         AMOUNT OUTSTANDING         DATE DUE

          Per General Instruction B to Form T-1, no response is required to this
          item as the obligor is not presently in default.

Item 13.  Defaults by the Obligor.
          
          (a) State whether there is or has been a default with respect to the
              securities under this indenture.  Explain the nature of any such
              default.

              Per General Instruction B to Form T-1, no response is required to
              this item as the obligor is not presently in default.

          (b) If the trustee is a trustee under another indenture under which
              any other securities, or certificates of interest or participation
              in any other securities, of the obligor are outstanding, or is
              trustee for more than one outstanding series of securities under
              the indenture, state whether there has been a default under any
              such indenture or series, identify the indenture or series
              affected, and explain the nature of any such default.

              Per General Instruction B to Form T-1, no response is required to
              this item as the obligor is not presently in default.

                                       4
<PAGE>


Item 14.  Affiliations with the Underwriters.

          If any underwriter is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such
          affiliation.

          Per General Instruction B to Form T-1, no response is required to this
          item as the obligor is not presently in default.

Item 15.  Foreign Trustee.

          Identify the order or rule pursuant to which the foreign trustee is
          authorized to act as sole trustee under indentures qualified or to be
          qualified under the Act. Not applicable

Item 16.  List of Exhibits.

          List below all exhibits filed as part of this statement of
          eligibility.
    
          1.  A copy of the Articles of Association of Firstar Trust Company
              (f/k/a First Wisconsin Trust Company) as now in effect (filed
              herewith).
    
          2.  Certificate of authority of the Trustee to commence business
              (contained in Exhibit 1).

          3.  Authorization of the Trustee to exercise trust powers (contained
              in Exhibit 1).

          4.  A copy of the existing By-Laws of Firstar Trust Company (f/k/a
              First Wisconsin Trust Company) (filed herewith).

          6.  The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Trust
              Indenture Act of 1939 (filed herewith).

          7.  A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee published
              pursuant to law or the requirement of its supervising or examining
              authority.


                                   SIGNATURE

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the
trustee, Firstar Trust Company, a corporation organized and existing under the
laws of the State of Wisconsin, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in
the City of Milwaukee, and State of Wisconsin, on the 25th day of February,
1994.
 
                                         FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY
                                               (Trustee)


                                          By: /s/ Joseph S. Quinn
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Joseph S. Quinn, Vice President
                                                      (Name and title)



                                           By: /s/ Yvonne Siira
                                               ---------------------------------
                                               Yvonne Siira, Assistant Secretary
                                                        (Name and title)
<PAGE>


                                   EXHIBIT 1

                              STATE OF WISCONSIN
                       OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER OF BANKING
                                BANKS DIVISION
                             POST OFFICE BOX 7876
                         MADISON, WISCONSIN 53707-7876
                          (Telephone:  608-266-1621)
                             AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES
                                 CERTIFICATION

I, Toby E. Sherry, Commissioner of Banking of the State of Wisconsin, do hereby
certify that an amendment to the original Articles of Incorporation of First
Wisconsin Trust Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, of which a duly verified copy is
hereto attached, was on the 17th day of August, A.D. 1992, approved and filed in
the Office of Commissioner of Banking.  This amendment relates to corporate name
and was adopted by stockholders of the above bank on July 16, 1992.


                                     IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have set my hand
                                     and affixed my official seal.  Done at my
                                     office in the City of Madison this 17th day
                                     of August, A.D. 1992.
                                     
                                     Toby E. Sherry
                                     Commissioner of Banking

IMPORTANT:  TO BE RECORDED BY THE REGISTER OF DEEDS TOGETHER WITH THE
            ATTACHED COPY OF THE AMENDMENT
<PAGE>


We, Philip R. Smith as President, and James D. Hintz as Cashier of First
Wisconsin Trust Company do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of
an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of this bank and that at the
annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the bank, called for that
purpose and held pursuant to the provisions of law, in the office of the bank in
the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin, on the 16th day of July, A.D. 1992,
the said amendment was duly adopted by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all
capital stock outstanding; that the majority stockholder was present or
represented at said meeting; that the entire number of shares outstanding is
10,000; that the number of shares represented at the meeting was 9,952; that
upon the adoption of such resolution 9,952 votes were cast in the affirmative;
one vote for each share, and that 0 votes were cast in the negative. 

In Testimony Whereof, First Wisconsin Trust Company has caused these presents to
be executed by the President and Cashier thereof and the corporate seal of said
bank is hereunto affixed this 28th day of July, A.D. 1992, by its authority.

                                    First Wisconsin Trust Company
In presence of
Sharon L. Gazzana                   By  Philip R. Smith, President
Sandra L. Belongia                  James Hintz, Cashier



State of Wisconsin
                     ss.
Milwaukee County


                                    Personally came before me this 28th day of
July, A.D. 1992, Philip R. Smith as President, and James D. Hintz as Cashier of
the First Wisconsin Trust Company, who are to me known to be such President and
Cashier, respectively, and to be the persons who executed the foregoing
instrument, and acknowledged the same as such officers, for the purposes therein
mentioned.

                                    Diane M. Rampacek
                                    Notary Public
     
                                    Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

My commission expires 11/13/94
<PAGE>




Amendment to Articles of Incorporation

Which Articles were filed/recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for
Milwaukee County on the 6th day of July, 1903.  Recorded in Volume S of
Corporations, Page 134.

At a meeting of the stockholders of First Wisconsin Trust Company of Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, held at the office of said bank in said City on the 16th day of July,
A.D. 1992, at 9:30 o'clock A.M., of that day, which meeting was called for the
purpose of amending the Articles of Incorporation of said bank, and at which
meeting 9,952 shares of the capital stock of said bank were duly represented,
the following resolutions were adopted:

"Resolved That the Articles of Incorporation of the bank be amended by striking
out the paragraph relating to the name reading as follows:

"The name of this corporation shall be "FIRST WISCONSIN TRUST COMPANY, and its
location shall be at the City and County of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin."

And Inserting in lieu thereof the following paragraph:

"The title of the Corporation shall be Firstar Trust Company, and its location
shall be at the City and County of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin."

"It was further resolved, That the President and Cashier of said bank be
authorized, under the seal of the Corporation, to file proper certificates of
such amendment with the Commissioner of Banking as provided by law."
<PAGE>
 
                           ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION 
                           OF FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY 
                             MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS,  that we, Frederick Pabst, L.J. Petit, Frederick
Kasten, Oliver C. Fuller, and Edward P. Vilas, of the City and County of
Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin, have associated and do hereby associate for
the purpose of forming a corporation, to wit, a trust company bank under and
pursuant to the privileges and restrictions of the statutes of the State of
Wisconsin, in that behalf made and provided; and particularly Chapters 221 and
223 of said statutes, and thereto adopt the following:


                                   ARTICLE 1

The purpose and business of this corporation shall be those of both a state bank
and a trust company bank as defined by Wisconsin law, this corporation being a
trust company bank which has been converted into a state bank in accordance with
such law.


                                   ARTICLE 2

The name of this corporation shall be "FIRST WISCONSIN TRUST COMPANY," and its
location shall be at the City and County of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin.


                                   ARTICLE 3

The capital stock of this Corporation shall be One Million Dollars ($1,000,000),
divided into ten thousand (10,000) shares of the par value of One Hundred
Dollars ($100) each.


                                   ARTICLE 4

The Board of Directors shall consist of such number of individuals, not less
than fifteen nor more than sixty, as from time to time shall be prescribed in
the By-laws, a least two-thirds of whom shall be residents of Wisconsin and the
majority of whom shall be residents of Milwaukee County or adjacent counties. 
Each of said directors shall be elected for a term of one year and until his
successor has been elected and qualified.
<PAGE>


In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names at Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, on this first day of July, A.D. 1903.

                                  (Signed)    Frederick Pabst
                                              L.J. Petit
                                              Fred Kasten
                                              Oliver C. Fuller
                                              Edward P. Vilas


State of Wisconsin  )
                    ) ss.
Milwaukee County    )


On this first day of July, A.D. 1903, personally appeared before me the above
signed Frederick Pabst, L.J. Petit, Frederick Kasten, Oliver C. Fuller, and
Edward P. Vilas, to me known to be the persons who executed the foregoing
instrument and severally acknowledge the same.

