AES CORPORATION
S-3/A, 1997-11-19
COGENERATION SERVICES & SMALL POWER PRODUCERS
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    As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 19, 1997
                                                      Registration No. 333-39857
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D. C. 20549

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

   
                                AMENDMENT NO.1 TO
                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                             <C>                                <C>
    THE AES CORPORATION                     DELAWARE                     54-1163725
       AES TRUST III                        DELAWARE                     54-1840550
        AES TRUST IV                        DELAWARE                     54-1872293
        AES TRUST V                         DELAWARE                     54-1872355
(Exact name of Registrant as    (State or other jurisdiction of       (I.R.S. employer
 specified in its charter)       incorporation or organization)    identification number)
</TABLE>

    
                             1001 NORTH 19TH STREET
                            ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22209
                                 (703) 522-1315

  (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
                   Registrant's principal executive offices)

                                 BARRY J. SHARP
                             1001 NORTH 19TH STREET
                            ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22209
                                 (703) 522-1315

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

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

                                   Copies to:
                            RICHARD D. TRUESDELL, JR.
                              DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL
                              450 LEXINGTON AVENUE
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017
                                 (212) 450-4000

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

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

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

If the only securities  being registered on this form are being offered pursuant
to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. [ ]

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

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

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

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

THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS  REGISTRATION  STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT  SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY  STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION  STATEMENT
SHALL  THEREAFTER  BECOME  EFFECTIVE  IN  ACCORDANCE  WITH  SECTION  8(A) OF THE
SECURITIES  ACT OF  1933  OR  UNTIL  THE  REGISTRATION  STATEMENT  SHALL  BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION,  ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>



                                EXPLANATORY NOTE

     This Registration  Statement  contains two forms of prospectuses to be used
in connection with offerings of the following securities:

     (1)  Debt  Securities   (consisting  of  Senior  Debt  Securities,   Senior
          Subordinated Debt Securities and Junior Subordinated Debt Securities),
          Preferred  Stock,  Common Stock,  Stock  Purchase  Contracts and Stock
          Purchase Units of The AES Corporation.

     (2)  Preferred  Securities  of AES Trust III,  AES Trust IV or AES Trust V,
          severally,  Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities  of The  AES
          Corporation  and  Guarantees  by  The  AES  Corporation  of  Preferred
          Securities issued by AES Trust III, AES Trust IV or AES Trust V.

     Each offering of securities made under this Registration  Statement will be
made  pursuant  to one of these  Prospectuses,  with the  specific  terms of the
securities offered thereby set forth in an accompanying Prospectus Supplement.


<PAGE>


   
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED NOVEMBER 19, 1997
    

PROSPECTUS



[LOGO]

THE AES CORPORATION
$1,500,000,000

COMMON STOCK,  PREFERRED STOCK,  DEBT SECURITIES,  STOCK PURCHASE  CONTRACTS AND
STOCK PURCHASE UNITS

     The AES  Corporation  (the "Company" or "AES") may from time to time offer,
together or separately, (i) shares of its common stock, par value $.01 per share
(the "Common  Stock"),  (ii) shares of its  preferred  stock,  no par value (the
"Preferred  Stock"),  (iii)  unsecured  senior debt securities (the "Senior Debt
Securities"),  (iv) unsecured senior  subordinated  debt securities (the "Senior
Subordinated Debt  Securities"),  (v) unsecured junior  subordinated  securities
(the "Junior  Subordinated Debt  Securities"),  (vi) Stock Purchase Contracts to
purchase  Common Stock ("Stock  Purchase  Contracts")  and (vii) Stock  Purchase
Units ("Stock Purchase Units"), each representing  ownership of a Stock Purchase
Contract and Debt  Securities or debt  obligations of third  parties,  including
U.S. Treasury  securities,  securing the holder's  obligation to purchase Common
Stock under the Stock Purchase Contract,  in each case in one or more series and
in amounts,  at prices and on terms to be  determined at or prior to the time of
sale. The Senior Debt Securities, Senior Subordinated Debt Securities and Junior
Subordinated  Securities  are  collectively  referred  to  herein  as the  "Debt
Securities." The Debt Securities,  Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Stock Purchase
Contracts and Stock  Purchase Units are  collectively  referred to herein as the
"Securities."

     SEE "RISK FACTORS"  BEGINNING ON PAGE 4 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS.

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


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

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


     The Common Stock and Preferred  Stock offered  pursuant to this  Prospectus
may be issued in one or more series or  issuances  in U.S.  dollars or in one or
more foreign currencies, currency units or composite securities to be determined
at or prior to the time of any offering.  The Stock  Purchase  Contracts and the
Stock Purchase Units offered pursuant to this Prospectus may be issued in one or
more series and amounts,  at prices and on terms to be determined at or prior to
the time of any such  offering.  The Debt  Securities  offered  pursuant to this
Prospectus may consist of debentures,  notes or other  evidences of indebtedness
in one or more series and in amounts, at prices and on terms to be

INFORMATION   CONTAINED  HEREIN  IS  SUBJECT  TO  COMPLETION  OR  AMENDMENT.   A
REGISTRATION  STATEMENT  RELATING  TO THESE  SECURITIES  HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES  AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION.  THESE  SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT  BECOMES
EFFECTIVE.  THIS  PROSPECTUS  SHALL  NOT  CONSTITUTE  AN  OFFER  TO  SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE  SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER,  SOLICITATION  OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.

<PAGE>



determined  at or  prior  to  the  time  of any  such  offering.  The  Company's
obligations  under the  Senior  Debt  Securities  will rank pari  passu with all
unsecured  and  unsubordinated  debt (as  defined  herein) of the  Company.  The
Company's  obligations  under the Senior  Subordinated  Debt  Securities will be
subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt
(as defined herein).  The Company's  obligations  under the Junior  Subordinated
Debt Securities will be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in
full of all Senior  and  Senior  Subordinated  Debt (as  defined  herein) of the
Company. See "Description of Debt Securities."

     By separate  prospectus,  the form of which is included in the Registration
Statement  of which  this  Prospectus  forms a part,  three  Delaware  statutory
business trusts (the "AES Trusts"),  which are wholly owned  subsidiaries of the
Company, may from time to time severally offer preferred  securities  guaranteed
by the  Company to the extent set forth  therein  and the Company may offer from
time to time junior  subordinated  debt securities  either directly or to an AES
Trust.  The aggregate  public  offering price of the securities to be offered by
the Prospectus and such other prospectus shall not exceed $1,500,000,000.

     Specific  terms of the  Securities  in respect of which this  Prospectus is
being  delivered  (the "Offered  Securities")  will be set forth in a Prospectus
Supplement with respect to such Offered Securities,  which Prospectus Supplement
will describe,  without limitation and where applicable,  the following:  (i) in
the case of Common Stock, the specific designation,  number of shares,  purchase
price and the rights and privileges thereof, together with any qualifications or
restrictions thereon and any listing on a securities exchange;  (ii) in the case
of Preferred Stock, the specific designation,  number of shares,  purchase price
and the rights,  preferences and privileges  thereof and any  qualifications  or
restrictions  thereon (including  dividends,  liquidation value,  voting rights,
terms for the redemption,  conversion or exchange thereof and any other specific
terms of the Preferred Stock) and any listing on a securities exchange; (iii) in
the case of Debt  Securities,  the  specific  designation,  aggregate  principal
amount,  authorized denomination,  maturity,  premium, if any,  exchangeability,
redemption,  conversion, prepayment or sinking fund provisions, if any, interest
rate (which may be fixed or variable),  if any,  method,  if any, of calculating
interest payments and dates for payment thereof, dates on which premium, if any,
will be payable,  the right of the Company, if any, to defer payment of interest
on the Debt  Securities  and the maximum  length of such  deferral  period,  the
initial public  offering price,  any listing on a securities  exchange and other
specific terms of the offering;  (iv) in the case of Stock  Purchase  Contracts,
the  designation and number of shares of Common Stock issuable  thereunder,  the
purchase price of the Common Stock,  the date or dates on which the Common Stock
is required to be purchased by the holders of the Stock Purchase Contracts,  any
periodic payments required to be made by the Company to the holders of the Stock
Purchase Contract or vice versa, and the terms of the offering and sale thereof,
and (v) in the case of Stock  Purchase  Units,  the specific  terms of the Stock
Purchase  Contracts and any Debt Securities or debt obligations of third parties
securing  the holder's  obligation  to purchase the Common Stock under the Stock
Purchase  Contracts,  and the terms of the  offering  and sale  thereof.  Unless
otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the Company does not intend to
list any of the Securities  other than the Common Stock and the Preferred  Stock
on a national  securities  exchange.  Any Prospectus  Supplement relating to any
series of Offered Securities will contain information  concerning certain United
States  federal  income  tax  considerations,  if  applicable,  to  the  Offered
Securities.

