PUBLIC SERVICE CO OF NORTH CAROLINA INC
S-3, EX-10, 2000-09-06
NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION
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                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.04

                                     AMENDED

                CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

                                 BY AND BETWEEN

                           CARDINAL OPERATING COMPANY

                                       AND

                         CARDINAL EXTENSION COMPANY, LLC







                                          DATED DECEMBER 19, 1996









                                             TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                    Page

1.     Definitions

2.     Relationship of the Parties                                    2

       2.1    Appointment as Operator                                 3

       2.2    Operator's Authority to Execute Contracts               3


3.     Operation of the Combined Facilities                           3

       3.1    Operator's Responsibilities                             3

       3.2    Minimum Pressure                                        6

       3.3    Claims                                                  7

4.     Employees, Consultants and Subcontractors
       4.1    Operator's Employees, Consultants and
               Subcontractors                                         7

       4.2    Use of Affiliated Entities or
                Independent Contractors                               8

       4.3    Standards for Operator and its Employees                8

       4.4    Non-Discrimination and Drugs                            8


5.     Financial and Accounting                                       9

       5.1    Accounting and Compensation                             9

       5.2    Budgets and Reports                                     9

       5.3    Disputed Charges                                        9

       5.4    Rate Reviews                                            10

       5.5    Audit and Examination                                   10


6.     Intellectual Property; License to Operator                     11

7.     Indemnification                                                11

8.     Insurance                                                      13

9.     Term                                                           14

10. Survival of Obligations                                           15

11. Law of the Contract and Arbitration                               15

       11.1       Law of the Contract                                 15

       11.2       Arbitration                                         15


12. Special and Consequential Damages                                 18


13. General                                                           18

       13.1       Effect of Agreement; Amendments                     18

       13.2       Notices                                             18

       13.3       Counterparts                                        19

       13.4       Waiver                                              19

       13.5       Assignability; Successors                           19

       13.6       Third Persons                                       20

       13.7       Laws and Regulatory Bodies                          20

       13.8       Section Numbers; Headings                           20

       13.9       Severability                                        20

       13.10      Further Assurances                                  20

       13.11      Guarantee                                           20

       13.12      Superseded Agreement                                20


Exhibit A - Accounting Procedure





<PAGE>



                               AMENDED

                CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT


             This agreement ("CO&M Agreement"),  made and entered into as of the
19th day of  December,  1996 is by and between  Cardinal  Operating  Company,  a
Delaware corporation ("Operator"),  and Cardinal Extension Company, LLC, a North
Carolina limited liability company ("Company").

1.    Definitions.

      The  definitions  used in the  Operating  Agreement of the Company,  dated
      December  19, 1996  ("Operating  Agreement"),  shall,  except as otherwise
      specifically   provided  below,  have  the  same  meanings  in  this  CO&M
      Agreement.

      1.1       Accounting Procedure.  The accounting procedure set
                forth in Exhibit A.

      1.2       Combined Facilities. The Existing Cardinal Pipeline
                and the New Facilities.

      1.3       Day. A period of twenty four (24)  consecutive  hours commencing
                at 8:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time.

      1.4       Decision Notice.  See Section 11.2.

      1.5       Liabilities.  Actions, claims, settlements,  judgments, demands,
                costs,   expenses  (including,   without  limitation,   expenses
                attributable   to  the   defense  of  any  actions  or  claims),
                attorneys' fees and liabilities  related to the Operation of the
                Combined Facilities.

      1.6       Meeting.  See Section 11.2.

      1.7       Month. A period of time beginning on the first Day of a calendar
                month  and  ending at the same time on the first Day of the next
                succeeding calendar month.

      1.8       New Facilities. The approximately 67 miles of 24- inch pipeline,
                four meter  stations and related  facilities  commencing  at the
                terminus  of  the  Existing  Cardinal   Pipeline   southeast  of
                Burlington,  North  Carolina and  continuing  in a  southeastern
                direction  through Alamance,  Orange,  Chatham and Wake Counties
                until it  terminates  at  interconnections  with Public  Service
                Company of North Carolina,  Inc. and North Carolina  Natural Gas
                Corporation at the Wake County, North Carolina/Johnston  County,
                North Carolina border as generally  reflected on the map that is
                part of

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                Appendix  B to the  Operating  Agreement  and any  additions  or
                improvements  to  the  Existing   Cardinal   Pipeline  built  in
                conjunction with the new 67-mile pipeline.

      1.9       Operate the Combined Facilities.  Plan, design, construct, test,
                maintain,  repair, replace,  improve, expand and operate the New
                Facilities and test, maintain,  repair, replace, improve, expand
                and  operate  the  Combined   Facilities,   including,   without
                limitation,  the  duties  identified  in  Section  3.1  of  this
                Agreement;  provided,  however,  that the Operator  will have no
                duties with respect to the Existing  Cardinal Pipeline until the
                Effective   Time  except  with  respect  to  any   additions  or
                improvements  to  the  Existing   Cardinal   Pipeline  built  in
                conjunction  with the New  Facilities.  Where used in noun form,
                such term shall be "Operation of the Combined Facilities."

      1.10      Party.  The Company or the Operator.

      1.11      Pre-Completion Period. The period between the Formation Date and
                the date that the New Facilities are placed into service,  which
                latter date shall be certified in writing by the Operator.

      1.12      Prohibited Conduct.  Any action by the Operator
                that constitutes bad faith, gross negligence or
                willful misconduct.

      1.13      Required   Accounting   Practice.   The  accounting   rules  and
                regulations,  if any, at the time  prescribed by the  regulatory
                bodies  under the  jurisdiction  of which the  Company is at the
                time operating and, to the extent of matters not covered by such
                rules and regulations,  generally accepted accounting principles
                on a consistent  basis as practiced in the United  States at the
                time prevailing for companies  engaged in a business  similar to
                that of the Company.

      1.14      Year.  Each twelve (12) Month period  beginning on the first Day
                of a calendar  year and ending at the beginning of the first Day
                of  the  next  calendar  year,  provided  that  the  first  year
                hereunder  shall begin on the date hereof,  and shall end at the
                beginning of the first Day of the following  calendar  year, and
                further  provided  that the last  contract year shall end at the
                expiration  of the  term  of this  CO&M  Agreement  pursuant  to
                Section 9 hereof.

2. Relationship of the Parties.

                                                2


<PAGE>



      2.1       Appointment as Operator.  Subject to the terms and conditions of
                this CO&M Agreement, the Company hereby appoints the Operator to
                act hereunder,  and the Operator hereby accepts such appointment
                and  agrees  to act  pursuant  to the  provisions  of this  CO&M
                Agreement  and  the  applicable   provisions  of  the  Operating
                Agreement.   In  performing   services  pursuant  to  this  CO&M
                Agreement, the Operator shall be an agent of the Company.

      2.2       Operator's Authority to Execute Contracts.  Subject to the terms
                of this CO&M  Agreement,  contracts in connection with Operation
                of the Combined  Facilities  may be  negotiated  and executed or
                amended by the Operator as agent for the Company.  Copies of all
                contracts  entered into by the Operator on behalf of the Company
                shall be provided to the Company.  All contracts and permits, if
                any,  relating to Company  business and executed by the Operator
                prior to the Formation Date shall be assigned by the Operator to
                the Company as soon as practicable after the Formation Date.

3. Operation of the Combined Facilities.

      3.1       Operator's  Responsibilities.  The Operator shall be responsible
                for the Operation of the Combined  Facilities,  and thus subject
                to the provisions of the Operating Agreement the Operator shall:

                3.1.1         Prepare, file, execute and prosecute
                              applications for the Necessary
                              Authorizations required by the Company and
                              make periodic filings required of the
                              Company by Governmental Authorities having
                              jurisdiction, including, without
                              limitation, the preparation, filing,
                              execution and prosecution of the NCUC
                              Application (and any amendments thereto),
                              the Company's tariff, and any rate case
                              filings.

                3.1.2         Provide or cause to be provided the day-to-
                              day operating and maintenance services,
                              administrative liaison and related services
                              to the Company, including, but not limited
                              to, customer support, rates (including rate
                              cases), legal, accounting, electronic
                              bulletin board, engineering, construction,
                              repair, replacement, inspection,
                              operational planning, budgeting, tax and
                              technical services, and insurance and
                              regulatory administration.


                                                3



<PAGE>




                3.1.3         Prepare   and/or   cause   to  be   prepared   the
                              engineering  design and specifications for the New
                              Facilities.

                3.1.4         Negotiate  and execute  contracts for the purchase
                              of materials, equipment and supplies necessary for
                              the   construction   of  the  New  Facilities  and
                              Operation of the Combined Facilities.

                3.1.5         Prepare, negotiate and execute in the name
                              of the Company rights-of-way, land in fee,
                              permits and contracts, and initiate and
                              prosecute eminent domain proceedings,
                              necessary for construction of the New
                              Facilities and the operation and
                              maintenance of the Combined Facilities, and
                              resist the perfection of any involuntary
                              liens against Company property.

                3.1.6         Construct and install, or cause to be
                              constructed and installed, the New
                              Facilities.

                3.1.7         Maintain accurate and itemized  accounting records
                              for  the  Operation  of the  Combined  Facilities,
                              together with any information  reasonably required
                              by  the   Company   relating   to  such   records,
                              consistent  with  the  applicable   provisions  of
                              Section 12 of the Operating Agreement.

                3.1.8         Prepare the financial reports set forth in Section
                              12 of the Operating Agreement.

                3.1.9         Cause the Operation of the Combined
                              Facilities to be in accordance with the
                              requirements of all Governmental
                              Authorities having jurisdiction, including,
                              but not limited to, the requirements of the
                              United States Department of Transportation
                              set forth in 49 CFR Parts 192, 193 and 199
                              and in accordance with sound and prudent
                              natural gas pipeline industry practices,
                              and provide or cause to be provided such
                              appropriate supervisory, audit,
                              administrative, technical and other
                              services as may be required for the
                              Operation of the Combined Facilities.