My commission will expire on the 30th day of December, 1906.

                                  (Signed)    W.L. Cheney
                                                Notary Public
                                                  Milwaukee County,
                                                    Wisconsin
<PAGE>


                                   EXHIBIT 4

                                            AS AMENDED THROUGH DECEMBER 20, 1990

                              RESTATED BY-LAWS OF
                             FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY
                           ADOPTED JANUARY 15, 1963


                                   ARTICLE 1

The annual meeting of this Corporation for the election of its directors and the
transaction of its general business shall be held on the third Thursday of
February at the general office of this Corporation in the City of Milwaukee, at
8 o'clock in the morning, or at such other hour and place in the City of
Milwaukee as shall be designated by the Board of Directors.  If any hour other
than 8 o'clock in the morning or any place other than the general office of this
Corporation shall be so designated, notice thereof shall be given by mailing the
same to each stockholder at his last known address at least ten (10) days prior
to the holding of said meeting.


                                   ARTICLE 2

Special meetings of the stockholders of this Corporation shall be held in the
City of Milwaukee and may be called at any time by order of the Chairman of the
Board, the President, or one of the Vice Presidents, or by the Board of
Directors, by mailing to each stockholder at his last known address at least ten
(10) days prior to the date of the holding of such special meeting, a notice
specifying the time and place of such special meeting and the business to be
transacted thereat, and no other business shall be transacted at said meeting.


                                   ARTICLE 3

SECTION 1.  Every stockholder may vote and participate at any meeting of
stockholders, either in person or by proxy.  No proxy shall be recognized unless
the same shall be in writing, subscribed by the stockholder nor unless filed
with the Secretary prior to the meeting.  No active or salaried officer may act
as a proxy for a stockholder.

SECTION 2.  The Cashier shall maintain a stock book showing the name, residence,
and number of shares held by each stockholder, which shall at all times, during
the usual hours for transacting business, be subject to inspection by the
officers, directors, and stockholders of the Company.


                                   ARTICLE 4

SECTION 1.  The Board of Directors shall consist of not less than fifteen nor
more than thirty directors, the number of directors to be determined by
resolution adopted at each annual stockholders' meeting, or at any special
stockholders' meeting duly called for such purpose.  On and after January 1,
1978, no person shall be eligible to be elected or re-elected as a member of the
Board of Directors if he shall have attained 70 years of age at the date of the
election.

SECTION 2.  The election of directors by the stockholders shall be by ballot or
other method as shall be adopted by the stockholders by resolution or motion
adopted at the stockholders' meeting.
<PAGE>


ARTICLE 4 (CONTINUED)

SECTION 3.  A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business; provided that the directors may, once in six (6)
months, designate by resolution nine (9) members, any five (5) of whom shall
constitute a quorum.

SECTION 4.  Minutes of each meeting of the Board of Directors shall disclose the
date of such meeting, the names of directors present, and the reasons for the
absence of each director not in attendance; shall be subscribed by the presiding
officer; and shall be read and approved by the Board of Directors at the next
succeeding meeting, the minutes of which shall show such fact.

SECTION 5.  A regular meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held at the
office of this Corporation in the City of Milwaukee at least once in each month
at such time as shall, from time to time, be designated by resolution of the
Board of Directors.

SECTION 6.  Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at the
general office of the Corporation in the City of Milwaukee or at such other
place in the City of Milwaukee as shall be designated, and may be called by
order of the Chairman of the Board, the President, or by any two of the
directors by mailing notice of such meeting and the designated time and place
thereof to each of the directors at his last known address two (2) days prior to
the holding of such meeting.


                                   ARTICLE 5

SECTION 1.  An Executive Committee consisting of the Chairman of the Board, the
President, and not less than six (6) or more than twelve (12) other directors
may be appointed by the Board of Directors to serve until their successors shall
be appointed, and such Executive Committee shall direct the management of the
affairs of this Corporation in the interim between meetings of the Board of
Directors, subject to the control of the Board.  The Chairman of the Board, or
in his absence (through failure of the Board of Directors to elect a Chairman or
otherwise), the President, shall preside at meetings of the Executive 
Committee. The person from time to time elected Secretary of the Board shall
also serve as Secretary of the Executive Committee.

SECTION 2.  Meetings of the Executive Committee may be held at any time when the
Board of Directors is not in session, and may be prescribed by the Board of
Directors or may be called by order of the Chairman of the Board, the President,
or by any two (2) members of the Executive Committee, by mailing notice of such
meeting designating the time and place thereof, addressed to each member of the
Committee at his last known address two (2) days prior to the holding of such
meeting, or by personal notice thereof given a sufficient length of time before
such meeting to enable members to attend.

SECTION 3.  The Executive Committee shall keep full and true minutes of all
business transacted at each meeting and shall submit its report together with a
copy of the minutes of its proceedings to the Board of Directors at its next
meeting thereafter.

SECTION 4.  The Board of Directors may appoint an Investment Committee
consisting of at least two (2) officers and at least four (4) directors who are
not officers, which Committee shall have such duties and authority as the Board
of Directors shall from time to time prescribe.  Members of such committee shall
serve for such periods as the Board shall from time to time prescribe.
<PAGE>


ARTICLE 5 (CONTINUED)

SECTION 5.  The Board of Directors shall appoint a Loan Committee consisting of
three (3) or more directors, which shall meet at least once each month and shall
determine policies as to renewals and applications for new loans.  All loans
shall be presented to the Loan Committee for approval, provided, however, that
the Board of Directors may by resolution designate officers who may make loans
without the prior approval of the Loan Committee but subject to the provisions
of the Wisconsin Statutes, the regulations of the Commissioner of Banks, and
these By-laws.  Officers designated by the Board may not make unsecured loans in
an amount exceeding $10,000, or collateral loans in an amount exceeding 
$25,000.  No loans may be made in an amount exceeding the limits established
from time to time by the Board of Directors without securing a sworn financial
statement unless such loan is secured by collateral having a value in excess of
the amount of the loan.

SECTION 6.  Each year the Board of Directors shall appoint, from among its
members or stockholders, an Examining Committee, which shall have such duties as
shall be prescribed by law.

SECTION 7.  The Board of Directors shall have the power to set the banking hours
of this bank, subject to the provisions of the Wisconsin Statutes and the
regulations of the Commissioner of Banks.  Certified copies of all resolutions
of the Board pertaining to banking hours shall be furnished to the State Banking
Department.

SECTION 8.  A detailed statement of all current expenses and taxes paid shall be
presented to the Board in writing every month, or more often if required by the
Board.


                                   ARTICLE 6

A written waiver signed by any director or member of any committee shall be the
equivalent of due notice to him of any meeting therein mentioned.


                                   ARTICLE 7

Directors and members of committees appointed by the Board of Directors, except
directors or members who are salaried officers or employees of this Corporation,
shall be paid such fees for services and attendance at meetings as the Board of
Directors shall from time to time prescribe.


                                   ARTICLE 8

SECTION 1.  The general officers of the Corporation shall be a president, two or
more vice presidents, a cashier and one or more assistant cashiers, a secretary
and one or more assistant secretaries, one or more trust officers, and such
other officers as may be appropriate for the transaction of its business, each
of whom shall be elected by a viva voce vote of the Board of Directors, unless
objection thereto is made, whereupon such election shall be by ballot.  The
Chairman of the Board, if there be one, the senior executive officer in charge
of conducting the business of this Corporation and the officer in charge of the
Trust Department of this Corporation shall be chosen from among the directors. 
Each of said officers shall be elected for one year and until his successor has
been elected and qualified, unless sooner removed by the Board of Directors.
<PAGE>


ARTICLE 8 (CONTINUED)

SECTION 2.  The Board of Directors shall have authority to define the duties and
obligations of all officers, to fix their compensation, to dismiss them at
pleasure, to fill vacancies in offices, and to require any officer to provide a
satisfactory bond for the faithful performance of his duties.  Unless otherwise
prescribed by the Board of Directors, each officer shall have the duties and
authority prescribed by law or ordinarily incidental to his office in similar
corporations.