     The Offered  Securities may be offered directly,  through agents designated
from time to time,  through  dealers or  through  underwriters.  Such  agents or
underwriters  may act alone or with other agents or  underwriters.  See "Plan of
Distribution."  Any such agents,  dealers or underwriters will be set forth in a
Prospectus Supplement. If an agent of the Company, or a dealer or underwriter is
involved  in the  offering of the Offered  Securities,  the agent's  commission,
dealer's purchase price, underwriter's discount and net proceeds to the Company,
as the case  may be,  will be set  forth  in,  or may be  calculated  from,  the
Prospectus Supplement. Any underwriters,  dealers or agents participating in the
offering may be deemed  "underwriters"  within the meaning of the Securities Act
of 1933.

     This Prospectus may not be used to consummate  sales of Offered  Securities
unless accompanied by a Prospectus Supplement.

     The date of this Prospectus is , 1997.


<PAGE>



                              AVAILABLE INFORMATION

     AES is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance  therewith files
reports,  proxy  and  information  statements  and  other  information  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission").  These reports, proxy and
information statements and other information may be inspected without charge and
copied at the public  reference  facilities  maintained by the Commission at its
principal offices at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,  Washington,  D.C.
20549, and at the Commission's  regional offices located at Citicorp Center, 500
West Madison Street,  Suite 1400,  Chicago,  Illinois  60661,  and 7 World Trade
Center,  Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such materials also can
be  obtained  at  prescribed  rates  from the  Public  Reference  Section of the
Commission at the principal  offices of the Commission at Judiciary  Plaza,  450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,  D.C. 20549. Such material may also be inspected
at the offices of the National  Association of Securities Dealers,  Inc., 1735 K
Street,  N.W.,  Washington,  D.C.  20006.  Such  material  may also be  accessed
electronically  by  means  of the  Commission's  home  page on the  Internet  at
http://www.sec.gov.

     The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration  Statement on Form
S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the  "Securities  Act"),  with
respect  to  the  Securities   offered  hereby  (including  all  amendments  and
supplements thereto, the "Registration Statement"). This Prospectus, which forms
a part of the Registration  Statement,  does not contain all the information set
forth in the  Registration  Statement and the exhibits  filed  thereto,  certain
parts of which have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of
the Commission.  Statements  contained  herein  concerning the provisions of any
documents are not necessarily complete and, in each instance,  reference is made
to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the  Registration  Statement
or otherwise filed with the Commission.  Each such statement is qualified in its
entirety by such reference.  The Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto
can be inspected and copied at the public reference  facilities and regional and
other offices referred to above.


                 INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

   
     The Company hereby incorporates in this Prospectus by reference thereto and
makes  a  part  hereof  the  following  documents,  heretofore  filed  with  the
Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act: (i) the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996; (ii) the Company's  Quarterly  Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1997; (iii) the Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the  quarter  ended June 30,  1997;  (iv) the  Company's
Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1997; (v) the
Company's  Current  Reports on Form 8-K filed on November 10, 1997,  November 6,
1997,  October 24, 1997, August 18, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 15, 1997, July 14,
1997,  July 3, 1997,  March 24,  1997,  March 13,  1997,  February  19, 1997 and
January  30,  1997 and the  Company's  Current  Report's  on Form 8-K/A filed on
November 7, 1997 and August 5, 1997.
    

     All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a),  13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
termination of the offering being made hereby shall be deemed to be incorporated
in this  Prospectus  by  reference  and to be a part hereof from the  respective
dates of the filing of such documents.  Any statement  contained  herein or in a
document  incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be
deemed to be modified or  superseded  for  purposes of this  Prospectus  and the
Registration  Statement  of which it is a part to the  extent  that a  statement
contained  herein or in any  subsequently  filed  document  which also is, or is
deemed to be,  incorporated  by reference  herein,  modifies or supersedes  such
earlier statement.  Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed,
except as so modified or superseded,  to constitute a part of this Prospectus or
such Registration Statement.

     The Company hereby  undertakes to provide  without charge to each person to
whom a copy of this Prospectus has been delivered,  upon written or oral request
of any such  person,  a copy of any and all of the  documents  referred to above
which have been or may be incorporated  in this  Prospectus by reference,  other
than  exhibits to such  documents  which are not  specifically  incorporated  by
reference  into such  documents.  Requests for such copies should be directed to
William R. Luraschi,  General Counsel and Secretary,  The AES Corporation,  1001
North 19th Street, Arlington, Virginia 22209, telephone (703) 522-1315.



<PAGE>



                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

     Unless  otherwise  set  forth  in  the  applicable  Prospectus  Supplement,
proceeds from the sale of the Offered Securities will be used by the Company for
general  corporate  purposes  and  initially  may  be  temporarily  invested  in
short-term securities.


                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

     The following table sets forth the ratio of earnings to fixed charges.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
                                                                                                  NINE-MONTHS
                                                                                                     ENDED
                                                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                 SEPTEMBER 30,
                                       --------------------------------------------------------- -------------
                                          1992        1993        1994       1995        1996          1997
                                       ---------  -----------  ---------  ----------  ---------- -------------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>           <C> 
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges.....   1.37        1.62        2.08       2.18        1.83          1.45
</TABLE>
    

     For the  purpose  of  computing  the ratio of  earnings  to fixed  charges,
earnings  consist of income from continuing  operations  before income taxes and
minority interest, plus fixed charges, less capitalized interest, less excess of
earnings  over  dividends  of  less-than-fifty-percent-owned   companies.  Fixed
charges   consist  of  interest   (including   capitalized   interest)   on  all
indebtedness,  amortization  of debt  discount  and expense and that  portion of
rental expense which the Company  believes to be  representative  of an interest
factor. A statement setting forth the computation of the above ratios is on file
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.

     During the period from  January 1, 1992 until June 30,  1997,  no shares of
Preferred Stock were issued or  outstanding,  and during that period the Company
did not pay any Preferred Stock dividends.


                                        2

<PAGE>



                                   THE COMPANY

     AES is a  global  power  company  committed  to  supplying  electricity  to
customers  world-wide in a socially  responsible way. The Company was one of the
original  entrants  in the  independent  power  market  and  today is one of the
world's largest  independent  power companies,  based on net equity ownership of
generating  capacity (in  megawatts)  in operation  or under  construction.  AES
markets  power  principally  from  electricity  generating  facilities  that  it
develops, acquires, owns and operates.

     Over the last five years, the Company has experienced  significant  growth.
This growth has resulted  primarily from the development and construction of new
plants  ("greenfield  development")  and also from the  acquisition  of existing
generating  plants  and  distribution   companies,   through  competitively  bid
privatization   initiatives   outside  of  the  United   States  or   negotiated
acquisitions.  Since 1992, the Company's total generating  capacity in megawatts
has  grown  from  1,829 MW to 18,538 MW (an  increase  of 914%),  with the total
number of plants in operation  increasing  from eight to 74.  Additionally,  the
Company's  total revenues have increased at a compound annual growth rate of 20%
from  $401  million  in 1992 to $835  million  in 1996,  while  net  income  has
increased  at a  compound  annual  growth  rate of 22% from $56  million to $125
million over the same period.

     AES  operates  and owns  (entirely or in part),  through  subsidiaries  and
affiliates,  power  plants in ten  countries  with a capacity  of  approximately
18,538 MW (including  4,000 MW  attributable  to Ekibastuz which currently has a
capacity factor of approximately  20%). AES is also constructing nine additional
power plants in seven countries with a capacity of  approximately  4,921 MW. The
Company's  total  ownership  in  plants  in  operation  and  under  construction
aggregates  approximately  23,459 MW and its net equity ownership in such plants
is approximately  11,882 MW. In addition,  AES has numerous projects in advanced
stages  of  development,  including  seven  projects  with  design  capacity  of
approximately   3,398  MW  that  have  executed  or  been  awarded  power  sales
agreements.

     The  Company  is also  engaged  (entirely  or in  part) in  electric  power
distribution   businesses  in  Latin  America  through  its   subsidiaries   and
affiliates.  These subsidiaries and affiliates serve approximately eight million
commercial,  industrial and  residential  customers using  approximately  63,000
gigawatt hours per year.

     As a result  of the  Company's  significant  growth in  recent  years,  the
Company's  operations have become more diverse with regard to both geography and
fuel  source  and it has  reduced  its  dependence  upon any  single  project or
customer.  During 1996, four of the Company's projects individually  contributed
more than 10% of the Company's  total  revenues,  Shady Point which  represented
approximately 20%, San Nicolas which represented approximately 16%, Thames which
represented  approximately 16% and Barbers Point which represented approximately
15%.


                                     OUTLOOK

     The  global  trend  of  electricity   market   restructuring   has  created
significant new business opportunities for companies like AES. Both domestic and
international  electricity  markets are being  restructured and there is a trend
away from government-owned  electricity systems toward deregulated,  competitive
market  structures.  Many countries have rewritten their laws and regulations to
allow  foreign  investment  and private  ownership  of  electricity  generation,
transmission or distribution  systems. Some countries have or are in the process
of  "privatizing"  their  electricity  systems  by  selling  all or part of such
systems to private  investors.  With 69 of its operating plants and distribution
companies  having been acquired or commenced  commercial  operations since 1992,
AES has  been an  active  participant  in both the  international  privatization
process and the development  process.  The Company is currently pursuing over 90
projects  including  acquisitions,  the  expansion  of  existing  plants and new
projects.