                3.1.10        Prepare and file all  necessary  federal and state
                              income tax  returns  and all other tax returns and
                              filings  for the  Company  (including  making  the
                              elections set forth

                                                4



<PAGE>




                              in Section 11.2 of the Operating Agreement).  Each
                              Member shall furnish to the Operator all pertinent
                              information in its possession  relating to Company
                              operations   that  is  necessary  to  enable  such
                              returns to be  prepared  and filed.  The  Operator
                              shall pay on behalf of the  Company  such taxes as
                              are required to be paid by the Company.

                3.1.11        On behalf of the Company, maintain and
                              administer bank and investment accounts and
                              arrangements for Company funds, draw checks
                              and other orders for the payment of money,
                              and designate individuals with authority to
                              sign or give instructions with respect to
                              those accounts and arrangements.  The
                              Company's funds shall not be commingled
                              with funds belonging to the Operator.

                3.1.12        Negotiate,  execute  and  administer  the  Service
                              Agreements in accordance with the Company's tariff
                              and applicable regulatory requirements, including,
                              but not limited to, the preparation and collection
                              of  all  bills  to  the   Customers  for  services
                              rendered thereunder.

                3.1.13        Receive  requests  and  issue   confirmations  for
                              service  and  other  gas  transportation   related
                              information from Customers and potential Customers
                              in accordance  with the  Company's  tariff and any
                              applicable regulatory requirements.

                3.1.14        Dispatch and allocate daily scheduled  nominations
                              for  natural  gas   quantities   to  be  received,
                              transported   and  redelivered  by  means  of  the
                              Combined Facilities.

                3.1.15        Utilize electronic flow measurement  equipment for
                              volume     determinations    and    natural    gas
                              chromatographs,   as  deemed  appropriate  by  the
                              Operator,  for  heating  value  determinations  as
                              described in the Company's tariff.

                3.1.16        Except as otherwise provided by applicable laws or
                              governmental  regulations or as otherwise directed
                              by the  Company,  retain  all  records,  books  of
                              account,  Company  tax  returns,  plans,  designs,
                              studies,  reports and other  documents  related to
                              the Operation of the Combined Facilities for

                                                5



<PAGE>






                              three (3) years from the date of completion of the
                              activity  to which  such  records  relate (or such
                              longer period as may be required by law).

                3.1.17        Report to the Company as soon as
                              practicable all non-routine occurrences
                              that the Operator determines may have a
                              significant adverse impact upon the
                              Operation of the Combined Facilities, make
                              any necessary repairs as a result of such
                              occurrences as the Operator deems
                              necessary, and make a follow-up report at
                              an appropriate time on the Operator's
                              response to each non-routine occurrence;
                              provided, however, that the Operator shall
                              obtain the prior approval of the Company
                              prior to performing repairs with an
                              estimated cost of over $100,000 unless the
                              non-routine occurrence is of a nature that
                              immediate repair is required, in which
                              event the Operator may make such repair
                              without such prior approval but shall
                              provide a complete and accurate report to
                              the Company of such repair as soon as
                              practicable thereafter.

                3.1.18        Perform any required major equipment
                              overhaul and replacement; provided,
                              however, that the Operator shall obtain the
                              prior approval of the Company prior to
                              performing such overhaul or replacement
                              with an estimated cost of over $100,000
                              unless such overhaul or replacement is of a
                              nature that immediate action must be taken,
                              in which event the Operator may perform
                              such overhaul or replacement without such
                              prior approval but shall provide a complete
                              and accurate report to the Company of all
                              such actions as soon as practicable
                              thereafter.

                3.1.19        Perform  such  other  duties  as  are   reasonably
                              necessary  or   appropriate   in  the   Operator's
                              discretion and enter into such other  arrangements
                              as   reasonably   requested   by  the  Company  to
                              discharge the  Operator's  responsibilities  under
                              this CO&M Agreement.

        3.2     Minimum  Pressure.  Operator agrees to design the New Facilities
                and to use reasonable efforts to operate the Combined Facilities
                in such a manner to  provide a minimum  pressure  of 550 psig at
                the points of delivery on the Existing Cardinal

                                                6



<PAGE>




                Pipeline near Burlington,  North Carolina and a minimum pressure
                of 500 psig at the  interconnection  of the Combined  Facilities
                and the  facilities of North  Carolina  Natural Gas  Corporation
                near the Wake  County/Johnston  County,  North Carolina  border.
                Operator agrees that reasonable efforts shall mean that Operator
                will not provide firm transportation  service in addition to the
                270,000  Mcf/d using the Combined  Facilities or fail to curtail
                interruptible  transportation  service if such action or failure
                to act will interfere with this pressure commitment.

        3.3     Claims.  Any and all claims  against the Company  instituted  by
                anyone other than the Operator  arising out of the  Operation of
                the  Combined  Facilities  that are not covered by  insurance in
                accordance  with  Section  8 of this  CO&M  Agreement  shall  be
                settled or litigated  and defended by the Operator in accordance
                with its best judgment and discretion except when (a) the amount
                involved  is stated to be (or  estimated  to be, as the case may
                be) greater than $100,000,  or (b) criminal  sanction is sought.
                The  settlement or defense of any claim  described in (a) or (b)
                above shall be decided by the Members  pursuant to the Operating
                Agreement.

4.      Employees, Consultants and Subcontractors.

        4.1     Operator's  Employees,   Consultants  and  Subcontractors.   The
                Operator  shall employ or retain and have  supervision  over the
                Persons (including consultants and professional service or other
                organizations)  required or deemed  advisable by the Operator to
                perform  its  duties  and   responsibilities   hereunder  in  an
                efficient and  economically  prudent manner.  The Operator shall
                pay all reasonable expenses in connection  therewith,  including
                compensation,   salaries,  wages,  overhead  and  administrative
                expenses  incurred by the Operator,  and if  applicable,  social
                security taxes, workers' compensation insurance,  retirement and
                insurance benefits and other such expenses. The compensation for
                the  Operator's  employees  shall be determined by the Operator,
                provided that the amount and terms of such compensation shall be
                comparable to those prevailing in the natural gas industry where
                Operator's  employees are located for similar  work.  Subject to
                the other  provisions  of this CO&M  Agreement,  all  authorized
                expenses pursuant to this Section 4.1 shall be reimbursed to the
                Operator by the Company as provided in the Accounting Procedure.


                                                7


<PAGE>





        4.2     Use  of  Affiliated  Entities  or  Independent  Contractors.  In
                addition,  the Operator may  utilize,  as it deems  necessary or
                appropriate,  the services of any independent  contractors or of
                its or any Member's affiliated entity;  provided,  however, that
                such  services  of the  Operator's  or any  Member's  affiliated
                entity  must be  utilized  on  terms  no less  favorable  to the
                Company  than  those  prevailing  at  the  time  for  comparable
                services of nonaffiliated independent parties.

        4.3     Standards  for Operator and its  Employees.  The Operator  shall
                perform  its  services   and  carry  out  its   responsibilities
                hereunder,   and  shall   require  all  of  its   employees  and
                contractors,  subcontractors  and materialmen  furnishing labor,
                material  or  services   for  the   Operation  of  the  Combined
                Facilities  to carry out their  respective  responsibilities  in
                accordance with sound,  workmanlike and prudent practices of the
                natural  gas  pipeline  industry  and  in  compliance  with  the
                Company's  approved  tariff  and all  relevant  laws,  statutes,
                ordinances, safety codes, regulations,  rules and authorizations
                of Governmental  Authorities having  jurisdiction  applicable to
                the Combined Facilities.

        4.4     Non-Discrimination  and  Drugs.  In  performing  under this CO&M
                Agreement,  the  Operator  shall not  discriminate  against  any
                employee or applicant  for  employment  because of race,  creed,
                color,  religion,  sex, national origin, age or disability,  and
                will  comply with all  provisions  of  Executive  Order 11246 of
                September  24,  1965 and any  successor  order  thereto,  to the
                extent that such  provisions  are  applicable to the Operator or
                the Company.  The Company and the Operator do not condone in any
                way the use of  illegal  drugs  or  controlled  substances.  Any
                person known by the Operator to be in  possession of any illegal
                drug or controlled substance will be removed by the Operator and
                not  permitted  to  work  on or  with  respect  to the  Combined
                Facilities.  In  addition,  the  Operator  shall  meet  all  the
                applicable   requirements   imposed   by   the   Department   of
                Transportation  as  specified  in 49  C.F.R.,  Parts 40 and 199.
                Furthermore,  upon  request and to the extent  permitted by law,
                the Operator  will furnish the Company  copies of the records of
                employee  drug  test  results  required  to be  kept  under  the
                provisions of 49 C.F.R. Part 199. The provisions of this Section
                4.4 shall be  applicable  to any  contractors,  consultants  and
                subcontractors retained in connection herewith, and the Operator
                shall cause the agreements  with any  contractor,  consultant or
                subcontractor to contain similar language.


                                                8


<PAGE>






5.      Financial and Accounting.

        5.1     Accounting and Compensation.

                5.1.1         The  Operator  shall  keep  a  full  and  complete
                              account of all costs,  expenses  and  expenditures
                              incurred by it in connection  with its obligations
                              hereunder   in  the   manner   set  forth  in  the
                              Accounting Procedure.

                5.1.2         The Operator shall be reimbursed by the
                              Company at the rate and in the manner set
                              forth in the Accounting Procedure for all
                              costs and expenses of the Operator in
                              connection with the Operation of the
                              Combined Facilities or otherwise to fulfill
                              the Operator's duties under this CO&M
                              Agreement; provided, however, that the
                              Company shall not be required to reimburse
                              the Operator for costs and expenses arising
                              out of Prohibited Conduct or claims for
                              non-payment of any and all contributions,
                              withholding deductions or taxes measured by
                              the wages, salaries or compensation paid to
                              Persons employed by the Operator or any of
                              its affiliated Companies in connection
                              herewith.