SECTION 3.  The Board of Directors shall designate the officers to be the chief
executive officer in charge of the Trust Department of this Corporation.  All
fiduciary powers of this Corporation shall be exercised through such officer who
shall be generally responsible for and supervise and direct the activities of
the Trust Department, and do and perform all acts and things necessary and
proper in carrying on the business of the Trust Department in accordance with
the provisions of applicable laws and regulations and the directions of the
Board of Directors, appropriate committees of the Board, and his superior
officers, and shall cause to be kept under his supervision books of account of
the transactions of this Corporation in a fiduciary capacity.

SECTION 4.  The executive officers shall have authority to employ and discharge
all necessary agents and servants of this Corporation whose appointments shall
not be provided for by the Board, to define their duties, and to fix their
compensations.


                                   ARTICLE 9

The Board of Directors may by resolution provide for this Corporation to
indemnify each director or officer, whether or not then in office, against all
expense and liability relating to a claim, action, suit, or proceeding against
him or to which he may be made a party by reason of his being or having been a
director or officer of this Corporation, or of any other company which he served
as a director or officer at the request of this Corporation, except in any case
where he was finally adjudged to have been derelict in the performance of his
duties as such director or officer.  Such resolution may include provisions for
this Corporation (1) to assume or provide at its expense and risk the defense or
settlement of any section, (2) to purchase commercial insurance for the benefit
of a director or officer, including one adjudged guilty of negligence or
misconduct, and (3) to assume or share any additional expense or liability as
the Board of Directors deems warranted upon consideration of the circumstances.


                                  ARTICLE 10

The Board of Directors may by resolution adopt emergency provisions to prevail
notwithstanding any contrary provisions of these By-laws, to take effect when a
state of emergency results in this Corporation being unable to continue its
normal functions under the direction of established management or at its regular
location (which provisions may include, but shall not be limited to procedures
for establishing temporary offices, an emergency executive committee, and
emergency officer succession).


                                  ARTICLE 11

The shares of stock of this Corporation shall be transferable only on the books
of this Corporation upon surrender of the certificate issued therefor.


                                  ARTICLE 12

These By-laws may be altered, amended, or repealed in whole or in part in any
manner not inconsistent with the provisions of law at any time by a vote of the
stockholders representing two-thirds of the capital stock, such a vote to be
taken at a general or special meeting, the notice whereof shall specify that it
is the intention to consider such amendment and shall contain a full statement
of the effect of the amendment proposed.
<PAGE>


                                   EXHIBIT 6

               CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED BY SECTION 321(b)
                      OF THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939

Firstar Trust Company, as Trustee herein named, hereby consents that reports of
examination of said Trustee by Federal and State authorities may be furnished by
such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request
therefor.

                                      FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY,
                                      as Trustee

                                      By:  /s/ Joseph S. Quinn
                                           ---------------------------------
                                           Joseph S. Quinn, Vice President
                                                  (Name and title)


                                      By:  /s/ Yvonne Siira
                                           ----------------------------------
                                           Yvonne Siira, Assistant Secretary
                                                   (Name and title)


Dated:  February 25, 1994


<PAGE>

                PUBLICATION COPY--COMMERCIAL AND SAVINGS BANKS
CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION (Including Domestic and Foreign Subsidiaries)
                                                                 STATE 035(3/93)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEGAL TITLE OF BANK                                 STATE BANK NO.
                                                                    12-99
                                                    ---------------------------
  Firstar Trust Company                             FEDERAL RESERVE DISTRICT NO.
                                                                    7
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CITY           COUNTY      STATE        ZIP CODE    CLOSE OF BUSINESS DATE
 Milwaukee      Milwaukee   Wisconsin    53202          12/31/93

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE> 
                                                            Dollar Amounts
                                                             in Thousands
                                                         Mil    Thou
<S>                                                      <C>    <C>     <C>
ASSETS                                                                     
1.  Cash and balances due from depository institu-                         
    tions:                                                                 
    a. Noninterest-bearing  balances and currency and                     
       coin...........................................    93     793    1.a.
    b. Interest-bearing balances......................             0    1.b.
2.  Securities........................................    44     394    2.  
3.  Federal funds sold & securities purchased under                         
    agreements to resell in domestic offices of the                         
    bank & of its Edge & Agreement subsidiaries, & in                       
    IBFs:                                                                   
    a. Federal funds sold.............................    10     000    3.a.
    b. Securities purchased under agreements to resell             0    3.b.
4.  Loans and lease financing receivables:............                      
    a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income. 8,696                  4.a.
    b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses... 73                  4.b.
    c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve..........             0    4.c.
    d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income,                            
       allowance, and reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and                       
       4.c)...........................................     8     623    4.d.
5.  Assets held in trading accounts...................             0    5.  
6.  Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized                        
    leases)...........................................     1     361    6.  
7.  Other real estate owned...........................             0    7.  
8.  Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and                          
    associated companies..............................             0    8.  
9.  Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances                        
    outstanding.......................................             0    9.  
10. Intangible assets.................................             0    10. 
11. Other assets......................................     6     042    11. 
12. a. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11).......   164     213    12.a.
    b. Loans deferred pursuant to 12 U.S.C. Section
       1823(j)........................................             0    12.b.
    c. Total assets and losses deferred pursuant to                          
       12 U.S.C. Section 1823(j) (sum of items 12.a 
       and 12.b)......................................   164     213    12.c.
LIABILITIES                                                                 
13. Deposits: a. In domestic offices..................   141     819    13.a.
         (1) Noninterest-bearing.............. 141,374                  13.a.(1)
         (2) Interest-bearing..................... 445                  13.a.(2)
              b. In foreign offices, Edge and                                   
                 Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs.....             0    13.b.   
         (1) Non-interest bearing.....................          None    13.b.(1)
         (2) Interest-bearing.........................          None    13.b.(2)
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold                                 
    under agreements to repurchase in domestic                                  
    offices of the bank & of its Edge & Agreement                               
    subsidiaries......................................     1     650    14.a.   
    b. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase.             0    14.b.   
15. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury..........             0    15.     
16. Other borrowed money..............................     1     125    16.     
17. Mortgage indebtedness and obligations under                                 
    capitalized leases................................             0    17.     
18. Bank's liability on acceptances executed and                                
    outstanding.......................................             0    18.     
19. Subordinated notes and debentures.................             0    19.     
20. Other liabilities.................................     5     910    20.     
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20)....   150     504    21.     
22. Limited-life preferred stock and related surplus..             0    22.     
EQUITY CAPITAL                                                                  
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related                                       
    surplus (No. of shares outstanding)....None   )...             0    23.     
24. Common stock (No. of shares                                                 
    a. Authorized......     10,000                                              
    b. Outstanding.....     10,000      ).............     1     000    24.     
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred                           
    stock)............................................     9     083    25.     
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves.........     3     626    26.a.   
    b. LESS: Net unrealized loss on marketable equity                           
       securities.....................................             0    26.b.   
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation                                     
    adjustments.......................................                          
28. a. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through                            
       27)............................................    13     709    28.a.   
    b. Losses deferred pursuant to 12 U.S.C. Section 
       1823(j)........................................             0    28.b.   
    c. Total equity capital and losses deferred                                 
       pursuant to 12 U.S.C. Section 1823(j) (sum of 
       items 28.a. & 28.b)............................    13     709    28.c.   
29. Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock,                           
    equity capital, and losses deferred pursuant to                             
    12 U.S.C. Section 1823(j) (sum of items 21, 22, 
    and 28.c).........................................   164     213    29.     
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEMORANDA: Amounts outstanding as of Report
of Condition date:                                                     MEMO
    1.a. Standby letters of credit. Total.............        None     1.a.
    1.b. Amount of Standby letters of credit
         in memo 1.a. conveyed to others through
         participations...............................        None     1.b.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
NOTE: This report must be signed by an authorized officer(s) and attested by not
less than three directors other than the officer(s) signing the report.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I/We, the undersigned officer(s), do hereby declare that this Report of
Condition has been prepared in conformance with official instructions and is
true and correct to the best of my (our) knowledge and belief.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIGNATURE OF OFFICER(S) AUTHORIZED TO SIGN REPORT        DATE SIGNED
James D. Hintz                                           Jan 26 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME(S) AND TITLE(S) OF OFFICER(S)                       AREA CODE/PHONE NO.
 AUTHORIZED TO SIGN REPORT                                  414 765-5295
 James D. Hintz, First Vice President and Cashier
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 official instructions
and is true and correct.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIGNATURE OF DIRECTOR          SIGNATURE OF DIRECTOR      SIGNATURE OF DIRECTOR
Blaine E. Rieke                Philip R. Smith
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(MAKE MARK FOR        State of Wisconsin County of Milwaukee   
NOTARY'S SEAL)  Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27 day of January 1994
                and I hereby certify that I am not an officer or director of
                this bank.                   
                                        Nancy A. Helgerson
                                    ---------------------------------------
                                     Signature Notary Public
                My commission expires 4-20 1997