     AES  believes  that  there  is  significant  demand  for  both new and more
efficiently  operated  electric  generating  capacity in many regions around the
world.  In an effort to further grow and diversify  the  Company's  portfolio of
electric generating plants, AES is pursuing,  through its integrated  divisions,
additional greenfield developments and


                                        3

<PAGE>



acquisitions in many countries.  Several of these acquisitions,  if consummated,
would require the Company to obtain  substantial  additional  financing,  in the
form of both debt and equity financing, in the short term.


                                    STRATEGY

     The Company's  strategy in helping meet the world's need for electricity is
to participate in competitive power markets as they develop either by greenfield
development or by acquiring and operating  existing  facilities or  distribution
systems in these markets.  The Company generally  operates  electric  generating
facilities  that utilize  natural gas, coal,  oil, hydro power,  or combinations
thereof.   In  addition,   the  Company   participates  in  the  electric  power
distribution and retail supply businesses in certain limited instances, and will
continue to review opportunities in such markets in the future.

     Other elements of the Company's strategy include:

          o   Supplying energy to customers at the lowest cost possible,  taking
              into  account  factors  such  as  reliability  and   environmental
              performance;

          o   Constructing  or  acquiring  projects of a  relatively  large size
              (generally larger than 100 MW);

          o   When available,  entering into power sales contracts with electric
              utilities or other customers with significant credit strength; and

          o   Participating  in electric  power  distribution  and retail supply
              markets   that   grant    concessions   with   long-term   pricing
              arrangements.

     The Company also strives for  operating  excellence as a key element of its
strategy, which it believes it accomplishes by minimizing  organizational layers
and maximizing company-wide participation in decision-making.  AES has attempted
to create an  operating  environment  that  results in safe,  clean and reliable
electricity generation. Because of this emphasis, the Company prefers to operate
all facilities which it develops or acquires; however, there can be no assurance
that the Company will have operating control of all of its facilities.

     Where  possible,  AES attempts to sell  electricity  under  long-term power
sales  contracts.  The Company  attempts,  whenever  possible,  to structure the
revenue  provisions of such power sales  contracts such that changes in the cost
components of a facility  (primarily fuel costs)  correspond,  as effectively as
possible, to changes in the revenue components of the contract. The Company also
attempts to provide fuel for its  operating  plants  generally  under  long-term
supply agreements,  either through  contractual  arrangements with third parties
or, in some instances, through acquisition of a dependable source of fuel.

     As electricity  markets become more  competitive,  it may be more difficult
for AES (and other power  generation  companies) to obtain long-term power sales
contracts.  In markets where  long-term  contracts are not  available,  AES will
pursue  methods to hedge  costs and  revenues  to provide as much  assurance  as
possible of a project's profitability.  In these situations, AES might choose to
purchase a project with a partial hedge or with no hedge, with the strategy that
its  diverse  portfolio  of  projects  provides  some  hedge  to  the  increased
volatility of the project's earnings and cash flow. Additionally, AES may choose
not to participate in these markets.

     The Company  attempts to finance each domestic and foreign plant  primarily
under loan  agreements  and  related  documents  which,  except as noted  below,
require the loans to be repaid  solely from the  project's  revenues and provide
that the repayment of the loans (and interest  thereon) is secured solely by the
capital stock, physical assets, contracts and cash flow of that plant subsidiary
or  affiliate.  This type of  financing  is  generally  referred  to as "project
financing." The lenders under these project financing  structures cannot look to
AES or its other projects for repayment, unless such entity explicitly agrees to
undertake  liability.  AES has explicitly  agreed to undertake  certain  limited
obligations and


                                        4

<PAGE>



contingent  liabilities,  most of which by their terms will only be effective or
will  be  terminated   upon  the  occurrence  of  future   events.   In  certain
circumstances,  the  Company  may incur  indebtedness  which is  recourse to the
Company or to more than one project.


                                        5

<PAGE>



                                  RISK FACTORS

     Purchasers of the Securities should read this entire Prospectus  carefully.
Ownership of the Securities involves certain risks. The following factors should
be considered carefully in evaluating AES and its business before purchasing the
Securities offered by this Prospectus.

     Leverage  and   Subordination.   The  Company  and  its   subsidiaries  had
approximately $3.9 billion of outstanding indebtedness at September 30, 1997. As
a result of the  Company's  level of debt,  the Company  might be  significantly
limited in its  ability to meet its debt  service  obligations,  to finance  the
acquisition and development of additional projects, to compete effectively or to
operate  successfully  under adverse  economic  conditions.  As of September 30,
1997,  the  Company  had a  consolidated  ratio  of  total  debt to  total  book
capitalization (including current debt) of approximately 70%.

     The Senior  Subordinated Debt Securities will be subordinated to all Senior
Debt, including, but not limited to, the amounts outstanding under the Company's
current $425 million credit facility.  The Junior  Subordinated  Debt Securities
will be subordinated to all Senior and Senior  Subordinated Debt of the Company,
including,  but not  limited  to, the amounts  outstanding  under the  Company's
current $425 million credit facility.  As of September 30, 1997, the Company had
approximately $207 million in aggregate principal amount of Senior Debt and $782
million in aggregate principal amount of Senior and Senior Subordinated Debt.

     Upon  any  payment  or   distribution  of  assets  to  creditors  upon  any
liquidation, dissolution, winding up, receivership,  reorganization,  assignment
for the  benefit  of  creditors,  marshaling  of assets and  liabilities  or any
bankruptcy,  insolvency or similar  proceedings  of the Company,  the holders of
Senior Debt will first be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due
or to become  due  under all  Senior  Debt  before  the  holders  of the  Senior
Subordinated  Debt Securities will be entitled to receive any payment in respect
of the principal of,  premium,  if any, or interest on such Senior  Subordinated
Debt Securities and holders of Senior and Senior Subordinated Debt will first be
entitled  to receive  payment in full of all  amounts due or to become due under
all  Senior  and  Senior  Subordinated  Debt  before  the  holders of the Junior
Subordinated  Debt Securities will be entitled to receive any payment in respect
of the principal of,  premium,  if any, or interest on such Junior  Subordinated
Debt  Securities.  No  payments  on account of  principal,  premium,  if any, or
interest  in  respect  of the  Senior  Subordinated  Debt  Securities  or Junior
Subordinated  Debt  Securities  may be made if there shall have  occurred and be
continuing  a default in any payment  under any Senior Debt or Senior and Senior
Subordinated  Debt,  respectively,  or during  certain  periods when an event of
default  under  certain  Senior  Debt or Senior  and Senior  Subordinated  Debt,
respectively,  permits the  respective  lenders  thereunder  to  accelerate  the
maturity thereof. See "Description of Debt  Securities--Subordination  of Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities" and "Description of Debt Securities--Subordination
of Junior Subordinated Debt Securities."

     The Debt  Securities will be effectively  subordinated to the  indebtedness
and other obligations (including trade payables) of the Company's  subsidiaries.
At  September  30, 1997,  the  indebtedness  and  obligations  of the  Company's
subsidiaries  aggregated  approximately $3.7 billion. The ability of the Company
to pay principal of,  premium,  if any, and interest on the Debt Securities will
be  dependent  upon  the  receipt  of  funds  from  its  subsidiaries  by way of
dividends,   fees,  interest,   loans  or  otherwise.   Most  of  the  Company's
subsidiaries  with interests in power  generation  facilities  currently have in
place,   and  the  Indentures  for  the  Debt  Securities  will,  under  certain
circumstances,  permit the Company's  subsidiaries  to enter into,  arrangements
that  restrict  their  ability to make  distributions  to the  Company by way of
dividends,  fees, interest,  loans or otherwise.  The Company's subsidiaries are
separate  and distinct  legal  entities and have no  obligation,  contingent  or
otherwise, to pay any amounts due pursuant to the Debt Securities or to make any
funds available therefor,  whether by dividends, loans or other payments, and do
not  guarantee  the payment of interest on or principal of the Debt  Securities.
Any right of the Company to receive any assets of any of its  subsidiaries  upon
any  liquidation,   dissolution,   winding  up,  receivership,   reorganization,
assignment for the benefit of creditors, marshaling of assets and liabilities or
any  bankruptcy,  insolvency  or similar  proceedings  of the  Company  (and the
consequent  right of the holders of the Debt  Securities to  participate  in the
distribution  of, or to realize proceeds from, those assets) will be effectively
subordinated to the claims of any such subsidiary's  creditors  (including trade
creditors and holders of debt issued by such subsidiary).  The Company currently
conducts substantially all of its operations through its subsidiaries.


                                        6

<PAGE>



     Doing Business Outside the United States. The Company's  involvement in the
development of new projects and the  acquisition of existing plants in locations
outside  the  United  States is  increasing  and most of the  Company's  current
development and  acquisition  activities are for projects and plants outside the
United States. The Company, through subsidiaries, affiliates and joint ventures,
has  ownership  interests  in 76 power  plants  outside  the  United  States  in
operation or under construction. Thirty-nine of such power plants are located in
Brazil;  nine in the People's  Republic of China;  seven in  Kazakhstan;  six in
Argentina;  five  in the  United  Kingdom;  three  in  Hungary;  two in  each of
Australia  and  Pakistan;  and one in each of the  Netherlands,  Canada  and the
Dominican Republic.