        5.2     Budgets and Reports.  The Operator  shall prepare and deliver to
                the  Company  for  approval,  on a  quarterly  basis  during the
                Pre-Completion Period and thereafter as directed by the Company,
                a budget  reflecting  the  estimated  costs to be  incurred  for
                Operation of the Combined Facilities during the ensuing 12 month
                period.  Such budgets shall be prepared in sufficient  detail to
                satisfy the  requirements of any lending  institution  providing
                financing for the New Facilities and/or the Combined Facilities.
                The Operator  shall also prepare and deliver to each Member such
                forecasts,  cash flow  projections  and  financial and operating
                reports  with respect to the Company as from time to time may be
                reasonably  requested  by the  Company,  including  fiscal  year
                reports  for  Members  who report  financial  results on a basis
                other than the calendar year.

        5.3     Disputed Charges.  The Company may, within the
                audit period referred to in Section 5.5 hereof,
                take written exception to any bill or statement

                                                9



<PAGE>




                rendered by the Operator for any expenditure or any part thereof
                on  the   ground   that  the  same  was  not   appropriate   for
                reimbursement  under  the  terms of  Section  5.1.2  above.  The
                Company  shall  nevertheless  pay in full when due the amount of
                all statements submitted by the Operator. Such payment shall not
                be  deemed a waiver of the right of the  Company  to recoup  any
                contested portion of any bill or statement;  provided,  however,
                that if the amount as to which such  written  exception is taken
                or any part thereof is ultimately  determined in accordance with
                Section 11.2 of this CO&M  Agreement not to be  appropriate  for
                reimbursement  under  the  terms of  Section  5.1.2 of this CO&M
                Agreement,  such amount or portion  thereof (as the case may be)
                shall be refunded by the Operator to the Company,  together with
                interest  thereon at a rate  (which in no event  shall be higher
                than the maximum rate permitted by applicable  law) equal to two
                percent (2%) per annum over the prime rate of Citibank, N.A. (or
                its  successor)  from  time to time  publicly  announced  and in
                effect,  during  the  period  from  the date of  payment  by the
                Company to the date of refund by the Operator.

        5.4     Rate  Reviews.   Subject  to  Section  7.1.5  of  the  Operating
                Agreement the Operator  shall review from time to time the rates
                and fees charged for natural gas  transportation  services,  and
                subject to the  receipt of any  required  regulatory  approvals,
                revise such rates and fees as the Operator may deem  appropriate
                for the  Company,  as such  rates  and fees  should  in  general
                reflect  increased  or decreased  costs or other  changes in the
                conditions of service.

        5.5     Audit and Examination.  The Company or any Member,  after thirty
                (30) Days'  notice in writing  to the  Operator,  shall have the
                right during normal  business hours to audit or examine,  at the
                expense of the Company or the requesting  Member as the case may
                be, all books and records maintained by the Operator, as well as
                the  relevant  books of account of the  Operator's  contractors,
                relating to the Operation of the Combined Facilities;  provided,
                however, that the total number of full audits


                                               10



<PAGE>



                commenced  in any Year  pursuant  to this  Section 5.5 shall not
                exceed two.  Such right shall include the right to meet with the
                Operator's internal and independent  auditors to discuss matters
                relevant to the audit or examination. The Company shall have two
                Years after the close of a Year in which to make an audit of the
                Operator's records for such Year;  provided,  however,  that any
                audits relating to  construction  costs may be made up to twenty
                four (24) Months after the in-service date of the New Facilities
                (not  including  any  Modifications)  or  after  the  date  that
                construction of the  Modification in question was completed,  as
                certified  in  writing  by  the  Operator,  in  the  case  of  a
                Modification.

6.      Intellectual Property; License to Operator.  Each Member
        hereby grants to the Operator an irrevocable, royalty-
        free, non-exclusive and non-assignable license to use,
        during the term of this CO&M Agreement, any confidential
        information provided to the Company or the Operator by
        said Member and designated as such by said Member.  For
        purposes of this Section 6, confidential information
        shall include, but shall not be limited to, inventions
        (whether patented or not) and copyrighted or
        copyrightable material.  As a condition precedent to the
        effectiveness of such license to use, the Operator
        hereby expressly agrees that it will utilize such
        confidential information solely in connection with the
        performance of its duties hereunder and further
        expressly agrees that it will be subject to and bound by
        the provisions set forth in Section 4.7.2 of the
        Operating Agreement as if it were a Member.  Upon
        termination of this CO&M Agreement or its removal as
        Operator, such license shall terminate and the Operator
        shall return all confidential information that has been
        provided to it, together with all reproductions thereof
        in the Operator's possession, pursuant to such license
        to use, to the Member from whom it obtained such
        confidential information.

7.      Indemnification.  The Company agrees to indemnify, hold
        harmless and defend the Operator and its affiliated
        companies and their respective officers, directors,
        employees and agents (but not including any Member of
        the Company, in its capacity as such) from and against,
        and the indemnified parties shall have no liability to
        the Company for, any and all Liabilities incurred
        arising out of or relating to this CO&M Agreement or the
        Operation of the Combined Facilities, regardless of
        cause, including Liabilities attributable to the sole,
        joint or concurrent negligence of the indemnified
        parties hereunder; provided, however, that the Company
        shall not be required to indemnify or hold harmless the
        indemnified parties from or against any Liabilities
        attributable to the actions or omissions of Operator in
        maintaining and administering accounts and arrangements
        as set forth in Section 3.1.11 of this CO&M Agreement;
        provided, further, that the Company shall not be
        required to indemnify or hold harmless the indemnified
        parties from or against any Liabilities attributable to
        Prohibited Conduct or claims for non-payment of any and

                                               11



<PAGE>



        all  contributions,  withholding  deductions  or taxes  measured  by the
        wages, salaries or compensation paid to Persons employed by the Operator
        or any of its affiliates in connection herewith. In the event applicable
        law  limits  in any way  the  extent  to  which  indemnification  may be
        provided  to an  indemnitee,  this  Section  7  shall  be  automatically
        amended,  in keeping with the express intent of the parties  hereto,  as
        necessary to render all the remainder of this CO&M  Agreement  valid and
        enforceable  and to provide that the  indemnifications  provided  herein
        shall extend and be effective  only to the maximum  extent  permitted by
        such law.  Upon  notice  therefor,  the  Company  shall  advance  to the
        indemnified party the costs of any Liabilities for which indemnification
        is to be sought hereunder upon the execution by the indemnified party of
        a written  undertaking  to repay  any  costs  for which  indemnification
        pursuant  to this  Section  7 is  determined  to be  improper  by mutual
        agreement  or pursuant to the  procedures  set forth in Section  11.2 of
        this CO&M Agreement,  together with interest thereon at a rate (which in
        no event shall be higher than the maximum rate  permitted by  applicable
        law)  equal  to two  percent  (2%) per  annum  over  the  prime  rate of
        Citibank,  N.A. (or its successor) from time to time publicly  announced
        and in effect,  during the period  from the date of  advancement  by the
        Company to the date of repayment by the indemnified  party. With respect
        to any claim against any indemnified party for which indemnification may
        be sought  hereunder,  the Company  shall not,  without the  indemnified
        party's  prior  written  consent,  settle or  compromise  such  claim or
        consent to entry of any judgment in respect  thereof  which  imposes any
        future obligation on the indemnified party or which does not include, as
        an  unconditional  term  thereof,  the  giving  by the  claimant  or the
        plaintiff  to the  indemnified  party a release  from all  liability  in
        respect of such  claim.  The Company (a) shall have the right to defend,
        at its cost and expense, such claim in all appropriate proceedings,  and
        (b) shall  have full  control  (including  choice  of  counsel)  of such
        defense and proceedings,  including any compromise or settlement thereof
        (subject  to the  foregoing  provisions  of  this  Section  7),  and the
        indemnified  parties shall  cooperate in such defense in all  reasonable
        ways.  The  Company  shall not be  required  to provide  indemnification
        pursuant to this Section 7 to the extent,  if any, that the  Liabilities
        in question are not borne or incurred by the indemnified parties because
        of the availability of insurance proceeds from the insurance required in
        Section 8.2 of this CO&M Agreement to the indemnified parties.


                                               12



<PAGE>



8.      Insurance.

        8.1     During  the  initial  construction  of the New  Facilities,  the
                Operator  shall  cause  to be  carried  and  maintained,  either
                directly or through the contractor  building the New Facilities,
                with the limits  directed by the Company to cover  liability for
                personal  injury or death,  physical loss and damage to property
                during  construction,  with a deductible  amount selected by the
                Operator.  The insurance shall name the Operator and the Company
                as insureds.

        8.2     At all times during the  construction  of the New Facilities and
                during the  Operation of the Combined  Facilities,  the Operator
                shall provide (a) workers' compensation  insurance granting full
                compensation under the worker's compensation law of any state in
                which  operations  are conducted,  and (b) employer's  liability
                insurance with limits of not less than $2,000,000 per occurrence
                for  all of the  Operator's  employees  engaged  in  work on the
                Combined Facilities,  and (c) automobile liability insurance for
                all vehicles owned or used by the Operator, covering injuries to
                or death of  persons  and  damage to  property,  with a combined
                single limit of not less than $2,000,000 per occurrence.

        8.3     If permitted by applicable law, the Operator may self-insure the
                workers'   compensation  and  employer's   liability   insurance
                required above.