<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 25.2

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C.  20545

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

                                   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 TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(B)(2) ____

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

                            M&I FIRST NATIONAL BANK
              (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

             WISCONSIN                                          39-0698093
  (Jurisdiction of incorporation                             (I.R.S. Employer
    of organization if not a U.S.                         Identification Number)
          national bank)

       321 NORTH MAIN STREET
       WEST BEND, WISCONSIN                                       53095
(Address of principal executive offices)                        (Zip Code)

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

                                R.T. STEPHENSON
                             321 NORTH MAIN STREET
                         WEST BEND, WISCONSIN   53095
                                (414) 335-3030 
           (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

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

                       MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
              (Exact Name of obligor as specified in its charter)

            WISCONSIN                                          39-0444025
   (State or other jurisdiction                            (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)                         Identification Number)

       133 SOUTH BLAIR STREET
       P. O. BOX 1231
       MADISON, WISCONSIN                                      53701-1231
(Address of principal executive offices)                       (Zip Code)

                      SECURED MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES A
                        (Title of indenture securities)
<PAGE>

Item 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.
       
              Comptroller of the Currency, Washington, D.C.
              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.
        
              The corporate trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust
              powers.
        
Item 2.  Affiliations with the Obligor.
       
         If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such
         affiliation.
       
         The obligor is not an affiliate of the trustee.
       
Item 3.  Voting Securities of the Trustee.
       
         Not applicable as the obligor is not presently in default.
       
Item 4.  Trusteeships Under Other Indentures.
       
         Not applicable as the obligor is not presently in default.
         
Item 5.  Interlocking Directorates and Similar Relationships with the Obligor or
         Underwriters.

         Not applicable as the obligor is not presently in default.

Item 6.  Voting securities of the Trustee Owned by the Obligor or its Officials.

         Not applicable as the obligor is not presently in default.

Item 7.  Voting Securities of the Trustee Owned by Underwriters or their
         Officials.

         Not applicable as the obligor is not presently in default.

Item 8.  Securities of the Obligor Owned or Held by the Trustee.

         Not applicable as the obligor is not presently in default.

Item 9.  Securities of Underwriters Owned or Held by the Trustee.

         Not applicable as the obligor is not presently in default.

Item 10. Ownership or Holdings by the Trustee of Voting Securities of Certain
         Affiliates or Security Holders of the Obligor.

         Not applicable as the obligor is not presently in default.

Item 11. Ownership or Holdings by the Trustee of any Securities of a Person
         Owning 50 Percent or More of the Voting Securities of the Obligor. Not
         applicable as the obligor is not presently in default. 

<PAGE>

Item 12. Indebtedness of the Obligor to the Trustee.
        
         Not applicable as the obligor is not presently in default.
        
Item 13. Defaults by the Obligor.

         Not applicable as the obligor is not presently in default.
        
Item 14. Affiliations with the Underwriters.
        
         Not applicable as the obligor is not presently in default.

Item 15. Foreign Trustee.
         
         Not applicable.
         
Item 16. List of Exhibits.
         
         List below all exhibits filed as part of this statement of
         eligibility.

         1.   A copy of the Articles of Association of M&I First National Bank
              as now in effect (filed herewith).

         2.   Comptroller of the Currency authorization to commence business
              incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Statement of
              Eligibility of Trustee Exhibit to Registration Statement on Form
              S-3 of Ziegler Collateralized Securities, Inc. West Bend,
              Wisconsin, Registration Number 33-42723.

         3.   Federal Reserve Board grant of Fiduciary powers incorporated by
              reference to Exhibit 1 to Statement of Eligibility of Trustee
              Exhibit to Registration Statement on Form S-3 of Ziegler
              Collateralized Securities, Inc. West Bend, Wisconsin, Registration
              Number 33-42723.

         4.   A copy of the existing By-Laws of M&I First National Bank (filed
              herewith).
        
         6.   The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the
              Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (filed herewith).
        
         7.   A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published
              pursuant to law or the requirement of its supervising or
              examining authority (filed herewith).



                                   SIGNATURE

          Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the
Trustee, M&I First National Bank, a national banking association organized and
existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this
statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunder duly authorized, all in the City of West Bend and State of Wisconsin,
on the  25th day of February, 1994.


                              By: /s/ R. T. Stephenson
                                  ---------------------
                                  R. T. Stephenson, Executive Vice President
<PAGE>

                            ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
                            -----------------------

     FIRST.  The title of this Association shall be M&I First National Bank.

     SECOND.  The Main Office of the Association shall be in West Bend, County
of Washington, State of Wisconsin.  The general business of the Association
shall be conducted at its main office and its branches.

     THIRD.  The Board of Directors of this Association shall consist of not
less than five nor more than twenty-five Shareholders.  At any meeting of the
Shareholders held for the purpose of electing Directors, or changing the number
thereof, the number of Directors may be determined by a majority of the votes
cast by the Shareholders in person or by proxy.  Each director, during the full
term of his or her directorship, shall own a minimum of $1,000 aggregate par
value of stock of this Association or a minimum market value or equity interest
of $1,000 of stock in the bank holding company controlling this Association.

A majority of the Board of Directors shall be necessary to constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business at any Directors' meeting.  The Board of
Directors, by the vote of a majority of the full board, may, between annual
meetings of Shareholders, increase the membership of the board by not more than
two members and by like vote appoint qualified persons to fill the vacancies
created thereby.

     FOURTH.  The regular annual meeting of the Shareholders of this Association
shall be held at its main banking house, or other convenient place duly
authorized by the Board of Directors on such day of each year as is specified
therefor in the bylaws.

     FIFTH.  The authorized amount of capital stock of this Association shall be
105,000 shares of common stock of the par value of twenty dollars ($20.00) each;
but said capital stock may be increased or decreased from time to time, in
accordance with the provisions of the laws of the United States.

If the capital stock is increased by the sale of additional shares thereof, each
Shareholder shall be entitled to subscribe for such additional shares in
proportion to the number of shares of said capital stock owned by him at the
time the increase is authorized by the Shareholders, unless another time
subsequent to the date of the Shareholders' meeting is specified in a resolution
by the Shareholders at the time the increase is authorized.  The Board of
Directors shall have the power to prescribe a reasonable period of time within
which the preemptive rights to subscribe to the new shares of capital stock must
be exercised.

The Association, at any time and from time to time, may authorize and issue debt
obligations, whether or not Subordinated, without the approval of the
Shareholders.

     SIXTH.  The Board of Directors shall appoint one of its members President
of this Association, who shall be Chairperson of the Board, unless the Board
appoints another director to be the Chairperson.  The Board of Directors shall
have the power to appoint one or more Vice Presidents; and to appoint a Cashier
and such other officers and employees as may be required to transact the
business of this Association.

<PAGE>

The Board of Directors shall have the power to define the duties of the officers
and employees of the Association; to fix the salaries to be paid to them; to
dismiss them; to require bonds from them and to fix the penalty thereof; to
regulate the manner in which any increase of the capital of the Association
shall be made; to management and administer the business and affairs of the
Association; to make all Bylaws that it may be lawful for them to make; and
generally to do and perform all acts that it may be legal for a Board of
Directors to do and perform.