     The  financing,  development  and operation of projects  outside the United
States entail  significant  political and  financial  uncertainties  (including,
without  limitation,  uncertainties  associated  with  first-time  privatization
efforts in the countries involved, currency exchange rate fluctuations, currency
repatriation  restrictions,  currency  inconvertibility,  political instability,
civil  unrest,  and  expropriation)  and  other  credit  quality,  liquidity  or
structuring  issues  that  have the  potential  to cause  substantial  delays in
respect of or material impairment of the value of the project being developed or
operated, which AES may not be capable of fully insuring or hedging against. The
ability to obtain financing on a commercially  acceptable  non-recourse basis in
developing  nations may also  require  higher  investments  by the Company  than
historically  have been the case. In addition,  financing in countries with less
than  investment  grade  sovereign  credit ratings may also require  substantial
participation by multilateral financing agencies. There can be no assurance that
such financing can be obtained when needed.

     The uncertainty of the legal  environment in certain countries in which the
Company,  its  subsidiaries  and  its  affiliates  are or in the  future  may be
developing,  constructing  or  operating  could make it more  difficult  for the
Company to enforce  its  respective  rights  under  agreements  relating to such
projects.  In addition,  the laws and regulations of certain countries may limit
the Company's  ability to hold a majority  interest in some of the projects that
it may develop or acquire.  International  projects owned by the Company may, in
certain cases, be expropriated by applicable governments.  Although AES may have
legal recourse in enforcing its rights under  agreements and recovering  damages
for breaches thereof,  there can be no assurance that any such legal proceedings
will be successful.

     Competition.  The  global  power  production  market  is  characterized  by
numerous  strong and capable  competitors,  many of whom may have  extensive and
diversified  developmental or operating experience  (including both domestic and
international experience) and financial resources similar to or greater than the
Company.  Further,  in recent  years,  the power  production  industry  has been
characterized  by  strong  and  increasing  competition  with  respect  to  both
obtaining power sales agreements and acquiring existing power generation assets.
In certain markets,  these factors have caused reductions in prices contained in
new power sales  agreements and, in many cases,  have caused higher  acquisition
prices for existing assets through competitive bidding practices.  The evolution
of  competitive  electricity  markets and the  development  of highly  efficient
gas-fired  power plants have also caused,  or are  anticipated  to cause,  price
pressure in certain  power  markets  where the Company  sells or intends to sell
power. There can be no assurance that the foregoing competitive factors will not
have a material adverse effect on the Company.

     Development  Uncertainties.  The majority of the projects that AES develops
are large and  complex  and the  completion  of any such  project  is subject to
substantial  risks.  Development  can require the Company to expend  significant
sums for  preliminary  engineering,  permitting,  legal  and other  expenses  in
preparation for competitive  bids which the Company may not win or before it can
be determined whether a project is feasible,  economically attractive or capable
of being financed.  Successful  development and construction is contingent upon,
among  other  things,  negotiation  on  terms  satisfactory  to the  Company  of
engineering,  construction,  fuel  supply and power sales  contracts  with other
project participants,  receipt of required governmental permits and consents and
timely implementation and satisfactory completion of construction.  There can be
no assurance that AES will be able to obtain new power sales contracts, overcome
local opposition, if any, obtain the necessary site agreements,  fuel supply and
ash disposal agreements, construction contracts, steam sales contracts, licenses
and  certifications,  environmental and other permits and financing  commitments
necessary  for the  successful  development  of its  projects.  There  can be no
assurance that development  efforts on any particular  project, or the Company's
efforts  generally,  will be successful.  If these  development  efforts are not
successful, the Company may abandon a project under development.  At the time of
abandonment,  the  Company  would  expense  all  capitalized  development  costs
incurred in connection therewith and


                                        7

<PAGE>



could  incur   additional   losses   associated  with  any  related   contingent
liabilities.  The future growth of the Company is dependent,  in part,  upon the
demand for significant amounts of additional  electrical generating capacity and
its  ability  to obtain  contracts  to supply  portions  of this  capacity.  Any
material  unremedied delay in, or unsatisfactory  completion of, construction of
the  Company's  projects  could,  under certain  circumstances,  have an adverse
effect on the Company's  ability to meet its obligations,  including the payment
of principal of, premium,  if any and interest on Debt  Securities.  The Company
also is  faced  with  certain  development  uncertainties  arising  out of doing
business outside of the United States.  See "--Doing Business Outside the United
States."

     Risks Associated with Acquisitions.  The Company has achieved a significant
portion of its growth through  acquisitions and expects that it will continue to
grow, in part, through  acquisitions.  During 1997 alone the Company consummated
several major  acquisitions  in which the Company  invested an aggregate of $1.9
billion (excluding  non-recourse debt). Although each of the acquired businesses
had a  significant  operating  history  at the  time of its  acquisition  by the
Company,  the  Company  has a limited  history  of owning  and  operating  these
businesses. In addition, most of these businesses were government owned and some
were operated as part of a larger integrated  utility prior to their acquisition
by the Company.  There can be no assurances  that the Company will be successful
in transitioning  these to private ownership,  that such businesses will perform
as  expected  or  that  the  returns  from  such  businesses  will  support  the
indebtedness  incurred  to acquire  them or the capital  expenditures  needed to
develop them.

     Uncertainty  of  Access  to  Capital  for  Future  Projects.  Each of AES's
projects under development and those independent power facilities it may seek to
acquire may require substantial capital investment.  Continued access to capital
with acceptable  terms is necessary to assure the success of future projects and
acquisitions. AES has substantially utilized project financing loans to fund the
capital  expenditures  associated with  constructing  and acquiring its electric
power  plants  and  related  assets.  Project  financing  borrowings  have  been
substantially  non- recourse to other  subsidiaries and affiliates and to AES as
the parent  company and are  generally  secured by the capital  stock,  physical
assets,  contracts and cash flow of the related project subsidiary or affiliate.
The Company  intends to  continue to seek,  where  possible,  such  non-recourse
project  financing  in  connection  with the  assets  which the  Company  or its
affiliates  may  develop,  construct  or acquire.  However,  depending on market
conditions and the unique characteristics of individual projects, such financing
may  not  be  available  or  the  Company's  traditional  providers  of  project
financing,   particularly   multinational  commercial  banks,  may  seek  higher
borrowing spreads and increased equity contributions.

     Furthermore,  because of the reluctance of commercial lending  institutions
to provide non-recourse  project financing  (including financial  guarantees) in
certain less developed economies,  the Company, in such locations,  has and will
continue to seek  direct or  indirect  (through  credit  support or  guarantees)
project   financing  from  a  limited  number  of   multilateral   or  bilateral
international  financial  institutions or agencies.  As a precondition to making
such  project  financing   available,   these   institutions  may  also  require
governmental   guarantees  of  certain  project  and  sovereign  related  risks.
Depending on the policies of specific  governments,  such  guarantees may not be
offered  and as a result,  AES may  determine  that  sufficient  financing  will
ultimately not be available to fund the related project.

     In addition to the project  financing  loans, if available,  AES provides a
portion,  or in certain  instances  all, of the  remaining  long-term  financing
required to fund development,  construction,  or acquisition.  These investments
have  generally  taken  the form of  equity  investments  or  loans,  which  are
subordinated to the project  financing  loans.  The funds for these  investments
have been  provided  by cash  flows from  operations  and by the  proceeds  from
borrowings  under the  short-term  credit  facilities  and  issuances  of senior
subordinated notes, convertible debentures and common stock of the Company.

     The Company's  ability to arrange for financing on either a fully  recourse
or a  substantially  non-recourse  basis  and  the  costs  of such  capital  are
dependent on numerous  factors,  including  general  economic and capital market
conditions, the availability of bank credit, investor confidence in the Company,
the continued  success of current  projects and provisions of tax and securities
laws which are conducive to raising capital in this manner. Should future access
to capital not be  available,  AES may decide not to build new plants or acquire
existing  facilities.  While a  decision  not to build  new  plants  or  acquire
existing  facilities  would not affect the results of  operations  of AES on its
currently operating facilities or facilities under construction, such a decision
would affect the future growth of AES.


                                        8

<PAGE>



     Dependence on Utility Customers and Certain Projects. The nature of most of
AES's power  projects is such that each facility  generally  relies on one power
sales  contract  with a single  customer  for the  majority,  if not all, of its
revenues over the life of the power sales contract. During 1996, five customers,
including   Connecticut  Light  &  Power  Company,  a  subsidiary  of  Northeast
Utilities,  accounted for 73% of the Company's  consolidated total revenues. The
prolonged  failure  of any one  utility  customer  to  fulfill  its  contractual
obligations could have a substantial  negative impact on AES's primary source of
revenues.  AES has  sought to reduce  this risk in part by  entering  into power
sales  contracts with utilities or other  customers of strong credit quality and
by locating  its plants in different  geographic  areas in order to mitigate the
effects of regional economic downturns.

     Four of the Company's plants collectively represented  approximately 39% of
AES's consolidated total assets at December 31, 1996 and generated approximately
67% of AES's consolidated total revenues for the year ended December 31, 1996.