        8.4     Operator  shall  procure and maintain for the benefit of Company
                and Operator during the Operation of the Combined Facilities,  a
                general  liability or excess  liability  insurance policy with a
                combined  single limit of $10,000,000  per occurrence for bodily
                injury  and  property  damage,   covering  blanket   contractual
                liability,  broad form property damage, independent contractors,
                products/completed  operations,  cross  liability and explosion,
                collapse and underground  exposures.  Operator and Company shall
                be named  insureds under this policy.  The member  companies and
                their respective parent and affiliated  companies and Operator's
                parent and  affiliated  companies  shall be named as  additional
                insureds  under this policy,  but only for the  Operation of the
                Combined Facilities. This insurance shall be endorsed to provide
                primary  insurance over any other insurance  maintained by or on
                behalf  of  the  Operator  or  the  member  companies  or  their
                respective  parent and  affiliated  companies,  and to waive all
                rights  of  subrogation  in favor  of  Operator  and the  member
                companies and

                                               13



<PAGE>



                their respective parent and affiliated companies.  Operator will
                have a certificate of insurance issued evidencing this insurance
                upon the  specific  request of the  Company or any of its member
                companies.

        8.5     The costs  for  premiums,  deductibles  and  retentions  for the
                insurance  maintained  by the  Operator  pursuant  to this  CO&M
                Agreement shall be  reimbursable  costs pursuant to Section 5 of
                this CO&M Agreement. In addition, in the event that the Operator
                self-insures the workers'  compensation and employer's liability
                insurance  required  above,  the Operator shall be reimbursed as
                provided in Section 3.09 of the Accounting Procedure.

        8.6     After  completion of  construction  of the New  Facilities,  the
                Company shall at all times be responsible  for insuring  against
                liability  exposures with regard to the Combined  Facilities and
                the operation,  maintenance and construction thereof,  except as
                described in Section 8.2 of this CO&M Agreement.

        8.7     The Operator,  the Company and the Members hereby waive, and the
                insurers  of any of them shall  waive,  all  rights of  recovery
                against one another,  the  affiliated  companies of each and the
                insurers  of any of them  with  respect  to damage to or loss of
                property that is a part of the Combined Facilities (collectively
                referred to as  "Damages").  Such  waiver of  recovery  shall be
                effective regardless of the cause of the Damages,  including any
                Damages attributable to the sole, joint or concurrent negligence
                of the party  causing the  Damages,  but  excluding  any Damages
                attributable  to the gross  negligence or willful  misconduct of
                the party  causing the Damages.  All such  policies of insurance
                purchased to cover the Combined  Facilities or any part thereof,
                or the Operation of the Combined Facilities or any part thereof,
                or any natural gas received,  transported or delivered using the
                Combined  Facilities,  shall be endorsed  properly to effectuate
                this waiver of recovery.  In  addition,  each  Member's  general
                liability insurance  (including excess insurance) policies shall
                be worded to provide a waiver of all subrogation rights in favor
                of the Operator, the Company and the other Members.

9.      Term.  This CO&M Agreement  shall be effective as of the date hereof and
        shall  continue for the term of the Company as provided in the Company's
        Articles of Organization; provided, however, that this CO&M

                                               14



<PAGE>




        Agreement  shall be  terminated  earlier  upon the first to occur of the
        following:  (a) the Operator or its affiliated company which is a Member
        ceases to be a Member;  or (b) the Operator  commits a material  default
        under this CO&M Agreement and such material  default  continues for a of
        120 days after notice thereof by the Company to the Operator  (provided,
        however,  that no termination  shall occur if the Operator has initiated
        action  to cure  such  material  default  but,  despite  its good  faith
        efforts,  it has been unable to  complete  such cure within such 120 day
        period).

10.     Survival of Obligations.  The termination of this CO&M
        Agreement shall not discharge any Party from any
        obligation which it owes to any other Party by reason of
        any transaction, commitment or agreement entered into,
        or any Liabilities that shall occur or arise (or the
        circumstances, events or basis of which shall occur or
        arise) prior to such termination.  It is the intent of
        the Parties that any obligation owed by a Party to the
        other Party (whether the same shall be known or unknown
        at the time of termination hereof, or whether the
        circumstances, events or basis of the same shall be
        known or unknown at the termination hereof) shall
        survive the time of termination of this CO&M Agreement.

11. Law of the Contract and Arbitration.

        11.1      Law of the Contract.  THIS CO&M AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY
                  AND  INTERPRETED  IN ACCORDANCE  WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF
                  NORTH  CAROLINA,   EXCLUDING  ANY  CONFLICT-OF-LAWS   RULE  OR
                  PRINCIPLE THAT MIGHT REFER THE GOVERNANCE OR THE  CONSTRUCTION
                  OF THIS CO&M AGREEMENT TO THE LAW OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.

        11.2      Arbitration.

                  11.2.1        In the event that the Parties are unable
                                to agree on any matter relating to this
                                CO&M Agreement, the Company or the
                                Operator may upon notice given to the
                                other call for submission of such matter
                                to arbitration.  The Party requesting
                                arbitration shall set forth in such
                                notice in adequate detail the issues to
                                be arbitrated, and within ten (10) Days
                                from the receipt of such notice, the
                                other Party may set forth in adequate
                                detail additional related issues to be
                                arbitrated.  Within ten (10) Days after
                                the giving of such latter notice, each
                                Party shall furnish to the other Party a
                                notice ("Decision Notice") setting forth
                                the decision (on a word-for-word basis)

                                               15



<PAGE>



                                that such Party wishes the arbitrator(s) to make
                                with  respect  to the  issues to be  arbitrated.
                                Within  ten (10) Days  after  the  giving of the
                                latter of the two Decision Notices,  the Parties
                                shall attend a meeting ("Meeting") at a mutually
                                acceptable  time and place to discuss  fully the
                                content  of  such  Decision  Notices  and  based
                                thereon determine whether either or both wish to
                                modify  their  Decision  Notices in any way. Any
                                such modifications  shall be discussed with each
                                other,  so that when each  Party  finalizes  its
                                Decision  Notice,  it  shall  do  so  with  full
                                knowledge  of the  content of the other  Party's
                                final Decision Notice.  The finalization of such
                                Decision  Notices  and the  delivery  of same by
                                each  Party  to the  other  shall  occur  at the
                                Meeting unless by mutual agreement they agree to
                                have one or more  additional  Meetings  for such
                                purposes.  If  arbitration  is invoked by either
                                Party, the decision of the arbitrators  shall be
                                final and binding upon all Parties,  and neither
                                Party shall seek to have the  applicable  issues
                                litigated rather than arbitrated  (except as may
                                be otherwise required by law).

                  11.2.2        It is the intent of the Parties that, to
                                the extent practicable, such binding
                                arbitration shall be conducted by a
                                person knowledgeable and experienced in
                                the type of matter that is the subject of
                                the dispute.  In the event the Parties
                                are unable to agree upon such person
                                within ten Days after the last Meeting
                                held pursuant to Section 12.2.1 above,
                                then each Party shall select a person
                                that it believes has the qualifications
                                set forth above as its designated
                                arbitrator (which selection shall be
                                accomplished by notifying the other Party
                                of the identity of such person), and such
                                arbitrators so designated shall mutually
                                agree upon a similarly qualified third
                                person to complete the arbitration panel;
                                provided, however, that if one of the
                                Parties fails to select its designated
                                arbitrator as specified herein within ten
                                (10) Days of receiving notice from the
                                other Party that such other Party has
                                selected its designated arbitrator then

                                               16



<PAGE>



                                the  arbitration  provided  for herein  shall be
                                conducted by the one  arbitrator so  designated.
                                In the event that the  persons  selected  by the
                                Parties are unable to agree on a third member of
                                the  panel   within  ten  (10)  Days  after  the
                                selection of the latter of the two  arbitrators,
                                such person shall be  designated by the American
                                Arbitration Association. Upon final selection of
                                the  entire   panel,   such  panel   shall,   as
                                expeditiously  as  possible  (and  if  possible,
                                within  ninety (90) Days after the  selection of
                                the last  arbitrator),  render a decision on the
                                matter  submitted  for  arbitration.  Such panel
                                shall be required to adopt  either the  decision
                                set  forth  in  the  Operator's  final  Decision
                                Notice  or  the   decision   set  forth  in  the
                                Company's  final Decision  Notice and shall have
                                no power  whatsoever  to reach any other result.
                                Such panel shall adopt the decision  that in its
                                judgement  is the more  fair,  equitable  and in
                                conformity   with  this  CO&M   Agreement.   The
                                arbitration shall be conducted in North Carolina
                                in accordance  with the  commercial  arbitration
                                rules of the American Arbitration Association.

                  11.2.3        Upon the determination of any such
                                dispute, the arbitrators shall bill the
                                costs attributable to such binding
                                arbitration to the losing Party;
                                provided, however, that the arbitrators
                                shall be empowered to apportion such
                                costs between the Parties if they deem it
                                appropriate.

                  11.2.4        It is the intent of the Parties that,
                                once arbitration is invoked by either
                                Party pursuant to the provisions of this
                                Section 11, the matters set for
                                arbitration shall be decided as set forth
                                herein, and they shall not seek to have
                                this Section 11 rendered unenforceable or
                                to have such matter decided in any other
                                way; provided, however, that nothing
                                herein shall prevent the Parties from
                                negotiating a settlement of any issue at
                                any time.

                  11.2.5        Without limiting any of the foregoing,
                                for purposes of this CO&M Agreement an

                                               17



<PAGE>



                                independent  determination  of whether an action
                                or failure to act constitutes Prohibited Conduct
                                shall be made by  arbitration  pursuant  to this
                                Section 11,  without  regard to the  findings of
                                any   court  or   administrative   body  or  the
                                settlement  or  compromise  of any claim  (other
                                than a  settlement  of the type  referred  to in
                                Section 11.2.4 above).

12.     Special  and  Consequential  Damages.  The  indemnification  provided in
        Section 7 of this CO&M Agreement shall include without limitation claims
        made by any Person for  special,  indirect,  consequential  or  punitive
        damages; otherwise,  neither Party shall have any liability hereunder to
        the other Party for any  special,  indirect,  consequential  or punitive
        damages.