     SEVENTH.  The Board of Directors shall have the power to change the
location of the main office to any other place within the limits of West Bend,
without the approval of the Shareholders but subject to the approval of the
Comptroller of the Currency; and shall have the power to establish or change the
location of any branch or branches of the Association to any other location,
without the approval of the Shareholders but subject to the approval of the
Comptroller of the Currency.

     EIGHTH.  The corporate existence of this Association shall continue until
terminated in accordance with the laws of the United States.

     NINTH.  The Board of Directors of this Association, or any Shareholder(s)
owning, in the aggregate, not less than 10 percent of the stock of this
Association, may call a special meeting of Shareholders at any time.  Unless
otherwise provided by the laws of the United States, a notice of the time,
place, and purpose of every annual and special meeting of the Shareholders shall
be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed at least 10 days prior to
the date of such meeting to each Shareholder of record at his address as shown
upon the books of this Association.

     TENTH.  Section 1.  Right of Directors and Officers to Indemnification.
Every person shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by law, as the
same may exist or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such
amendment, only to the extent such amendment permits the Bank to provide broader
indemnification rights than the law permitted the Bank to provide prior to such
amendment), for all reasonable expenses (including fees, costs, charges,
disbursements, attorneys fees and any other expenses) and against all liability
(including the obligation to pay a judgement, settlement, penalty, assessment,
forfeiture or fine, including an excise tax with respect to an employee benefit
plan) asserted against, incurred by or imposed on him or her in connection with
any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative ("Proceeding") to which he or she is made or threatened to be made
a party by reason of his or her being or having been a Director, Officer,
employee or agent of the Bank (or by reason of, while serving as a Director,
Officer, employee or agent of the Bank, having served at the Bank's request as a
Director, Officer, partner, trustee, member of any governing or decision-making
committee, employee or agent of another corporation or foreign corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service to an
employee benefit plan); provided, however, in situations other than a successful
defense of a Proceeding, the Director, Officer, employee or agent shall not be
indemnified where he or she breached or failed to perform a duty to the Bank or
such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise
and the breach or failure to perform constitutes (a) a willful failure to deal
fairly with the Bank or such other corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust, or other enterprise or its Shareholders in connection with the matter in
which the Director, Officer, employee or agent has a material conflict of
interest, (b)

<PAGE>

a violation of criminal law, unless the Director, Officer, employee or agent had
reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was lawful, or no reasonable
cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful, (c) a transaction from which
the Director, Officer, employee or agent derived an improper personal benefit,
or (d) willful misconduct; and further provided, notwithstanding anything to the
contrary stated in this Article, no Director, Officer, employee or agent shall
be indemnified hereunder against expenses, penalties or other payments incurred
in an administrative proceeding or action instituted by the Bank's regulatory
agency, which proceeding or action results in a final order assessing civil
money penalties or requiring affirmative action by an individual or individuals
in the form of payments to the Bank.  Such rights to indemnification shall
include the right to be paid by the Bank reasonable expenses as incurred in
defending such Proceeding; provided, however, that payment of such expenses as
incurred shall be made only upon such person delivering to the Bank (a) a
written affirmation of his or her good faith belief that he or she is entitled
to indemnification hereunder, and (b) a written undertaking, executed personally
or on his or her behalf, to repay the allowance to the extent it is ultimately
determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification under this
Article.  The Bank may require that the undertaking be secured and may require
payment of reasonable interest on the allowance to the extent that it is
ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification.  A
Director, Officer, employee or agent seeking indemnification under this Article
shall select one of the means for determining his or her right to
indemnification set forth in Section 180.0855 of Wisconsin Statutes, or any
successor thereto.

     SECTION 2.  Right of Director or Officer to Bring Suit.  If a claim under
this Article is not paid in full by the Bank within 30 days after a written
claim has been received by the Bank, the claimant may at any time thereafter
bring suit against the Bank to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, if
successful in whole or in part, the claimant shall be entitled to be paid also
the reasonable expense of prosecuting such claim.  It shall be a defense to any
such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses
incurred in defending any Proceeding in advance of its final disposition where
the required undertaking has been tendered to the Bank) that the claimant has
not met the standards of conduct under this Article which make it permissible
for the Bank to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden of
proving such defense shall be on the Bank.

     SECTION 3.  Contract Rights; Amendment or Repeal.  All rights under this
Article shall be deemed a contract between the Bank and the Director, Officer,
employee or agent pursuant to which the Bank and the Director, Officer, employee
or agent intend to be legally bound.  Any repeal, amendment or modification of
this Article shall be prospective only as to conduct of a Director, Officer,
employee or agent occurring thereafter, and shall not affect any rights or
obligations then existing.

     SECTION 4.  Scope of Article.  The rights granted by this Article shall not
be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which a Director, Officer, employee
or agent may be entitled under any statute, agreement, vote of Shareholders or
disinterested Directors or otherwise.  The indemnification and advancement of
expenses provided by or granted pursuant to this Article shall continue as to a
person who has ceased to be a Director, Officer, employee or agent in respect to
matters arising prior to such time, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs,
executors, administrators and personal representatives of such a person.

<PAGE>

     SECTION 5.  Insurance.  The Bank may purchase and maintain insurance, at
its expense, to protect itself and any person who is or was a Director, Officer,
employee or agent of the Bank or is or was serving at the request of the Bank as
a Director, Officer, partner, trustee, member of any governing or decision-
making committee, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, including service to an employee benefit
plan, against any liability asserted against that person or incurred by that
person in any such capacity, or arising out of that person's status as such,
whether or not the Bank would have the power to indemnify such person against
such expense, liability or loss under this Article; provided, however, that any
such policy of insurance purchased by the Bank shall exclude coverage for a
formal order assessing civil money penalties against a Director, Officer or
employee of the Bank.

     SECTION 6.  Interpretation of Provisions.  In order for the Bank to obtain
and retain qualified Directors, Officers, employees and agents, the foregoing
provisions shall be liberally administered in order to afford maximum
indemnification of Directors, Officers, employees and agents and, accordingly,
the indemnification above provided for shall be granted in all cases unless to
do so would clearly contravene applicable law, controlling precedent or public
policy.

     ELEVENTH.  These Articles of Association may be amended at any regular or
special meeting of the Shareholders by the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the stock of this Association unless the vote of the holders of a
greater amount of stock is required by law, and in that case by the vote of the
holders of such greater amount.

<PAGE>


                          (TREASURY DEPARTMENT LOGO)

                   (CERTIFICATE OF COMPTROLLER OF CURRENCY 
                   TREASURY DEPARTMENT OF THE UNITED STATES)





(SEAL OF COMPTROLLER
 OF THE UNITED STATES 
 TREASURY)


                                                      (SIGNATURE OF COMPTROLLER)

<PAGE>





                         (FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD LOGO)

                    (CERTIFICATE OF FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD) 
                            (OF THE UNITED STATES)


(SIGNATURE OF 
 FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD)




<PAGE>


                            RECORD OF BY-LAW CHANGES
                            ------------------------


January 31, 1983    New By-Laws adopted for M&I First National Bank.

July 8, 1986        Paragraph 3.06 added to reflect policy on Director Emeritus.

December 8, 1987    Article VIII Paragraph 8.01 changed to provide that bank
                    management could revise hours at branch offices and drive-
                    ups and walk-up facilities.

<PAGE>
 
                                   BYLAWS OF

                           M & I FIRST NATIONAL BANK

                             WEST BEND, WISCONSIN


        Organized under the National Banking Laws of the United States

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

                     ARTICLE I.  MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS

     1.01  The regular annual meeting of the Shareholders of this association,
for the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as
properly may come before the meeting, shall be held at its Main Banking House in
West Bend, Wisconsin, or any other convenient place duly authorized by the Board
of Directors, on the fourth Tuesday of January of each year in accordance with
the laws of the United States; but if no such election is held on that day it
may be held at any regular adjournment of the meeting or at a subsequent special
meeting called in accordance with the provisions of the laws of the United
States.  The holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote,
and represented at any meeting of the Shareholders, may choose persons to act as
Chairman and as Secretary of the meeting.  The President of the association
shall then make a report to the Shareholders regarding the condition of the
association and shall review the business of the preceding year.