     Sales to Connecticut Light & Power Company ("CL&P")  represented 16% of the
Company's total revenues in 1996. Moody's Investor Service Inc.  ("Moody's") and
Standard & Poor's  Corporation  ("S&P") have recently  downgraded  CL&P's senior
secured  long-term  debt from  Baa3/BBB-  to Ba1/BB+,  Both Moody's and S&P have
placed CL&P under review for possible  downgrade  or on credit  watch.  In March
1997, as a result of regulatory  action by the Public Service  Commission of New
Hampshire,  Moody's and S&P  downgraded  the senior  unsecured debt of Northeast
Utilities,  the  parent of CL&P,  from  Ba2/BB to Ba3/BB-  and placed  Northeast
Utilities on watch for possible downgrade.

     Regulatory Uncertainty.  AES's cogeneration operations in the United States
are subject to the  provisions  of various laws and  regulations,  including the
Public  Utility  Regulatory  Policies Act of 1978, as amended  ("PURPA") and the
Public  Utility  Holding  Company Act, as amended  ("PUHCA").  PURPA provides to
qualifying  facilities ("QFs") certain  exemptions from substantial  federal and
state  legislation,  including  regulation as public utilities.  PUHCA regulates
public utility holding companies and their subsidiaries. AES is not and will not
be  subject  to  regulation  as a  holding  company  under  PUHCA as long as the
domestic  power plants it owns are QFs under PURPA.  QF status is conditioned on
meeting certain criteria, and would be jeopardized,  for example, by the loss of
a steam  customer.  The Company  believes that,  upon the occurrence of an event
that would  threaten  the QF status of one of its domestic  plants,  it would be
able to react in a manner  that  would  avoid the loss of QF status  (such as by
replacing the steam customer). In the event the Company were unable to avoid the
loss of such  status for one of its  plants,  to avoid  public  utility  holding
company  status,  AES could apply to the Federal  Energy  Regulatory  Commission
("FERC") to obtain status as an Exempt  Wholesale  Generator  ("EWG"),  or could
restructure the ownership of the project subsidiary.  EWGs, however, are subject
to  broader  regulation  by FERC  and may be  subject  to state  public  utility
commissions   regulation   regarding   non-rate   matters.   In  addition,   any
restructuring  of a project  subsidiary  could result in, among other things,  a
reduced financial  interest in such subsidiary,  which could result in a gain or
loss on the  sale  of the  interest  in such  subsidiary,  the  removal  of such
subsidiary from the consolidated income tax group or the consolidated  financial
statements  of the  Company,  or an  increase  or  decrease  in the  results  of
operations of the Company.

     The United States Congress is considering  proposed legislation which would
repeal  PURPA  entirely,  or at least  repeal the  obligation  of  utilities  to
purchase  from QFs.  There is strong  support  for  grandfathering  existing  QF
contracts  if such  legislation  is  passed,  and  also  support  for  requiring
utilities  to conduct  competitive  bidding for new electric  generation  if the
PURPA purchase obligation is eliminated. Various bills have also proposed repeal
of  PUHCA.  Repeal  of  PUHCA  would  allow  both  independents  and  vertically
integrated  utilities to acquire retail  utilities in the United States that are
geographically  widespread, as opposed to the current limitations of PUHCA which
require  that retail  electric  systems be capable of physical  integration.  In
addition,  registered  holding  companies  would be free to acquire  non-utility
businesses,  which they may not do now, with certain limited exceptions.  In the
event of a PUHCA repeal,  competition  for  independent  power  generators  from
vertically  integrated  utilities would likely increase.  Repeal of PURPA and/or
PUHCA may or may not be part of  comprehensive  legislation to  restructure  the
electric  utility  industry,  allow  retail  competition,  and  deregulate  most
electric rates. The effect of any such repeal cannot be predicted,  although any
such repeal could have a material adverse effect on the Company.


                                        9

<PAGE>

     Electric Utility Industry Restructuring  Proposals. The FERC and many state
utility  commissions are currently studying a number of proposals to restructure
the electric utility  industry in the United States.  Such  restructuring  would
permit  utility  customers to choose  their  utility  supplier in a  competitive
electric  energy  market.  The FERC  issued a final  rule in  April  1996  which
requires  utilities to offer  wholesale  customers and suppliers  open access on
utility  transmission  lines, on a comparable basis to the utilities' own use of
the lines.  The final rule is subject to rehearing and may become the subject of
court litigation.  Many utilities have already filed "open access" tariffs.  The
utilities contend that they should recover from departing  customers their fixed
costs that will be "stranded" by the ability of their  wholesale  customers (and
perhaps  eventually,  their  retail  customers)  to choose  new  electric  power
suppliers.  The  FERC  final  rule  endorses  the  recovery  of  legitimate  and
verifiable  "stranded costs." These may include the costs utilities are required
to pay under  many QF  contracts  which the  utilities  view as  excessive  when
compared with current market prices.  Many utilities are therefore  seeking ways
to lower these  contract  prices or rescind  the  contracts  altogether,  out of
concern  that their  shareholders  will be  required to bear all or part of such
"stranded"  costs.  Some  utilities  have engaged in  litigation  against QFs to
achieve these ends.

     In addition,  future United States  electric  rates may be deregulated in a
restructured  United States electric utility industry and increased  competition
may result in lower rates and less profit for United States electricity sellers.
Falling  electricity  prices and  uncertainty as to the future  structure of the
industry is inhibiting  United  States  utilities  from entering into  long-term
power purchase  contracts.  The effect of any such  restructuring on the Company
cannot be  predicted,  although  any such  restructuring  could  have a material
adverse effect on the Company.

     Litigation and Regulatory  Proceedings.  From time to time, the Company and
its affiliates are parties to litigation and regulatory  proceedings.  Investors
should  review the  descriptions  of such  matters  contained  in the  Company's
Annual, Quarterly and Current Reports filed with the Commission and incorporated
by reference herein. There can be no assurances that the outcome of such matters
will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's  consolidated financial
position.

     Business Subject to Stringent Environmental  Regulations.  AES's activities
are subject to stringent  environmental  regulation by federal, state, local and
foreign governmental  authorities.  For example, the Clean Air Act Amendments of
1990  impose more  stringent  standards  than those  previously  in effect,  and
require  states to impose permit fees on certain  emissions.  Congress and other
foreign governmental  authorities also may consider proposals to restrict or tax
certain emissions. These proposals, if adopted, could impose additional costs on
the operation of AES's power plants. There can be no assurance that AES would be
able to  recover  all or any  increased  costs  from its  customers  or that its
business,  financial  condition or results of operations would not be materially
and adversely  affected by future  changes in domestic or foreign  environmental
laws and regulations. The Company has made and will continue to make capital and
other expenditures to comply with environmental laws and regulations.  There can
be no assurance that such  expenditures  will not have a material adverse effect
on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

     Control by Existing  Stockholders.  As of  September  30,  1997,  AES's two
founders,  Roger W. Sant and  Dennis W.  Bakke,  and  their  immediate  families
together owned  beneficially  approximately  22.1% of AES's  outstanding  Common
Stock. As a result of their ownership  interests,  Messrs. Sant and Bakke may be
able to  significantly  influence  or exert  control  over the  affairs  of AES,
including the election of the Company's directors. As of September 30, 1997, all
of AES's  officers and directors and their  immediate  families  together  owned
beneficially  approximately  29.2% of AES's  outstanding  Common  Stock.  To the
extent that they decide to vote together,  these  stockholders  would be able to
significantly  influence  or  control  the  election  of  AES's  directors,  the
management and policies of AES and any action  requiring  stockholder  approval,
including significant corporate transactions.

     Adherence to AES's Principles--Possible  Impact on Results of Operations. A
core part of AES's corporate culture is a commitment to "shared principles":  to
act with integrity, to be fair, to have fun and to be socially responsible.  The
Company seeks to adhere to these  principles not as a means to achieve  economic
success,  but because adherence is a worthwhile goal in and of itself.  However,
if the Company  perceives a conflict between these  principles and profits,  the
Company will try to adhere to its principles--even  though doing so might result
in diminished or foregone opportunities or financial benefits.

                                       10
  
<PAGE>

     Shares  Eligible  for  Future  Sale.   Certain  credit  facilities  of  AES
subsidiaries  are secured by the pledge of 34.6 million shares of the AES Common
Stock held by a  subsidiary  of AES.  The sale of a  substantial  number of such
shares in the public  market upon any  foreclosure  or  otherwise  could have an
adverse  effect on the  market  price of the AES  Common  Stock.

     Risk of Fraudulent Transfer.  Various fraudulent  conveyance laws have been
enacted for the  protection of creditors and may be applied by a court on behalf
of any unpaid  creditor or a  representative  of AES's creditors in a lawsuit to
subordinate  or avoid  Debt  Securities  in favor of other  existing  or  future
creditors of AES. Under  applicable  provisions of the U.S.  Bankruptcy  code or
comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer or conveyance laws, if AES at
the time of issuance of Debt  Securities , (i) incurred such  indebtedness  with
intent to hinder,  delay or defraud  any  present or future  creditor  of AES or
contemplated  insolvency  with a design to prefer one or more  creditors  to the
exclusion in whole or in part of others or (ii)  received  less than  reasonably
equivalent value or fair  consideration  for issuing Debt Securities and AES (a)
was insolvent,  (b) was rendered insolvent by reason of the issuance of the Debt
Securities,  (c) was engaged or about to engage in business or a transaction for
which the remaining assets of AES constitute unreasonably small capital to carry
on its business or (d) intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts
beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature, then, in each case, a court
of competent  jurisdiction could void, in whole or in part, the Debt Securities.
Among other  things,  a legal  challenge of the Debt  Securities  on  fraudulent
conveyance  grounds  may focus on the  benefits,  if any,  realized  by AES as a
result of the issuance by AES of the Debt Securities.