13.     General.

        13.1      Effect of Agreement; Amendments. This CO&M Agreement, together
                  with the  Operating  Agreement,  reflects the whole and entire
                  agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter
                  hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings,
                  oral and  written,  among  the  Parties  with  respect  to the
                  subject  matter  hereof.  This CO&M  Agreement can be amended,
                  restated or supplemented  only by the written agreement of the
                  Operator and the Company.

        13.2      Notices.  Unless otherwise  specifically provided in this CO&M
                  Agreement,  any  notice  or  other  communication  shall be in
                  writing and may be sent by (a)  personal  delivery  (including
                  delivery by a courier service),  (b) telecopy to the following
                  telecopy  numbers  (until  changed  in  accordance  with  this
                  Section  13.2) or (c)  registered or certified  mail,  postage
                  prepaid,  addressed  as set  forth  below  (or at  such  other
                  address as may be designated  in accordance  with this Section
                  13.2):

                  13.2.1        If to the Operator:
                                Cardinal Operating Company
                                P.O. Box 1396
                                Houston, Texas  77251-1396
                                (2800 Post Oak Blvd.  77056)
                                Attention:
                                Vice President Operations & Engineering
                                Telecopy number: (713) 215-4269

                  13.2.2      If to the Company, to each of the
                              Members as set forth in the Operator Agreement.

                                               18



<PAGE>




                  Notices  shall be deemed given upon  receipt,  and a notice to
                  the Company  shall be deemed  given when  received by the last
                  Member to receive  same.  Any Party may change its  address or
                  telecopy number for notices  hereunder by providing  notice of
                  any such change to each of the other Parties.

        13.3      Counterparts.   This  CO&M   Agreement   may  be  executed  in
                  counterparts,  each of which shall be deemed an original,  but
                  all of  which  together  shall  constitute  one and  the  same
                  instrument.

        13.4      Waiver.  No waiver by either Party of any default by the other
                  Party  in the  performance  of  any  provision,  condition  or
                  requirement  herein  shall be deemed to be a waiver  of, or in
                  any manner  release the other Party from,  performance  of any
                  other provision,  condition or requirement  herein,  nor shall
                  such  waiver be deemed to be a waiver  of, or in any  manner a
                  release  of, the other Party from  future  performance  of the
                  same  provision,   condition  or  requirement.  Any  delay  or
                  omission of either Party to exercise any right hereunder shall
                  not impair the exercise of any such right,  or any like right,
                  accruing to it thereafter.

        13.5      Assignability;  Successors.  This  CO&M  Agreement  may not be
                  assigned by either  Party  without the written  consent of the
                  other Party; provided, however, that such consent shall not be
                  withheld  unreasonably;  provided,  further,  that  this  CO&M
                  Agreement may be pledged by the Company without the consent of
                  the Operator in connection with any Financing Commitment. This
                  CO&M  Agreement and all of the  obligations  and rights herein
                  established  shall  extend  to and be  binding  upon and shall
                  inure to the benefit of the respective

                                               19



<PAGE>






                  successors  and permitted  assigns of the  respective  Parties
                  hereto.  Unless otherwise agreed,  any assignment of this CO&M
                  Agreement  shall not relieve the assigning Party of any of its
                  obligations hereunder.

        13.6      Third  Persons.  Except  as  expressly  provided  in this CO&M
                  Agreement,  nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or
                  shall be  construed to confer upon or to give any Person not a
                  Party hereto any rights,  remedies or obligations  under or by
                  reason of this CO&M Agreement.

        13.7      Laws  and  Regulatory  Bodies.  This  CO&M  Agreement  and the
                  obligations  of  the  Parties  hereunder  are  subject  to all
                  applicable laws, rules, orders and regulations of Governmental
                  Authorities  having   jurisdiction,   and  to  the  extent  of
                  conflict,   such  laws,  rules,   orders  and  regulations  of
                  governmental authorities having jurisdiction shall control.

        13.8      Section  Numbers;   Headings.   Unless  otherwise   indicated,
                  references  to Section  numbers  are to  Sections of this CO&M
                  Agreement.  Headings and captions are for  reference  purposes
                  only and shall not affect the  meaning  or  interpretation  of
                  this CO&M Agreement.

        13.9      Severability.  Any  provision of this CO&M  Agreement  that is
                  prohibited or unenforceable  in any jurisdiction  shall, as to
                  that  jurisdiction,  be  ineffective  to the  extent  of  that
                  prohibition  or  unenforceability   without  invalidating  the
                  remaining  provisions  hereof or  affecting  the  validity  or
                  enforceability of that provision in any other jurisdiction.

        13.10     Further  Assurances.  Each Party agrees to execute and deliver
                  all such other and additional instruments and documents and to
                  do such other acts and things as may be  reasonably  necessary
                  more fully to effectuate the terms and provisions of this CO&M
                  Agreement.

        13.11     Guarantee. By its execution of this CO&M Agreement as a Member
                  of the Company,  the Member (in its individual  capacity) that
                  is an  affiliate of the Operator  also hereby  guarantees  the
                  performance by the Operator of all the Operator's  obligations
                  and liabilities under this CO&M Agreement.

        13.12     Superseded Agreement.  This Construction,
                  Operation and Maintenance  Agreement supersedes and cancels as
                  December 19, 1996 the Construction,  Operation and Maintenance
                  Agreement dated December 6, 1995 between Operator and Company.

                                               20



<PAGE>





           IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this CO&M Agreement to be
executed  by their duly  authorized  representatives  as of the date first above
written.

OPERATOR:

CARDINAL OPERATING COMPANY


By:   /s/ Frank J. Ferazzi
      FRANK J. FERAZZI
      Vice President



COMPANY:

Cardinal Extension Company, LLC
By each of its Members:


TRANSCARDINAL COMPANY                              PIEDMONT INTRASTATE
                                                      PIPELINE COMPANY

By: /s/ Frank J. Ferrazzi                          By:  /s/ Thomas E. Skains
    FRANK J. FERAZZI                                    THOMAS E. SKAINS
    Vice President                                      Vice President



PSNC CARDINAL PIPELINE                             NCNG ENERGY CORPORATION
    COMPANY


By: /s/ Franklin H. Yoho                           By:  /s/ Terrence D. Davis
    FRANKLIN H. YOHO                                    TERRENCE D. DAVIS
    Vice President                                      Vice President

                                               21



<PAGE>






                                    EXHIBIT A

                                       TO

                CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

                              ACCOUNTING PROCEDURE

                                    ARTICLE I

                               General Provisions


      1.01  Statements and Billings.  The Operator shall bill the Company on the
first Day of each  Month or as soon as  possible  thereafter  for the  estimated
costs and expenses for the Month, including any adjustment that may be necessary
to correct  prior  estimated  billings  to actual  costs.  If  requested  by the
Company,  the Operator will promptly provide  reasonably  sufficient support for
the estimated costs and expenses to be incurred for the Month. Actual bills will
be summarized by  appropriate  classifications  indicative of the nature thereof
and will be  accompanied  by such  detail and  supporting  documentation  as the
Company may reasonably request.

      1.02 Payment by Company.  The Company shall pay all bills presented by the
Operator as provided in this CO&M  Agreement on or before the  fifteenth  (15th)
Day after the bill is  received.  If payment is not made within  such time,  the
unpaid balance shall bear interest until paid at a rate (which shall in no event
be higher  than the  maximum  rate  permitted  by  applicable  law) equal to two
percent (2%) per annum over the prime rate of Citibank,  N.A. (or its successor)
from time to time publicly  announced and in effect.  Payment by or on behalf of
the  Company  shall not be deemed a waiver of the right to recoup  any amount in
question.

      1.03 Financial  Records.  The Operator  shall maintain  accurate books and
records in accordance  with  Required  Accounting  Practice  covering all of the
Operator's actions under this CO&M Agreement.

      1.04  Purchase  of  Materials.  It  is  contemplated  that  all  material,
equipment  and supplies  will be owned by the Company and purchased or furnished
for  its  account.  So  far  as is  reasonably  practical  and  consistent  with
efficient,  safe and  economical  operation as determined by the Operator,  only
such material  shall be obtained for the Combined  Facilities as may be required
for immediate use, and the  accumulation  of surplus stock shall be avoided.  To
the extent reasonably  possible,  the Operator shall take advantage of discounts
available by early payments and pass such benefits on to the Company.


                                                1



<PAGE>




      1.05 Interest-Bearing Account. To the extent practicable, the funds of the
Company will be held in one or more interest-bearing accounts.

                                   ARTICLE II

                                  Capital Items

      To the extent the Operator or any of its  affiliated  companies  owns real
and/or  personal  property  necessary  or  desirable  for the  Operation  of the
Combined  Facilities  that (a)  under  Required  Accounting  Practice,  might be
capitalized,  and (b) the Operator or such  affiliate in its sole  discretion is
willing to transfer  for  consideration  to the  Company,  the  Operator or such
affiliate  may, if approved by the  Company,  so transfer  such  property to the
Company.  In the event of such a transfer,  the  Operator may charge the Company
the net book value  thereof (as  reflected  on the books of the Operator or such
affiliate on the date of transfer).

      The cost of natural gas utilized for  installation,  purging,  testing and
line  pack of the  Combined  Facilities  shall  be a  capital  item.  Any  major
modification to information  systems  requiring  information  processing  and/or
programming services shall be a capital item.