     1.02  The Board of Directors of this association, or any Shareholders
owning, in the aggregate, not less than ten per centum (10%) of the stock of
this association, may call a special meeting of Shareholders at any time.
Unless otherwise provided by the laws of the United States, or by the Articles
of Association, a notice of the time, place, and purpose of every regular annual
meeting, and every special meeting of the Shareholders shall be given by first-
class mail, postage prepaid, mailed at least ten days prior to the date of such
meeting to each Shareholder of record at his address as shown upon the books of
the association.

<PAGE>


                ARTICLE II.  VOTING AT MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS

     2.01  Shareholders may vote at any meeting of the Shareholders by proxies
duly authorized in writing, but no officer or employee of this association shall
act as proxy.  Proxies shall be valid only for one meeting, to be specified
therein, and any adjournments of such meeting.  Proxies shall be dated and shall
be filed with the records of the meeting.

In deciding on questions at meetings of Shareholders, except in the election of
directors, each Shareholder shall be entitled to one vote for each share of
stock held.  A majority of votes cast shall decide each matter submitted to the
Shareholders at the meeting except in cases where by law a larger vote is
required.

In all elections of directors, each Shareholder shall have the right to vote the
number of shares owned by him for as many persons as there are directors to be
elected.

In the case of any meeting of the Shareholders, a record showing the names of
the Shareholders present and the number of shares of stock held by each, the
names of Shareholders represented by proxy and the number of shares held by
each, and the names of the proxies shall be made.  This record also shall show
the number of shares voted on each action taken, including the number of shares
voted for each candidate for director.  This record shall be included in the
minutes' book of the Bank.

After each meeting of the Shareholders, there shall be forwarded to the
Comptroller of the Currency a report thereof, in the form prescribed by the
Comptroller of the Currency.

<PAGE>

                            ARTICLE III.  DIRECTORS

     3.01  The Board of Directors shall consist of not less than seven (7) nor
more than fifteen (15) members.  The number of Directors to be elected shall be
determined at the annual meeting of Shareholders by a majority of the votes cast
by the Shareholders in person or by proxy, or by a similar vote at any special
meeting called for the purpose, upon due notice having been given according to
law.

     3.02  The Directors of this association shall hold office for one year and
until their successors are elected and have qualified.

Each person elected or appointed a Director of this association must take the
oath of such office in the form prescribed by the Comptroller of the Currency.
No person elected or appointed a Director of this association shall exercise the
functions of such office until he has taken such oath.

Any vacancies occurring in the Board of Directors shall be filled, in accordance
with the laws of the United States, by appointment by the remaining Directors,
and any Director so appointed shall hold office until the next election.

Following the annual meeting of the shareholders, the Chairman, or the
Secretary, of the meeting shall notify promptly the Directors-Elect of their
election, and they shall meet promptly for the purpose of taking their oaths,
organizing the new Board, appointing officers and fixing salaries for the
ensuing year, and for transacting such other business as properly may come
before the meeting.

     3.03  The Regular Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held, without
notice, on the second Tuesday of each month at the Main Banking House.  When any
regular meeting of the Board falls upon a holiday, the meeting shall be held on
the next banking business day unless the Board shall designate some other day.

     3.04  Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the
President of the association, or at the request of three (3) or more Directors.
Each member of the Board of Directors shall be given notice stating the time and
place, by telegram, letter, or in person, of each such special meeting,
excepting the Organization Meeting following the election of Directors.

     3.05  A majority of the members of the Board of Directors shall constitute
a quorum for the transaction of business.  If, at the time fixed for the
meeting, including the meeting to organize the new Board following the Annual
Meeting of Shareholder, a quorum is not present, the Directors in attendance may
adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum is obtained.

<PAGE>

Except as otherwise provided herein, a majority of those Directors present and
voting at any meeting of the Board of Directors, shall decide each matter
considered.  A Director cannot vote by proxy, or otherwise act by proxy at a
meeting of the Board of Directors.

     3.06  Director Emeritus.  No person shall be eligible to be elected a
Director at any meeting of Shareholder held on or after the date he attains age
seventy (70).  The Board of Directors, at its discretion, may designate such a
person who has served as a Director of the bank as a Director Emeritus upon such
terms and conditions and at such compensation as may be fixed by resolution of
the Board from time to time.  Any Director who has attained age sixty-five (65)
upon declining to stand for re-election shall likewise be eligible to be
designated a Director Emeritus by the Board.

A Director Emeritus shall be entitled to receive all notices of meetings and
communications to Directors, attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and
to participate in discussions of the Board.  However, a Director Emeritus shall
not vote or be counted in determining a quorum at any meeting of directors.

<PAGE>

                      ARTICLE IV.  OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES

     4.01  The Officers of this association shall be a President, one or more
Vice Presidents, a Cashier, and such other officers as may be appointed by the
Board of Directors. The President shall be a member of the Board of Directors.
The President shall be the Chairman of the Board unless the Board appoints some
other Director to act in that capacity.

     4.02  The President shall hold his office for the current year for which
the Board of which he shall be a member was elected, unless he shall resign,
become disqualified, or be removed; and any vacancy occurring in the office of
President shall be filled promptly by the Board of Directors.

     4.03  The Cashier and the subordinate officers and clerks shall be
appointed to hold their offices, respectively, during the pleasure of the Board
of Directors.

     4.04  Each officer and employee of the association shall give bond of
suitable amount with security to be approved by the Board of Directors,
conditioned for the honest and faithful discharge of his duties as such officer
or employee.  At the discretion of the Board, such bonds may be schedule or
blanket form and the premiums shall be paid by the association.  The amount of
such bonds, the form of coverage, and the name of the company providing the
surety therefor shall be reviewed by the Board of Directors each year at the
first regular meeting of the Board following the Organization Meeting of the new
Board.  Action shall be taken by the Board at that time approving the amount of
the bond to be provided by each officer and employee of the association for the
ensuing year.

     4.05  The Chairman of the Board shall preside at all meetings of the Board
of Directors and shall be an ex officio member of all Committees of the Board of
Directors except the Examining Committee.  He also shall serve the association
in an advisory capacity and perform such other duties as may be assigned to him,
from time to time, by the Board of Directors.  In the absence of the Chairman of
the Board, the President shall preside at all such meetings.

     4.06  The President of the association shall be the chief executive officer
of the association and shall be an ex officio member of all committees of the
association except the Examining Committee.

     4.07  The Vice Presidents shall assist the President in the discharge of
the executive, managerial, and supervisory duties and functions of the
President.  In the absence of the Chairman of the Board and President or in the
event of the death, inability or refusal to act, or in the event for any reason
which shall be impractical for them to act personally, the Vice President (or if
there be more than one, then in the order designated by the Board of Directors
or President, or in the absence of any designation in the order of their
election) shall perform the duties of the President and when so acting, shall
have all the powers of and be subject to all of the restrictions upon the
President.

<PAGE>

     4.08  The Cashier of this association shall be responsible for all assets
and documents of this association and shall keep proper records of all the
transactions of the association.  The Cashier shall be the Secretary of the
association and shall be responsible for the minutes' book of the association,
in which he shall maintain and preserve the organization papers of the
association, the Articles of Association, the returns of elections, the Bylaws,
the proceedings of regular and special meetings of the Board of Directors and of
the Shareholders, and the reports of the Committees and Board of Directors.  The
minutes of each meeting shall be signed by the President and attested by the
Cashier, or by the duly elected Secretary of the Board of Directors.

     4.09  There shall be a Trust Officer of this association whose duties shall
be to manage, supervise and direct all the activities of the Trust Department.
He shall do and perform all acts and things necessary or proper to be done or
performed in carrying on the business of the Trust Department in accordance with
provisions of law and regulations of the Comptroller of the Currency.

He shall act pursuant to opinion of counsel where such opinion is deemed
necessary.  Opinions of counsel shall be retained on file in connection with all
important matters pertaining to trusts, both individual and corporate.