     The measure of insolvency for purposes of the foregoing will vary depending
upon the law applied in such case.  Generally,  however, AES would be considered
insolvent  if the  sum of its  debts,  including  contingent  liabilities,  were
greater  than all of its assets at fair  valuation or if the present fair market
value of its assets  were less than the amount that would be required to pay the
probable liability on its existing debts, including contingent  liabilities,  as
they become absolute and mature. There can be no assurance that, after providing
for all prior claims,  there will be sufficient  assets to satisfy the claims of
the holders of the Debt Securities.

     Management  believes that, for purposes of all such insolvency,  bankruptcy
and  fraudulent  transfer or  conveyance  laws,  the Debt  Securities  are being
incurred without the intent to hinder, delay or defraud creditors and for proper
purposes  and in good  faith,  and  that  AES  after  the  issuance  of the Debt
Securities  will be solvent,  will have  sufficient  capital for carrying on its
business  and will be able to pay its  debts  as they  mature.  There  can be no
assurance,  however,  that a court  passing on such  questions  would agree with
management's view.

     No Prior Public Market--Possible Price Volatility of Debt Securities, Stock
Purchase  Contracts,  Stock  Purchase  Units and Preferred  Stock.  Prior to the
offering,  there has been no public market for the Senior Debt  Securities,  the
Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Securities,  the Preferred Stock, the Stock Purchase
Contracts and the Stock Purchase Units. There can be no assurance that an active
trading  market for the Senior Debt  Securities,  the Junior  Subordinated  Debt
Securities,  the  Preferred  Stock,  the Stock  Purchase  Contracts or the Stock
Purchase  Units will develop or be sustained.  If such a market were to develop,
the  Senior  Debt  Securities,  the Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Securities,  the
Preferred Stock, the Stock Purchase  Contracts or the Stock Purchase Units could
trade at prices that may be higher or lower than their  initial  offering  price
depending upon many factors,  including prevailing interest rates, the Company's
operating  results and the markets for  similar  securities.  Historically,  the
market for non-investment grade debt has demonstrated  substantial volatility in
the  prices  of  securities  similar  to the Debt  Securities.  There  can be no
assurance that the future market for the Debt  Securities will not be subject to
similar volatility.

                                       11

<PAGE>



                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

     Under the Amended and Restated  Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
(the  "Certificate  of  Incorporation"),  the  authorized  capital  stock of the
Company  consists  of  500,000,000  shares of Common  Stock,  par value $.01 per
share, and 50,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, no par value.

     The following  summary  contains a description of certain  general terms of
the Common Stock and the Preferred Stock to which any Prospectus  Supplement may
relate.  Certain terms of any series of Preferred  Stock offered by a Prospectus
Supplement will be described in the Prospectus  Supplement  relating thereto. If
so indicated in the  Prospectus  Supplement,  the terms of any series may differ
from the terms set forth below. The description of certain  material  provisions
of the Common Stock and the  Preferred  Stock is subject to and qualified in its
entirety  by  reference  to the  provisions  of  the  Company's  Certificate  of
Incorporation,  and, in the case of the Preferred  Stock,  to the Certificate of
Designation  (the  "Certificate  of  Designation")  relating to each  particular
series of Preferred Stock which will be filed or  incorporated by reference,  as
the case may be, as an  exhibit  to the  Registration  Statement  of which  this
Prospectus  is a part at or prior to the time of the issuance of such  Preferred
Stock.

COMMON STOCK

     As of June 30, 1997,  there were,  after  giving  effect to the stock split
discussed below, 165,309,292 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

     The  holders  of  Common  Stock are  entitled  to one vote per share on all
matters to be voted upon by the stockholders. Subject to preferences that may be
applicable to any outstanding  Preferred  Stock, the holders of Common Stock are
entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time
to time by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board of Directors")  out
of  funds  legally  available  therefor.   In  the  event  of  the  liquidation,
dissolution  or  winding up of the  Company,  the  holders  of Common  Stock are
entitled to share ratably in all assets  remaining after payment of liabilities,
subject  to prior  distribution  rights of the  Preferred  Stock,  if any,  then
outstanding.  The Common Stock has no preemptive  or conversion  rights or other
subscription  rights.  There  are  no  redemption  or  sinking  fund  provisions
applicable to the Common Stock. All outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully
paid and non-assessable, and any shares of Common Stock in respect of which this
Prospectus is being delivered will be fully paid and non-assessable.

     The transfer  agent for the  Company's  Common Stock is First Chicago Trust
Company.

PRICE RANGE OF AES COMMON STOCK AND COMMON STOCK DIVIDENDS

     AES Common  Stock began  trading on the New York Stock  Exchange on October
16,  1996 under the symbol  "AES."  Prior to that  date,  Common  Stock had been
quoted on the NASDAQ  National  Market  System  ("NASDAQ/NMS")  under the symbol
"AESC." The  following  table sets forth for the periods  indicated the high and
low sale prices for the Common Stock as reported on the NYSE  Composite Tape and
by NASDAQ/NMS. In July 1997, the Company announced a two for one stock split, in
the form of a stock  dividend,  for  holders  of record on July 28,  1997 of its
Common Stock,  par value $.01 per share,  which was paid on August 28, 1997. The
prices set forth below are adjusted for such stock split.


                                                       HIGH              LOW
                                                    ------------    ------------
1995
- ----
First Quarter...................................... $     9.88       $    8.00
Second Quarter.....................................       9.63            8.00
Third Quarter......................................      10.81            9.25
Fourth Quarter.....................................      12.00            9.38


                                       12

<PAGE>



                                                       HIGH              LOW
                                                    ------------    ------------

1996
- ----
First Quarter...................................... $    12.63       $    10.50
Second Quarter.....................................      14.81            11.13
Third Quarter......................................      20.25            13.94
Fourth Quarter.....................................      25.06            19.63


                                                       HIGH              LOW
                                                    ------------    ------------

1997
- ----
First Quarter...................................... $    34.13       $    22.38
Second Quarter.....................................      37.75            27.50
Third Quarter .....................................      45.25            34.63
Fourth Quarter (through November 6, 1997)..........      49.63            38.94


     No cash dividends have been paid on Common Stock since December 22, 1993 in
order to provide capital for the Company's equity investments in projects.

     The  Company's  ability to declare and pay  dividends is  dependent,  among
other  things,  on the  ability of its project  subsidiaries  to declare and pay
dividends  (and  otherwise  distribute  cash) to it,  the  Company's  ability to
service  its parent  company  debt and the  Company's  ability  to meet  certain
criteria for paying  dividends  under its  corporate  credit  facility and under
existing indentures of Debt Securities.

     The ability of the Company's  subsidiaries to declare and pay dividends and
otherwise  distribute  cash to the Company is subject to certain  limitations in
the project loans and other documents entered into by such project subsidiaries.
Such  limitations  permit the payment of dividends  out of current cash flow for
quarterly,  semi-annual  or annual  periods  only at the end of such periods and
only after  payment of principal and interest on project loans due at the end of
such periods.

     Cash dividend payments on Common Stock are limited to a certain  percentage
of cash flow under the Company's  corporate  credit  agreement.  The  indentures
relating to the  Company's  existing  senior  subordinated  notes  preclude  the
payment of cash  dividends if at the time of such payment or after giving effect
thereto an event of default (as  defined) or an event that,  after the giving of
notice or lapse of time or both,  would  become an event of default,  shall have
occurred and be continuing,  if certain fixed charge coverage ratios are not met
or if the payment of such dividends,  together with other  restricted  payments,
would exceed certain limits.

PREFERRED STOCK

     As of June 30, 1997, there were no shares of Preferred Stock outstanding.