                                   ARTICLE III

                               Costs and Expenses

      Subject to the limitations hereafter prescribed and the provisions of this
CO&M Agreement, the Operator shall charge the Company for all costs and expenses
provided for in Section 5.1.2 of this CO&M Agreement, including, but not limited
to, the following items:

      3.01 Rentals. All rentals paid by the Operator.

      3.02 Labor Costs. All applicable  personnel generating the following labor
costs  shall keep time sheets so that the  portion of their  salaries  and wages
chargeable  under this CO&M Agreement may be supported and calculated,  and only
such  proportionate  part of such labor costs shall be charged  pursuant to this
Section 3.02:

                   (a)  Salaries  and wages of employees of the Operator and its
affiliated  companies  engaged in connection with the  construction,  operation,
maintenance  and  administration  of the Combined  Facilities  and, in addition,
amounts paid as salaries and wages of others temporarily  employed in connection
therewith. Such salaries and wages

                                                2



<PAGE>




shall be loaded to include the  Operator's  actual  costs of  bonuses,  holiday,
vacation,  sickness and jury service benefits and other customary allowances for
time not worked paid to persons whose  salaries and wages are  chargeable  under
this  Section  3.02(a).  Direct labor  charges may be billed from the  following
areas: Operations,  Engineering, Customer Services, Legal-Assigned,  Accounting,
Tax, Rates and Planning.

                   (b)   Expenditures   or   contributions   made   pursuant  to
assessments  imposed by Governmental  Authority that are applicable to salaries,
wages and costs  chargeable  under Section  3.02(a)  above,  including,  but not
limited to, FICA taxes and federal and state unemployment taxes.

                   (c) The  costs  of  plans  incurred  by or on  behalf  of the
Operator   for  workers'   compensation,   employers'   group  life   insurance,
hospitalization,  disability,  pension,  retirement,  savings and other  benefit
plans,  that are  applicable  to salaries  and wages  chargeable  under  Section
3.02(a)  above.  Such  costs  shall be  charged  on the  basis  of a  percentage
assessment on the amount of salaries and wages  chargeable under Section 3.02(a)
above.

                   (d) Overhead costs incurred to design and install information
processing and programming  services during the construction  period.  The total
charges to the Company for these services will not exceed $50,000.

      3.03 Reimbursable  Expenses of Employees.  Reasonable personal expenses of
employees  whose salaries and wages are chargeable  under Section 3.02(a) above.
As  used  herein,   the  term  "personal   expenses"  shall  mean  out-of-pocket
expenditures  incurred by employees in the  performance  of their duties and for
which such employees are reimbursed.  The Operator shall maintain  documentation
for such  expenses in  accordance  with the  standards of the  Internal  Revenue
Service.

      3.04 Material,  Equipment and Supplies.  Material,  equipment and supplies
purchased or furnished from the warehouse or other  properties of the Operator's
affiliated companies, priced at cost plus the affiliate's appropriate purchasing
and stores overhead ordinarily in use by the affiliate.

      3.05 Transportation.  Transportation of employees,  equipment and material
and supplies necessary for the Operation of the Combined Facilities.

      3.06 Services.  The cost of contract services and utilities  procured from
outside sources.


                                                3



<PAGE>





      3.07 Legal  Expenses  and  Claims.  All costs and  expenses  of  handling,
investigating  and  settling  litigation  or  claims  arising  by  reason of the
Operation  of the  Combined  Facilities  or  necessary to protect or recover any
Combined Facilities or property, including, but not limited to, attorney's fees,
court costs, costs of investigation or procuring evidence and any judgments paid
or amounts paid in settlement or  satisfaction of any such litigation or claims.
All judgments  received or amounts  received in  settlement  of litigation  with
respect to any claim  asserted on behalf of the Company shall be for the benefit
of and shall be remitted to the Company.

      3.08 Taxes.  All taxes (except those measured by income) of every kind and
nature  assessed or levied upon or incurred in connection  with the Operation of
the Combined  Facilities or on the Combined  Facilities or other property of the
Company  and which taxes have been paid by the  Operator  for the benefit of the
Company,  including charges for late payment arising from extensions of the time
for filing that are caused by the  Company,  or that result from the  Operator's
good faith efforts to contest the amount or application of any tax.

      3.09 Insurance.  Net of any returns,  refunds or dividends,  all premiums,
deductibles and retentions paid and expenses incurred for insurance  required to
be carried  under this CO&M  Agreement.  In the event  that the  Operator  self-
insures the workers' compensation and employer's liability insurance as provided
in Section 8 of this CO&M  Agreement,  the Operator shall be reimbursed only for
the amount equivalent to the standard  premium(s) which would have been paid had
such insurance  been acquired,  and the Operator shall not be reimbursed for the
costs  associated  with any claims paid by the Operator as an insurer under such
self-insurance.

      3.10  Permits,  Licenses  and Bond.  Cost of  permits,  licenses  and bond
premiums necessary in the performance of the Operator's duties.

      3.11 General Overhead.  All other administrative and general expenditures,
including  salaries  and  wages,  bonuses,  related  benefits  and  expenses  of
personnel  of the  Operator  and/or the  Operator's  Affiliates  (excluding  the
personnel  referred to in Sections 3.02 of this Article III) who render services
for  the  benefit  of the  Operator  (in  the  performance  of  its  obligations
hereunder) or the Company, including but not limited to, administrative,  public
relations,  personnel,  purchasing,  legal and  treasury,  shall be  charged  as
follows:
                   Pre-Completion Period:  two percent (2%) of direct
                   labor costs
                   Thereafter:  five percent (5%) of direct labor
                   costs

                                                4

<PAGE>


              PUBLIC  SERVICE  COMPANY  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA,   INCORPORATED,   a
corporation  duly  organized  and existing  under the laws of the State of North
Carolina (herein referred to as the "Company," which term includes any successor
corporation  under the Indenture  referred to hereinafter),  for value received,
hereby  promises to pay to  ___________________________________,  or  registered
assigns, the principal sum of  _____________________________  Dollars on January
15,  2026,  and to pay  interest  thereon from January 16, 1996 or from the most
recent  interest  payment date (each such date, an "Interest  Payment  Date") to
which interest has been paid or duly provided for,  semi-annually  in arrears on
January  15 and July 15 of each year,  commencing  July 15,  1996,  and when the
principal  hereof shall have become due and payable,  whether at maturity,  upon
call for redemption,  by declaration of acceleration or otherwise  ("Maturity"),
at the rate of 6.99% per annum until the  principal  hereof shall have become so
due and payable,  and on any overdue principal and premium,  if any, and (to the
extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law) on any
overdue  installment  of  interest  at the same rate per  annum.  The  amount of
interest  payable on any Interest Payment Date shall be computed on the basis of
a 360-day  year of twelve  30-day  months.  In the event  that any date on which
interest is payable on the Securities of this series is not a Business Day, then
payment of interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day
that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other  payment in respect of
any such  delay),  with the same force and  effect as if made on such date.  The
interest  installment so payable,  and punctually  paid or duly provided for, on
any Interest  Payment Date will,  as provided in the  Indenture,  be paid to the
person in whose name this  Debenture (or one or more  Predecessor  Securities of
the same series) is  registered  at the close of business on the Regular  Record
Date for such interest installment,  which shall be the close of business on the
Business  Day 15 days  preceding an Interest  Payment  Date;  provided  further,
however, that (i) if this Debenture is authenticated after a Regular Record Date
and before the Interest Payment Date therefor,  such interest  installment shall
be paid on the next succeeding  Interest  Payment Date to the registered  holder
thereof  on the  Regular  Record  Date  therefor  and (ii)  interest  payable at
Maturity  shall  be paid to the  Person  to whom  principal  is  paid.  Any such
interest  installment  not punctually  paid or duly provided for shall forthwith
cease to be payable to the  registered  holders on such Regular Record Date, and
may be  paid  to the  person  in  whose  name  this  Debenture  (or  one or more
Predecessor  Securities  of the  same  series)  is  registered  at the  close of
business on a Special  Record Date to be fixed by the Trustee for the payment of
such defaulted interest, notice whereof shall be given to the registered holders
of Securities of this series not less than 10 days prior to such Special  Record
Date,  or may be paid at any time in any other  lawful  manner not  inconsistent
with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this
series may be listed,  and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange,
all as more fully provided in the Indenture  hereinafter  referred to. If at any
time this Debenture is not in global form, the principal of and premium, if any,
and interest on this  Debenture  shall be payable at the office or agency of the
Company maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New
York,  in any coin or currency of the United  States of America that at the time
of payment is legal  tender for payment of public and private  debts;  provided,
however, that payment of interest on this Debenture may be made at the option of
the Company (i) by check mailed to the registered  holder hereof at such address
as shall appear in the Security  Register or (ii) by wire transfer to an account
maintained by the person entitled thereto as specified in the Security Register.

              This  Debenture  shall not be entitled  to any  benefit  under the
Indenture hereinafter referred to, be valid or become obligatory for any purpose
until the Certificate of  Authentication  hereon shall have been signed by or on
behalf of the Trustee.

              The provisions of this Debenture are contained on the reverse side
hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect
as though fully set forth at this place.
              IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the Company has caused this Instrument to be
executed.

Dated:__________________

                     PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NORTH CAROLINA, INCORPORATED


                                By:_____________________________


<PAGE>


                                    Its:
Attest:

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



                     [FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION]
                          CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

              This  is one of the  Securities  of the  series  described  in the
within-mentioned Indenture.


                  First Union National Bank of North Carolina,
                                                 as Trustee


                           By:______________________________
                              Authorized Signatory


                         [FORM OF REVERSE OF DEBENTURE]

              This 6.99% Senior Debenture Due 2026 (herein sometimes referred to
as this  "Debenture")  is one of a duly  authorized  series of Securities of the
Company,  specified in the  Indenture  (as defined  below),  all issued or to be
issued in one or more  series  under and  pursuant to an  Indenture  dated as of
January 1, 1996 duly executed and delivered  between the Company and First Union
National  Bank  of  North  Carolina,  as  trustee  (herein  referred  to as  the
"Trustee"),  as amended and  supplemented  by the First  Supplemental  Indenture
dated as of January 1, 1996 between the Company and the Trustee (said  Indenture
as so supplemented being hereinafter  referred to as the "Indenture"),  to which
Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a
description  of the  rights,  limitations  of  rights,  obligations,  duties and
immunities  thereunder  of the  Trustee,  the  Company  and the  holders  of the
Securities of this series.  By the terms of the  Indenture,  the  Securities are
issuable  in  series  that  may vary as to  amount,  date of  maturity,  rate of
interest and in other respects as in the Indenture  provided.  The Securities of
this series are  limited in  aggregate  principal  amount as  specified  in said
Supplemental Indenture.