The Trust Officer shall be responsible for all assets and documents held by the
association in connection with trust matters.

<PAGE>


                             ARTICLE V.  COMMITTEES

     5.01  There shall be a standing committee of this association, appointed by
the Board, to be known as the Loan Committee, consisting of the President, and
three (3) or more other Officers or Directors, each to serve a twelve (12) month
term.  This committee shall have power to discount and purchase bills, notes and
other evidences of debt, to buy and sell bills of exchange, to examine and
approve loans and discounts, to exercise authority regarding loans and discounts
held by the association, and to direct and transact all other business of the
association, which properly might come before the Board of Directors, except
such as the Board only, by law, is authorized to perform.  The Loan Committee
shall report its actions in writing at each regular meeting of the Board of
Directors, which shall approve or disapprove the report and record such action
in the minutes of the meeting.

     5.02  There shall be a standing committee of this association known as the
Examining Committee, appointed annually by the Board of Directors.  Each member
of this Committee shall serve until his successor is appointed and the Committee
shall consist of three (3) members of the Board of Directors, none of whom shall
be active officers of the association.  The duties of this committee shall be to
make suitable examinations every six months of the affairs of the association.
The result of such examination shall be reported, in writing, to the Board at
the next regular meeting thereafter, stating whether the association is in a
sound and solvent condition, whether adequate internal audit controls and
procedures are being maintained, and recommending to the Board such changes in
the manner of doing business, etc., as shall be deemed advisable.

The Examining Committee, upon its own recommendation and with the approval of
the Board of Directors, may employ a qualified firm of Certified Public
Accountants to make an examination and audit of the association.  If such a
procedure is followed, the one annual examination and audit of such firm of
Accountants and the presentation of its report to the Board of Directors, will
be deemed sufficient to comply with the requirements of this section of these
Bylaws.

     5.03  There shall be a Trust Investment Committee of this association
composed of three (3) or more members, who shall be capable and experienced
Officers or Directors of the association.  All investments of trust funds shall
be made, retained or disposed of only with the approval of the Trust Investment
Committee; and the Committee shall keep minutes of all its meetings, showing the
disposition of all matters considered and passed upon by it.  The Committee
shall, promptly after the acceptance of an account for which the bank has
investment responsibilities, review the assets thereof, to determine the
advisability of retaining or disposing of such assets.  The Committee shall
conduct a similar review at least once during each calendar year thereafter and
within fifteen months of the last such review.  A report of all such reviews,
together with the action taken as a result thereof, shall be noted in the
minutes of the Committee.

As prescribed by Regulation 9 of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of
Directors shall appoint a committee of three (3) Directors, exclusive of any
active Officers of the association,

<PAGE>

which shall, at least once during each calendar year and within 15 months of the
last such audit make suitable audits of the Trust Department or cause suitable
audits to be made by auditors responsible only to the Board of Directors, and at
such time shall ascertain whether the department has been administered in
accordance with law, Regulation 9, and sound fiduciary principles.  Such
committee shall promptly make a full report of such audits and examination in
writing to the Board of Directors of the association, together with a
recommendation as to the action, if any, which may be necessary to correct any
unsatisfactory conditions.  A report of the audits and examination required
together with the action taken thereon shall be noted in the minutes of the
Board of Directors and such report shall be made a part of the records of the
association.

     5.04  The Board of Directors may appoint, from time to time, other
temporary committees, for such purposes and with such powers as the Board may
determine.

<PAGE>

                               ARTICLE VI.  SEAL

     6.01  The following is an impression of the Seal adopted by the Board of
Directors of this association:



                                   (S E A L)



The President, each Vice President, the Cashier, the Trust Officer, the
Assistant Trust Officer, and each Assistant Cashier shall have authority to
affix the Corporate Seal of this association and to attest the same.

<PAGE>


                              ARTICLE VII.  STOCK

     7.01  The stock of this association shall be assignable and transferable
only on the books of this association.  A stock certificate book shall be
maintained in which all assignments and transfers of stock shall be made.

     7.02  Certificates of stock, signed by the President or Vice President and
the Cashier or an Assistant Cashier, shall be issued to Shareholders, and when
stock is transferred the certificates thereof shall be returned to the
association and new certificates issued.  The returned certificates shall be
cancelled and preserved for record purposes.  Certificates of stock shall meet
the requirements of Section 5139 of the Revised Statutes and shall state upon
the face thereof that the stock is transferable only upon the books of the
association.

<PAGE>


                          ARTICLE VIII.  BANKING HOURS

     8.01  This association shall be open for business, at its main office
located at 321 North Main Street, from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. each Monday
through Thursday, and from 8:30 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. on each Friday.  Banking hours
for Branch offices and drive-up and walk-up facilities shall be determined by
bank management so long as such hours conform to the laws and regulations of
applicable bank regulatory agencies.  Sundays and days recognized by the laws of
The United States of America and the State of Wisconsin as legal holidays, this
association may be closed.  The hours referred to in this section shall mean
Standard Time, except when Daylight Saving Time is in effect, when such stated
hours shall mean Daylight Saving Time.

<PAGE>


                     ARTICLE IX.  CONVEYANCE OF REAL ESTATE

     9.01  All transfers and conveyance of real estate, title to which is vested
in this association, including real estate held as fiduciary, shall be by
written instrument under the seal of this association, made pursuant to the
order of the Board of Directors, and signed by the President, Vice President or
Cashier.


<PAGE>

                             ARTICLE X.  CONTRACTS

     10.01  All contracts, checks, drafts and other instruments shall be signed
by the President or a Vice President, or such other officers as may be
designated by the Board of Directors.

<PAGE>

                              ARTICLE XI.  TRUSTS

     11.01  There shall be maintained in the Trust Department a file containing
(a) original instruments creating each trust, or properly authenticated copies
thereof, (b) properly receipted vouchers evidencing payments and distributions
under each trust, (c) properly evidenced reports to courts or others accounting
for trusts, and (d) copies of all court orders in connection with trust matters.

     11.02  No trust funds shall be invested in any securities in which
corporate fiduciaries located in this state may not lawfully invest except (a)
in accordance with express instructions contained in the trust instrument, (b)
pursuant to court order, or (c) where the trust instrument expressly provides
that investments may be made without regard to otherwise applicable laws
governing investments by fiduciaries.

<PAGE>


                         ARTICLE X11.  INDEMNIFICATION

     12.01  The association may indemnify any person who was or is a party or
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
(other than an action by or in the right of the association) by reason of the
fact that he is or was a Director, Officer, employee or agent of the
association, or is or was serving at the request of the association as a
Director, Officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trusts or other entity or enterprise, against expenses, including
attorneys' fees, judgements, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and
reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if
he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the association or such other corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity or enterprise, and was not
adjudged guilty of, or liable for, willful misconduct, gross neglect of duty, or
criminal acts.  The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgement,
order, settlement, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall
not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith
and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the association or such other corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other entity or enterprise.

     12.02  The association may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or
suit by or in the right of the association or Marshall & Ilsley Corporation to
procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he is or was a
Director, Officer, employee or agent of the association, or is or was serving at
the request of the association as a Director, Officer, employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity or
enterprise against expenses, including attorneys' fees, actually and reasonably
incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or
suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in
or not opposed to the best interests of the association or such other
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity or enterprise,
and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue
or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable for
willful misconduct, gross neglect of duty, or criminal acts in the performance
of his duty to the association or such other corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, or other entity or enterprise.

     12.03  To the extent that a Director, Officer, employee or agent has been
successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or
proceeding referred to in Section 12.01 or Section 12.02, or in defense of any
claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses,
including attorneys' fees, actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection
therewith.

     12.04  Any indemnification under Section 12.01 or Section 12.02, unless
ordered by a court, shall be made by the association only as authorized in the
specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the Director,
Officer, employee or agent is proper in the


<PAGE>

circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in
Section 12.01 or Section 12.02.  Such determination shall be made:

   (1)  By the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of
        Directors who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding;

   (2)  If such quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable a quorum of
        disinterested Directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a
        written opinion; or

   (3)  By a majority of the shares entitled to vote thereon.