     The Board of Directors has the authority to issue Preferred Stock in one or
more  classes or series and to fix,  by  resolution,  the  rights,  preferences,
privileges and restrictions thereof,  including dividend rights, dividend rates,
conversion  rights,   exchange  rights,  voting  rights,  terms  of  redemption,
redemption prices, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting
any class or series or the  designation  of such  class or series,  without  any
further action or vote by the stockholders. Preferred Stock, if issued, will not
be entitled to any  preemptive  or similar  rights.  The  applicable  Prospectus
Supplement  will describe the following  terms of any Preferred Stock in respect
of which the  Prospectus is being  delivered  (to the extent  applicable to such
Preferred Stock): (i) the specific designation,  number of shares, seniority and
purchase  price;  (ii) any liquidation  preference per share;  (iii) any date of
maturity;  (iv) any redemption,  repayment or sinking fund  provisions;  (v) any
dividend rate or rates and the dates on which any such dividends will be payable
(or the method by which such rates or dates will be determined); (vi) any voting
rights;  (vii) if other than the currency of the United States,  the currency or
currencies  including  composite  currencies  in which such  Preferred  Stock is
denominated  and/or in which payments will or may be payable;  (viii) the method
by which amounts in respect of such  Preferred  Stock may be calculated  and any
commodities, currencies or indices, or value, rate or price,


                                       13
<PAGE>



relevant to such  calculation;  (ix) whether such Preferred Stock is convertible
or  exchangeable  and, if so, the securities or rights into which such Preferred
Stock is convertible or  exchangeable,  and the terms and conditions  upon which
such conversions or exchanges will be effected including  conversion or exchange
prices or  rates,  the  conversion  or  exchange  period  and any other  related
provisions;  (x) the place or places where  dividends and other  payments on the
Preferred  Stock will be  payable;  and (xi) any  additional  voting,  dividend,
liquidation,  redemption and other rights, preferences,  privileges, limitations
and restrictions.

     All shares of Preferred Stock offered hereby,  or issuable upon conversion,
exchange  or  exercise  of  Securities,  will,  when  issued,  be fully paid and
non-assessable.  Any  shares of  Preferred  Stock  that are  issued  would  have
priority over the Common Stock with respect to dividend or liquidation rights or
both.

     The transfer agent for each series of Preferred  Stock will be described in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS

     The  Certificate  of  Incorporation  and  By-Laws  of AES  contain  several
provisions  that may make the acquisition of control of AES by means of a tender
offer,  open market  purchases,  a proxy fight or otherwise more difficult.  Set
forth below is a description of certain of these  provisions in the  Certificate
of Incorporation and By-Laws.

     Special  Meetings of  Stockholders.  AES's  By-Laws  provide  that,  unless
otherwise prescribed by law, special meetings of stockholders may be called by a
resolution  adopted  by a  majority  of the entire  Board of  Directors,  by the
Chairman of the Board or by the President and shall be called by the Chairman of
the Board or by the President  upon written  request of  stockholders  owning at
least 10% of stock entitled to vote. Only such business as shall be specified in
the notice of stockholders of the special meeting shall be considered.

     Stockholder Nomination of Directors.  AES's By-Laws contain a procedure for
stockholder  nomination of directors.  The By-Laws provide that any record owner
of stock  entitled  to be voted  generally  in the  election  of  directors  may
nominate  one or more  persons  for  election  as a director  at a  stockholders
meeting only if written notice is given to the Secretary of AES of the intent to
make such  nomination.  The  notice  must be given,  with  respect  to an annual
meeting,  not later  than 90 days in  advance of such  annual  meeting  and with
respect  to a special  meeting,  not later  than the  close of  business  on the
seventh  day  following  the  earlier  of (a) the date on which  notice  of such
special  meeting  is  first  given to  stockholders  and (b) the date on which a
public  announcement of such meeting is first made. Each notice must include (i)
the name and address of each  stockholder  who intends to appear in person or by
proxy to make the nomination and of the person or persons to be nominated;  (ii)
a description of all arrangements or understandings  between the stockholder and
each nominee and any other person or persons (naming them) pursuant to which the
nomination  is to be made  by the  stockholder;  (iii)  such  other  information
regarding each nominee  proposed by such stockholder as would have been included
in a proxy  statement  filed  pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act; and
(iv) the consent of each nominee to serve if elected.  The presiding  officer of
the meeting may refuse to  acknowledge  the nomination of any person not made in
compliance with this procedure.

     The procedure for stockholder  nomination of directors  described above may
have the effect of  precluding  a  nomination  for  election of  directors  at a
particular meeting if the required procedure is not followed.

     Elimination of Liability;  Indemnification.  Except as set forth below, the
Certificate of Incorporation  eliminates the liability of AES's directors to AES
or its  stockholders  for  monetary  damages  resulting  from  breaches of their
fiduciary  duties as  directors.  Directors  remain liable for breaches of their
duty of  loyalty  to the  Company  or its  stockholders,  as well as for acts or
omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation  of law and  transactions  from  which  a  director  derives  improper
personal  benefit.  The  Certificate  of  Incorporation  also  does not  absolve
directors of liability under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
(the "GCL"),  which makes directors  personally liable for unlawful dividends or
unlawful stock  repurchases or redemptions if the unlawful conduct is willful or
results from negligence.


                                       14

<PAGE>



     Under AES's  By-Laws,  and in  accordance  with Section 145 of the GCL, AES
shall  indemnify  any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a
party to any  threatened,  pending  or  completed  action,  suit or  proceeding,
whether civil, criminal,  administrative or investigative (other than any action
or suit by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor,  a
"derivative action") by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director
or officer of or employed by AES, or is or was serving in such capacity or as an
agent at the  request of the  Company  for  another  entity,  to the full extent
authorized by Delaware law,  against  expenses  (including,  but not limited to,
attorneys' fees),  judgments,  fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and
reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action,
suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner the person
reasonably  believed to be in or not opposed to the best  interests of AES, and,
with respect to any criminal  action or proceeding,  had no reasonable  cause to
believe was unlawful.  AES shall indemnify  persons in a derivative action under
the  same  conditions,  except  that no  indemnification  is  permitted  without
judicial  approval  if the person is adjudged to be liable to the Company in the
performance  of  his  or her  duty.  Agents  of  the  Company  may be  similarly
indemnified at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

     Under  Section 145 of the GCL, a similar duty of care is  applicable in the
case of derivative actions, except that indemnification only extends to expenses
(including   attorneys'  fees)  incurred  in  connection  with  the  defense  or
settlement of such an action and then, where the person is adjudged to be liable
to AES,  only if and to the extent  that the Court of  Chancery  of the State of
Delaware  or the court in which such  action was  brought  determines  that such
person is fairly and  reasonably  entitled to such  indemnity  and only for such
expenses as the court shall deem proper.

     Pursuant to AES's By-Laws, a person eligible for  indemnification  may have
the expenses  incurred in  connection  with any matter  described  above paid in
advance of a final disposition by AES. However,  such advances will only be made
upon the delivery of an undertaking by or on behalf of the indemnified person to
repay all amounts so advanced if it is ultimately determined that such person is
not entitled to indemnification.

     In  addition,  under AES's  By-Laws,  the Company may purchase and maintain
insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or
agent of AES or of another  corporation  against any liability  asserted against
and  incurred by such person in such  capacity,  or arising out of the  person's
status as such  whether  or not AES would  have the power or the  obligation  to
indemnify  such person  against such  liability  under the  provisions  of AES's
By-Laws. The Company maintains directors' and officers' insurance.


                                       15

<PAGE>



                         DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

     The Debt  Securities  may consist of Senior Debt  Securities,  Subordinated
Debt  Securities  or  Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Securities.  The  Senior  Debt
Securities  will be issued  under an indenture  (the  "Senior  Debt  Indenture")
between The AES Corporation,  as issuer, and The First National Bank of Chicago,
as trustee.  The Senior  Subordinated  Debt  Securities  will be issued under an
indenture (the "Senior  Subordinated  Debt Indenture")  dated as of July 1, 1996
between The AES Corporation,  as issuer, and The First National Bank of Chicago,
as trustee.  The Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Securities  will be issued under an
indenture  (the  "Junior   Subordinated   Debt   Indenture")   between  The  AES
Corporation,  as issuer, and The First National Bank of Chicago, as trustee. The
First  National  Bank of Chicago,  in its capacity as trustee  under each of the
Indentures, is referred to herein as the "Trustee."

     Copies of the Indentures (or the forms thereof) have been  incorporated  by
reference or included herein as exhibits to the Registration  Statement of which
this Prospectus is a part and are also available for inspection at the office of
the Trustee.  The Indentures are subject to and governed by the Trust  Indenture
Act of  1939,  as  amended  (the  "Trust  Indenture  Act").  Section  references
contained  herein  are  applicable  to each  of the  Indentures.  The  following
summaries of certain provisions of the Indentures do not purport to be complete,
and where  reference is made to particular  provisions of the  Indentures,  such
provisions,   including  definitions  of  certain  terms,  are  incorporated  by
reference  as a part of such  summaries or terms,  which are  qualified in their
entirety by such reference.  The Indentures are  substantially  identical except
for provisions relating to subordination.