              If an Event of  Default  with  respect to the  Securities  of this
series  shall have  occurred  and be  continuing,  the  principal of all of such
Securities  may be declared,  and upon such  declaration  shall become,  due and
payable,  in the manner,  with the effect and subject to the conditions provided
in the Indenture.

              The Indenture  contains  provisions  for defeasance at any time of
the entire  indebtedness  of this Debenture upon  compliance by the Company with
certain conditions set forth therein.



<PAGE>


              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 of the Securities of each series affected at the time
outstanding, as defined in the Indenture, to execute supplemental indentures for
the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating
any of the  provisions of the Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights
of the  holders of  Securities;  provided,  however,  that no such  supplemental
indenture  shall,  among  other  things,  (i) change the Stated  Maturity of any
Securities of any series, or reduce the principal amount thereof,  or reduce the
rate of interest  thereon,  or reduce any premium  payable  upon the  redemption
thereof  or the amount of any  installment  of  interest  thereon,  without  the
consent of the holder of each  Security so affected or (ii) reduce the aforesaid
percentage in principal  amount of Securities that is required to consent to any
such supplemental indenture, without the consent of the holders of each Security
then outstanding and affected  thereby.  The Indenture also contains  provisions
permitting  the  holders  of a majority  in  aggregate  principal  amount of the
Securities of all series at the time outstanding  affected thereby, on behalf of
the holders of the  Securities of such series,  to waive any past default in the
performance of any of the covenants  contained in the Indenture,  or established
pursuant to the  Indenture  with respect to such series,  and its  consequences,
except (x) a default in the payment of the  principal of or premium,  if any, or
interest on any of the Securities of such series, or (y) a default in respect of
any other covenant or provision  that cannot be modified  without the consent of
the holder of each Security of such series adversely  affected thereby,  in each
case  which  default  may be  waived by the  unanimous  consent  of the  holders
affected.  Any such consent or waiver by the registered holder of this Debenture
(unless  revoked as provided in the  Indenture)  shall be conclusive and binding
upon such holder and upon all future holders and owners of this Debenture and of
any  Security of the same series  issued in exchange  herefor or in place hereof
(whether by registration  of transfer or otherwise),  irrespective of whether or
not any notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Debenture.

              No  reference  herein to the  Indenture  and no  provision of this
Debenture  or of the  Indenture  shall  alter or impair  the  obligation  of the
Company,  which is  absolute  and  unconditional,  to pay the  principal  of and
premium if any, and interest on this  Debenture at the time and place and at the
rate and in the money herein prescribed.

              As provided in the  Indenture  and subject to certain  limitations
therein set forth,  this  Debenture is  transferable  by the  registered  holder
hereof on the Security Register of the Company, upon surrender of this Debenture
for  registration  of transfer at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee (or,
if at any time this  Debenture is not in global form, at the office or agency of
the Company maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of
New York),  accompanied  by a written  instrument or  instruments of transfer in
form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by the registered
holder  hereof  or such  holder's  attorney  duly  authorized  in  writing,  and
thereupon  one  or  more  new  Securities  of  the  same  series  of  authorized
denominations and for the same aggregate  principal amount will be issued to the
designated  transferee or  transferees.  No service  charge will be made for any
such transfer,  but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover
any tax or other governmental charge payable in relation thereto.

              Prior to due presentment for  registration of this Debenture,  the
Company,  the  Trustee  and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may deem and
treat the registered  holder hereof as the absolute owner hereof (whether or not
this Debenture  shall be overdue) for the purpose of receiving  payment of or on
account of the  principal  hereof  and  premium,  if any,  and  (subject  to the
provisions of the Indenture) interest due hereon and for all other purposes, and
neither  the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee
shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.



<PAGE>


              No recourse  shall be had for the payment of the  principal  of or
the premium,  if any, or the interest on this Debenture,  or for any claim based
hereon,  or  otherwise  in  respect  hereof,  or based on or in  respect  of the
Indenture,  against any incorporator,  stockholder,  officer or director,  past,
present or future,  as such, of the Company or of any  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
being,  by the  acceptance  hereof  and as  part  of the  consideration  for the
issuance hereof, expressly waived and released.

              The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form
without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. As
provided in the Indenture and subject to certain  limitations herein and therein
set forth,  Securities  of this  series are  exchangeable  for a like  aggregate
principal  amount  of  Securities  of  this  series  of a  different  authorized
denomination, as requested by the holder surrendering the same.

              All terms used in this Debenture that are defined in the Indenture
shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.


                              [Form of Assignment]

              For value  received,  the  undersigned  hereby sells,  assigns and
transfers  unto   __________________  the  within  Debenture,   and  all  rights
thereunder,   and  hereby  irrevocably  constitutes  and  appoints  ___________,
attorney to transfer  the said  Debenture on the  Security  Register,  with full
power of substitution in the premises.

Dated:                                  __________________________
                                           Signature of Assignor


Social Security Number
or Tax Identification
Number of Transferee:                   ____________________________


Signature guaranteed by
bank, trust company or
member of New York
Stock Exchange:                         _____________________________


        NOTICE: Signature must be guaranteed by an institution which is a
      participant in the securities transfer agent medallion stamp program
                          ("STAMP") or similar program.


Signature Guaranteed:


----------------------------
NOTICE:  Signature must be
guaranteed by an institution
which is a participant in the
securities transfer agent medallion
stamp program ("STAMP") or similar
program.



                                  ARTICLE THREE

                                  Other Matters



<PAGE>


              SECTION  3.01.  (a) The Company  designates  the Trustee as Paying
Agent and Registrar with respect to the Debentures, and designates the Corporate
Trust  Office of the  Trustee  as an office  at which (i) the  principal  of and
premium,  if  any,  and  interest  on the  Debentures  shall  be  payable,  (ii)
registration  of transfers and exchanges of the  Debentures  may be effected and
(iii)  notices and  demands to or upon the Company in respect of the  Debentures
and the Indenture may be served.

              (b) The  Company  reserves  the  right to  change,  by one or more
supplemental  indentures,  any such  designation  made  pursuant to this Section
3.01.
              .

              SECTION 3.02. The proper officers of the Company may execute, with
the Paying Agent and any  Authenticating  Agent for the Debentures,  one or more
letters of representations  and other customary  documentation to the Depository
and any  supplements  or amendments  thereto  necessary or desirable to make the
Debentures eligible for deposit at the Depository;  provided,  however, that the
Company  reserves the right to terminate any such letter of  representations  or
other  agreement  by one  or  more  Officer's  Certificates;  provided  further,
however,  that the Company  reserves the right to enter into similar  agreements
with  any  other  Depository  with  respect  to the  Debentures  by one or  more
Officer's Certificates.

              SECTION  3.03.   Subject  to  the   provisions  of  the  Indenture
(including, without limitation, Section 4.6 thereof), the provisions of Sections
4.4 and 4.5 of the Indenture shall be applicable to the Debentures.

              SECTION 3.04.  The  Debentures  shall not be subject to redemption
prior to final maturity.

                                  ARTICLE FOUR

                            Miscellaneous Provisions


              SECTION 4.01. The Indenture,  as supplemented by this Supplemental
Indenture,  is in all respects  ratified and  confirmed,  and this  Supplemental
Indenture  shall be deemed part of the Indenture in the manner and to the extent
herein and therein provided.

              SECTION  4.02.  The  recitals  herein  contained  are  made by the
Company and not by the Trustee,  and the Trustee assumes no  responsibility  for
the correctness  thereof. The Trustee makes no representation as to the validity
or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture.

              SECTION 4.03. This  Supplemental  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.

              IN  WITNESS   WHEREOF,   the  parties   hereto  have  caused  this
Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed, and their respective corporate seals
to be  hereunto  affixed  and  attested,  all as of the day and year first above
written.

                            PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NORTH CAROLINA,
                            INCORPORATED
[Seal]

                            By:/s/ Charles E. Zeigler, Jr.
Attest:


/s/ J. Paul Douglas
Secretary



<PAGE>


                            FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK OF NORTH CAROLINA, as
                            Trustee

[Seal]

                              By:/s/ Karen Atkinson
Attest:                                                   Title:


------------------------------
Title:


<PAGE>

              This  Debenture  is in  global  form  within  the  meaning  of the
Indenture  hereinafter  referred  to  and  is  registered  in  the  name  of the
Depository or a nominee of the  Depository.  Unless and until it is exchanged in
whole or in part for Securities in  certificated  form, this Security may not be
transferred  except as a whole by the  Depository to a 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.

              Unless this Debenture is presented by an authorized representative
of The  Depository  Trust Company (55 Water Street,  New York) to the Company or
its agent for registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and any certificate
to be  issued is  registered  in the name of Cede & Co.  or such  other  name as
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 A PERSON IS WRONGFUL since the registered owner
hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.

             PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NORTH CAROLINA, INCORPORATED

                         6.99% Senior Debenture Due 2026

No.
1
CUSIP No. 744516AA3




<PAGE>


              PUBLIC  SERVICE  COMPANY  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA,   INCORPORATED,   a
corporation  duly  organized  and existing  under the laws of the State of North
Carolina (herein referred to as the "Company," which term includes any successor
corporation  under the Indenture  referred to hereinafter),  for value received,
hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered  assigns,  the principal sum
of Fifty Million  Dollars on January 15, 2026, and to pay interest  thereon from
January 16, 1996 or from the most recent interest  payment date (each such date,
an "Interest  Payment  Date") to which  interest has been paid or duly  provided
for, semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, commencing
July 15, 1996, and when the principal  hereof shall have become due and payable,
whether at maturity, upon call for redemption, by declaration of acceleration or
otherwise  ("Maturity"),  at the rate of 6.99%  per annum  until  the  principal
hereof shall have become so due and payable,  and on any overdue  principal  and
premium, if any, and (to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable
under  applicable  law) on any overdue  installment of interest at the same rate
per annum.  The amount of interest payable on any Interest Payment Date shall be
computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve  30-day  months.  In the event
that any date on which  interest is payable on the  Securities of this series is
not a Business Day,  then payment of interest  payable on such date will be made
on the next  succeeding  day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or
other  payment in respect of any such delay),  with the same force and effect as
if made on such date. The interest  installment so payable,  and punctually paid
or duly  provided  for, on any Interest  Payment  Date will,  as provided in the
Indenture,  be paid to the person in whose name this  Debenture  (or one or more
Predecessor  Securities  of the  same  series)  is  registered  at the  close of
business on the Regular Record Date for such interest  installment,  which shall
be the close of  business  on the  Business  Day 15 days  preceding  an Interest
Payment  Date;  provided  further,  however,  that  (i)  if  this  Debenture  is
authenticated  after a Regular Record Date and before the Interest  Payment Date
therefor,  such  interest  installment  shall  be  paid on the  next  succeeding
Interest  Payment Date to the  registered  holder  thereof on the Regular Record
Date therefor and (ii) interest  payable at Maturity shall be paid to the Person
to whom principal is paid. Any such interest  installment not punctually paid or
duly provided for shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered  holders
on such Regular  Record  Date,  and may be paid to the person in whose name this
Debenture  (or  one or  more  Predecessor  Securities  of the  same  series)  is
registered at the close of business on a Special  Record Date to be fixed by the
Trustee for the payment of such  defaulted  interest,  notice  whereof  shall be
given to the  registered  holders of  Securities of this series not less than 10
days prior to such Special  Record Date, or may be paid at any time in any other
lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities  exchange
on which the  Securities  of this series may be listed,  and upon such notice as
may be required by such  exchange,  all as more fully  provided in the Indenture
hereinafter  referred  to. If at any time this  Debenture is not in global form,
the principal of and premium,  if any, and interest on this  Debenture  shall be
payable at the office or agency of the Company  maintained  for that  purpose in
the Borough of  Manhattan,  the City of New York, in any coin or currency of the
United States of America that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment
of public and private debts; provided, however, that payment of interest on this
Debenture  may be made at the option of the Company  (i) by check  mailed to the
registered  holder  hereof  at such  address  as shall  appear  in the  Security
Register  or  (ii) by wire  transfer  to an  account  maintained  by the  person
entitled thereto as specified in the Security Register.

              This  Debenture  shall not be entitled  to any  benefit  under the
Indenture hereinafter referred to, be valid or become obligatory for any purpose
until the Certificate of  Authentication  hereon shall have been signed by or on
behalf of the Trustee.

              The provisions of this Debenture are contained on the reverse side
hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect
as though fully set forth at this place.
              IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the Company has caused this Instrument to be
executed.

Dated: January 16, 1996

                        PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NORTH CAROLINA, INCORPORATED


                        By:/s/ Charles E. Zeigler
                        Its: Chairman, President and CEO
Attest:

/s/ J. Paul Douglas
     Secretary



                                        CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

              This  is one of the  Securities  of the  series  described  in the
within-mentioned Indenture.

                                 First Union National Bank of North Carolina,
                                                 as Trustee


                                          By:/s/ Karen Atkinson
                                         Authorized Signatory

              This 6.99% Senior Debenture Due 2026 (herein sometimes referred to
as this  "Debenture")  is one of a duly  authorized  series of Securities of the
Company,  specified in the  Indenture  (as defined  below),  all issued or to be
issued in one or more  series  under and  pursuant to an  Indenture  dated as of
January 1, 1996 duly executed and delivered  between the Company and First Union
National  Bank  of  North  Carolina,  as  trustee  (herein  referred  to as  the
"Trustee"),  as amended and  supplemented  by the First  Supplemental  Indenture
dated as of January 1, 1996 between the Company and the Trustee (said  Indenture
as so supplemented being hereinafter  referred to as the "Indenture"),  to which
Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a
description  of the  rights,  limitations  of  rights,  obligations,  duties and
immunities  thereunder  of the  Trustee,  the  Company  and the  holders  of the
Securities of this series.  By the terms of the  Indenture,  the  Securities are
issuable  in  series  that  may vary as to  amount,  date of  maturity,  rate of
interest and in other respects as in the Indenture  provided.  The Securities of
this series are  limited in  aggregate  principal  amount as  specified  in said
Supplemental Indenture.

              If an Event of  Default  with  respect to the  Securities  of this
series  shall have  occurred  and be  continuing,  the  principal of all of such
Securities  may be declared,  and upon such  declaration  shall become,  due and
payable,  in the manner,  with the effect and subject to the conditions provided
in the Indenture.

              The Indenture  contains  provisions  for defeasance at any time of
the entire  indebtedness  of this Debenture upon  compliance by the Company with
certain conditions set forth therein.



<PAGE>


              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 of the Securities of each series affected at the time
outstanding, as defined in the Indenture, to execute supplemental indentures for
the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating
any of the  provisions of the Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights
of the  holders of  Securities;  provided,  however,  that no such  supplemental
indenture  shall,  among  other  things,  (i) change the Stated  Maturity of any
Securities of any series, or reduce the principal amount thereof,  or reduce the
rate of interest  thereon,  or reduce any premium  payable  upon the  redemption
thereof  or the amount of any  installment  of  interest  thereon,  without  the
consent of the holder of each  Security so affected or (ii) reduce the aforesaid
percentage in principal  amount of Securities that is required to consent to any
such supplemental indenture, without the consent of the holders of each Security
then outstanding and affected  thereby.  The Indenture also contains  provisions
permitting  the  holders  of a majority  in  aggregate  principal  amount of the
Securities of all series at the time outstanding  affected thereby, on behalf of
the holders of the  Securities of such series,  to waive any past default in the
performance of any of the covenants  contained in the Indenture,  or established
pursuant to the  Indenture  with respect to such series,  and its  consequences,
except (x) a default in the payment of the  principal of or premium,  if any, or
interest on any of the Securities of such series, or (y) a default in respect of
any other covenant or provision  that cannot be modified  without the consent of
the holder of each Security of such series adversely  affected thereby,  in each
case  which  default  may be  waived by the  unanimous  consent  of the  holders
affected.  Any such consent or waiver by the registered holder of this Debenture
(unless  revoked as provided in the  Indenture)  shall be conclusive and binding
upon such holder and upon all future holders and owners of this Debenture and of
any  Security of the same series  issued in exchange  herefor or in place hereof
(whether by registration  of transfer or otherwise),  irrespective of whether or
not any notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Debenture.

              No  reference  herein to the  Indenture  and no  provision of this
Debenture  or of the  Indenture  shall  alter or impair  the  obligation  of the
Company,  which is  absolute  and  unconditional,  to pay the  principal  of and
premium if any, and interest on this  Debenture at the time and place and at the
rate and in the money herein prescribed.

              As provided in the  Indenture  and subject to certain  limitations
therein set forth,  this  Debenture is  transferable  by the  registered  holder
hereof on the Security Register of the Company, upon surrender of this Debenture
for  registration  of transfer at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee (or,
if at any time this  Debenture is not in global form, at the office or agency of
the Company maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of
New York),  accompanied  by a written  instrument or  instruments of transfer in
form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by the registered
holder  hereof  or such  holder's  attorney  duly  authorized  in  writing,  and
thereupon  one  or  more  new  Securities  of  the  same  series  of  authorized
denominations and for the same aggregate  principal amount will be issued to the
designated  transferee or  transferees.  No service  charge will be made for any
such transfer,  but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover
any tax or other governmental charge payable in relation thereto.

              Prior to due presentment for  registration of this Debenture,  the
Company,  the  Trustee  and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may deem and
treat the registered  holder hereof as the absolute owner hereof (whether or not
this Debenture  shall be overdue) for the purpose of receiving  payment of or on
account of the  principal  hereof  and  premium,  if any,  and  (subject  to the
provisions of the Indenture) interest due hereon and for all other purposes, and
neither  the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee
shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

              No recourse  shall be had for the payment of the  principal  of or
the premium,  if any, or the interest on this Debenture,  or for any claim based
hereon,  or  otherwise  in  respect  hereof,  or based on or in  respect  of the
Indenture,  against any incorporator,  stockholder,  officer or director,  past,
present or future,  as such, of the Company or of any  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
being,  by the  acceptance  hereof  and as  part  of the  consideration  for the
issuance hereof, expressly waived and released.

              The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form
without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. As
provided in the Indenture and subject to certain  limitations herein and therein
set forth,  Securities  of this  series are  exchangeable  for a like  aggregate
principal  amount  of  Securities  of  this  series  of a  different  authorized
denomination, as requested by the holder surrendering the same.

              All terms used in this Debenture that are defined in the Indenture
shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.


                              [Form of Assignment]



<PAGE>


              For value  received,  the  undersigned  hereby sells,  assigns and
transfers  unto   __________________  the  within  Debenture,   and  all  rights
thereunder,   and  hereby  irrevocably  constitutes  and  appoints  ___________,
attorney to transfer  the said  Debenture on the  Security  Register,  with full
power of substitution in the premises.

Dated:                                   __________________________
                                             Signature of Assignor


Social Security Number
or Tax Identification
Number of Transferee:                   ____________________________


Signature guaranteed by
bank, trust company or
member of New York
Stock Exchange:                         _____________________________


        NOTICE: Signature must be guaranteed by an institution which is a
      participant in the securities transfer agent medallion stamp program
                          ("STAMP") or similar program.


Signature Guaranteed:


----------------------------
NOTICE:  Signature must be
guaranteed by an institution
which is a participant in the
securities transfer agent medallion
stamp program ("STAMP") or similar
program.



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