        12.05  Expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred in defending a
civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the association in
advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding as
authorized in the manner provided in Section 12.04 upon receipt of an
undertaking by or on behalf of the Director, Officer, employee or agent to repay
such amount unless it shall ultimately be determined that he is entitled to be
indemnified by the association as authorized in this Section.

        12.06  The indemnification provided by this Section shall not be deemed
exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled under
any agreement, vote of Shareholders or disinterested Directors or otherwise,
both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity
while holding such office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to
be a Director, Officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the
heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

        12.07  The association shall have power to purchase and maintain
insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a Director, Officer, employee or
agent of the association, or is or was serving at the request of the association
as a Director, Officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust or other entity or enterprise against any liability
asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity or arising out of
his status as such, whether or not the association would have the power to
indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of this Section.

        12.08  In order for the association to obtain and retain qualified
Directors, Officers, employees and agents, the foregoing provisions shall be
liberally administered in order to afford maximum indemnification of Directors,
Officers, employees and agents and, accordingly, the indemnification above
provided for shall be granted in all cases unless to do so would clearly
contravene applicable law, controlling precedent or public policy.

<PAGE>


                      ARTICLE XIII.  EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

        13.01  In the event of an emergency declared by the President of the
United States, the Governor of this State or an official in authority of this
City or the persons performing their functions, and the area in which this
association is situated is declared to be a disaster area and/or, by reason of
the occurrence of a disaster whereby the operations of this association cannot
be immediately continued at its banking quarters or by its duly elected officers
and other personnel, the following Sections of these by-laws shall be in full
force and effect and shall prevail over other Sections of these Bylaws to the
contrary.

        13.02  Meetings and Quorums.  A Valid Special Shareholders' Meeting
may be held on call by the President, the Acting President, and Director of this
association or by an officer of Marshall & Ilsley Corporation on three hours
notice of the time and place of such meeting to each Shareholder by telegraph or
telephone to the last known address of such Shareholder or in person and any
Corporation action may be taken at such meeting at which the majority of the
issued and outstanding shares of the association, represented in person or by
proxy, shall be present.  In the event of failure of communications a valid
Special Shareholders' meeting may be held without call or notice by a
Shareholder or Shareholders owning a majority of the issued and outstanding
shares of the association represented in person or by proxy at a time and place
to be determined by agreement of such Shareholders.

A valid Special Directors' Meeting may be held on call by the President, the
Acting President, or any Director of this association or by any officer of
Marshall & Ilsley Corporation on three hours notice of the time and place of
such meeting to each Director by telegraph or telephone to the last known
address of such Director or in person and three (3) or more duly elected and
qualified Directors and/or "temporary" Directors shall constitute a quorum for
such meeting.  In the event of failure of communications a valid Special
Directors' Meeting may be held without call or notice by three (3) or more duly
elected and qualified Directors and/or "temporary" Directors at a time and place
to be determined by agreement among them.

        13.03  In the event three (3) or more members of the Board of Directors
are not present at a special meeting of the Board of Directors called in
accordance with Section 13.02 of this Article, not more than three (3)
"temporary" Directors (who need not be Shareholders of the association) may be
appointed by the Shareholders at a special meeting held in accordance with
Section 13.02 of this Article.  "Temporary" Directors, when so appointed, shall
serve until a meeting of the Board of Directors at which time three (3) or more
duly elected Directors are present and during such time shall have and shall
exercise all of the powers of a duly elected Director.

        13.04  Alternate Office Locations.  The offices of the association at
which its business shall be conducted shall be the main office located at 321
North Main Street, West Bend, Wisconsin, and any other legally authorized
location which may be leased or acquired by this association to carry on its
business.  In the event of an emergency which would render any legally
authorized location of this association unsuitable for the conduct of its
business, the business ordinarily conducted at such locations shall be relocated
elsewhere in suitable

<PAGE>

quarters, in addition to or in lieu of the location heretofore mentioned, as may
be designated by the Board of Directors or by such persons as are then
conducting the affairs of this association in accordance with resolutions
adopted from time to time by the Board of Directors dealing with the exercise of
authority in the time of such emergency.  The use of any temporarily relocated
place of business of this association shall be discontinued and the operations
of this association shall be returned to its legally authorized location as soon
as possible.

<PAGE>


                        ARTICLE XIV.  CHANGES IN BYLAWS

        14.01  These Bylaws may be amended upon vote of a majority of the entire
Board of Directors at any meeting of the Board, provided ten (10) days' notice
of the proposed amendment has been given to each member of the Board of
Directors.  No amendment may be made unless the Bylaw, as amended, is consistent
with the requirements of the laws of the United States and of the Articles of
Association.  A certified copy of all amendments to these Bylaws shall be
forwarded to the Comptroller of the Currency immediately after adoption.

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT 6

     Pursuant to the provisions of Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, M&I First National Bank hereby consents, in connection with the
qualification of the Indenture dated as of January 1, 1994 of Madison Gas and
Electric Company securing Secured Medium-Term Notes, Series A that reports of
examination of M&I First National Bank by Federal and State authorities may be
furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon
request therefore.


                                  M&I FIRST NATIONAL BANK



                                  By: /s/ R. T. Stephenson
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                      R. T. Stephenson, Executive Vice President


Dated:  February 25, 1994




<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY
ADMINISTRATOR OF NATIONAL BANKS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPORT OF CONDITION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consolidating domestic subsidiaries of the
M&I FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF WEST BEND
in the state of Wisconsin, at the close of business on December 31, 1993
published in response to call made by Comptroller of the Currency, under 
Title 12, United States Code, Section 161.
Charter Number 11060, Comptroller of the Currency, 9 District.

Statement of Resources and Liabilities
<TABLE> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                         Dollar Amounts in Thousands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                 <C>      
ASSETS                                                   
Cash and balances due from depository institutions:      
   Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin                                     7,361
   Interest-Bearing balances                                                                  0
Securities                                                                               50,313
Federal funds sold                                                                        2,594
Securities purchased under agreements to resell                                           3,425
Loans and lease financing receivables:                   
   Loans and Leases, net of unearned income                         134,140  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
   LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses                          1,703  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
   LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve                                  0  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
   Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and reserve                      132,437
Assets held in trading accounts                                                                0
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)                                   2,446
Other real estate owned                                                                       10
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies                            0
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding                                  39
Intangible assets                                                                            193
Other assets                                                                               2,356
Total assets                                                                             201,174
</TABLE>

(FDIC 8040/54B 3/90)                                                  Continued

<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY
ADMINISTRATOR OF NATIONAL BANKS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
M&I FIRST NATIONAL BANK
REPORT OF CONDITION (Continued)
                                                     Dollar Amounts in Thousands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
LIABILITIES
<S>                                                                <C>                 <C> 
Deposits:                                                          
               In domestic offices                                                      175,967
                 Noninterest-bearing                                42,607  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
                 Interest-bearing                                  133,360  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Federal funds purchased                                                                       0
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase                                            7,125
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury                                                      0
Other borrowed money                                                                          0
Mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases                                0
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding                                     39
Subordinated notes and debentures                                                             0
Other liabilities                                                                         1,667
Total liabilities                                                                       184,798
Limited-Life preferred stock and related surplus                                              0
                                                                   
EQUITY CAPITAL                                                     
Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus                                                 0
Common stock                                                                              2,100
Surplus                                                                                   5,808
Undivided profits and capital reserves                                                    8,468
LESS: Net unrealized loss on marketable equity securities                                     0
Total equity capital                                                                     16,376
Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock, and equity capital                     201,174
</TABLE>

I, OSCAR W. STEELE
 
SR. VICE PRESIDENT & CASHIER
of the above-named bank do hereby declare that this Report
of Condition is true and correct to the best of my knowledge
and belief.



 \s\ Oscar W. Steele
- ------------------------
       Signature


   February 25, 1994
- ------------------------
         Date



(FDIC 8040/54B)                                                         (PAGE 2)
PRINTER COPY



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