GENERAL

     None of the Indentures  limits the amount of Debt  Securities  which may be
issued  thereunder.  Each  Indenture  provides  that  Debt  Securities  issuable
thereunder  may be  issued up to the  aggregate  principal  amount  which may be
authorized from time to time by the Company. Reference is made to the Prospectus
Supplement  for the following  terms of the Debt  Securities (to the extent such
terms  are  applicable  to such  Debt  Securities)  in  respect  of  which  this
Prospectus  is  being  delivered  (the  "Offered  Debt  Securities"):   (i)  the
designation,  aggregate  principal  amount and authorized  denominations  of the
Offered  Debt  Securities;  (ii) the date or dates  on which  the  Offered  Debt
Securities  will mature;  (iii) the rate or rates per annum at which the Offered
Debt Securities will bear interest and the method of calculating  such rates, if
any;  (iv) the dates on which any such  interest  will be payable and the record
dates for any such interest payments;  (v) any mandatory or optional  redemption
terms or prepayment,  conversion,  sinking fund or  exchangeability  provisions;
(vi)  the  place  where  the  principal  of and  interest  on the  Offered  Debt
Securities  will be  payable;  (vii) if other  than  denominations  of $1,000 or
multiples  thereof,  the denominations in which the Offered Debt Securities will
be issuable;  (viii) whether the Offered Debt Securities  shall be issued in the
form of Global  Securities (as defined below) or  certificates;  (ix) additional
provisions,  if any,  relating to the defeasance of the Offered Debt Securities;
(x) the currency or currencies, if other than the currency of the United States,
in which payment of the principal of and interest on the Offered Debt Securities
will be payable;  (xi) whether the Offered Debt  Securities  will be issuable in
registered  form or bearer  form  ("Bearer  Securities")  or both and, if Bearer
Securities are issuable, any restrictions applicable to the exchange of one form
for another and the offer,  sale and  delivery of Bearer  Securities;  (xii) any
applicable United States federal income tax consequences,  including whether and
under what circumstances the Company will pay additional amounts on Offered Debt
Securities  held  by a  person  who is not a U.S.  Person  (as  defined  in each
Prospectus  Supplement  relating  to any  particular  series of Debt  Securities
offered  thereby)  in  respect of any tax,  assessment  or  governmental  charge
withheld or deducted  and,  if so,  whether the Company  will have the option to
redeem such Offered Debt  Securities  rather than pay such  additional  amounts;
(xiii) the dates on which premium,  if any, will be payable;  (xiv) the right of
the Company, if any, to defer payment of interest and the maximum length of such
deferral period;  (xv) any listing on a securities  exchange;  (xvi) the initial
public offering price; and (xvii) other specific terms, including any additional
events of default or  covenants  provided  for with  respect to the Offered Debt
Securities.

     As  described  in each  Prospectus  Supplement  relating to any  particular
series of Debt Securities  offered thereby,  the Indenture under which such Debt
Securities are issued may contain covenants limiting: (i) the incurrence of debt
by the Company;  (ii) the  incurrence  of debt by  subsidiaries  of the Company;
(iii) the making of certain payments by the Company and its  subsidiaries;  (iv)
subsidiary mergers; (v) business activities of the Company and its subsidiaries;


                                       16
<PAGE>



(vi) the issuance of preferred stock of subsidiaries;  (vii) asset dispositions;
(viii)   transactions   with  affiliates;   (ix)  liens;  and  (x)  mergers  and
consolidations involving the Company.

BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM

     If so specified in any accompanying  Prospectus Supplement relating to Debt
Securities,  Debt  Securities  of any  series may be issued  under a  book-entry
system in the form of one or more global securities (each, a "Global Security").
Each Global  Security  will be deposited  with,  or on behalf of, a  depositary,
which,  unless otherwise  specified in the accompanying  Prospectus  Supplement,
will be The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York (the "Depositary"). The
Global  Securities  will be  registered  in the  name of the  Depositary  or its
nominee.

     The  Depositary  has advised the Company that the  Depositary  is a limited
purpose  trust  company  organized  under the laws of the  State of New York,  a
"banking  organization" within the meaning of the New York banking law, a member
of the Federal Reserve System,  a "clearing  corporation"  within the meaning of
the New  York  Uniform  Commercial  Code,  and a  "clearing  agency"  registered
pursuant to the  provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange  Act. The  Depositary
was  created  to hold  securities  of its  participants  and to  facilitate  the
clearance  and  settlement  of securities  transactions  among its  participants
through electronic  book-entry changes in accounts of the participants,  thereby
eliminating  the need for  physical  movement of  securities  certificates.  The
Depositary's  participants include securities brokers and dealers,  banks, trust
companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations, some of which
(and/or their  representatives)  own the Depositary.  Access to the Depositary's
book-entry system is also available to others, such as banks, brokers,  dealers,
and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with
a participant, either directly or indirectly.

     Upon the issuance of a Global  Security in registered  form, the Depositary
will credit, on its book-entry  registration and transfer system, the respective
principal amounts of the Debt Securities  represented by such Global Security to
the accounts of participants.  The accounts to be credited will be designated by
the underwriters,  dealers,  or agents, if any, or by the Company,  if such Debt
Securities are offered and sold directly by the Company. Ownership of beneficial
interests in the Global Security will be limited to participants or persons that
may hold interests through  participants.  Ownership of beneficial  interests by
participants  in the Global  Security will be shown on, and the transfer of that
ownership  interest will be effected only  through,  records  maintained by such
participants. The laws of some jurisdictions may require that certain purchasers
of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such
laws may  impair  the  ability  to  transfer  beneficial  interests  in a Global
Security.

     So long as the Depositary or its nominee is the owner of record of a Global
Security, the Depositary or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered
the sole  owner or  holder of the Debt  Securities  represented  by such  Global
Security for all purposes under the Indenture  under which such Debt  Securities
are issued.  Except as set forth  below,  owners of  beneficial  interests  in a
Global  Security will not be entitled to have the Debt Security  represented  by
such  Global  Security  registered  in their  names,  and will not receive or be
entitled to receive physical delivery of such Debt Securities in definitive form
and will not be  considered  the owners or holders  thereof  under the Indenture
under which such Debt Securities are issued.  Accordingly,  each person owning a
beneficial  interest in a Global  Security  must rely on the  procedures  of the
Depositary  and, if such person is not a  participant,  on the procedures of the
participant through which such person owns its interest,  to exercise any rights
of a holder of record under the applicable  Indenture pursuant to which the Debt
Securities  relating to such Global Security are issued. The Company understands
that under existing  industry  practices,  if the Company requests any action of
holders or if any owner of a beneficial interest in a Global Security desires to
give or take any  action  which a holder is  entitled  to give or take under the
applicable  Indenture,  the Depositary would authorize the participants  holding
the  relevant  beneficial  interests  to give  or take  such  action,  and  such
participants would authorize  beneficial owners owning through such participants
to give or take  such  action or would  otherwise  act upon the  instruction  of
beneficial owners holding through them.

     Payments of principal of, premium,  if any, and interest on Debt Securities
represented by a Global Security registered in the name of the Depositary or its
nominee will be made to such Depositary or such nominee,  as the case may be, as
the registered owner of such Global Security.  None of the Company,  the Trustee
or any other agent of the


                                       17

<PAGE>



Company or agent of the Trustee will have any  responsibility  or liability  for
any aspect of the records  relating to or payments made on account of beneficial
ownership interests in such Global Security or for maintaining,  supervising, or
reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

     The Company has been advised by the  Depositary  that the  Depositary  will
credit  participants,  accounts with payments of principal,  premium, if any, or
interest  on  the  payment  date  thereof  in  amounts  proportionate  to  their
respective  beneficial  interests in the principal amount of the Global Security
as shown on the records of the Depositary.  The Company expects that payments by
participants  to owners of  beneficial  interests  in the Global  Security  held
through  such  participants  will  be  governed  by  standing  instructions  and
customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of
customers  registered in "street name," and will be the  responsibility  of such
participants.

     A  Global  Security  may  not  be  transferred  except  as a  whole  by the
Depositary  to a nominee or successor of the  Depositary  or by a nominee of the
Depositary to another nominee of the Depositary.  A Global Security representing
all  but  not  part  of  an  offering  of  Offered  Debt  Securities  hereby  is
exchangeable  for Debt  Securities in definitive form of like tenor and terms if
(i) the  Depositary  notifies  the  Company  that it is  unwilling  or unable to
continue as depositary for such Global Security or if at any time the Depositary
is no longer eligible to be or in good standing as a clearing agency  registered
under the  Exchange  Act,  and in either  case,  a successor  depositary  is not
appointed by the Company within 90 days of receipt by the Company of such notice
or of the Company becoming aware of such  ineligibility,  or (ii) the Company in
its  sole  discretion  at any  time  determines  not  to  have  all of the  Debt
Securities  represented  in an offering of Offered Debt  Securities  by a Global
Security  and  notifies  the Trustee  thereof.  A Global  Security  exchangeable
pursuant to the preceding  sentence shall be  exchangeable  for Debt  Securities
registered in such names and in such authorized  denominations as the Depositary
for such Global Security shall direct.  The Debt Securities of a series may also
be issued in the form of one or more bearer  global Debt  Securities  (a "Bearer
Global Security") that will be deposited with a common depositary for Euro-clear
and CEDEL,  or with a nominee for such  depositary  identified in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to such series. The specific terms and procedures, including
the specific terms of the depositary arrangement, with respect to any portion of
a series of Debt  Securities to be represented by a Bearer Global  Security will
be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series.

SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES

     The payment of principal  of,  premium,  if any, and interest on the Senior
Debt  Securities  will,  to the extent and in the manner set forth in the Senior
Debt Indenture,  rank pari passu with all unsecured and  unsubordinated  debt of
the Company.

SUBORDINATION OF SENIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES

     The payment of principal  of,  premium,  if any, and interest on the Senior
Subordinated  Debt Securities will, to the extent and in the manner set forth in
the Senior  Subordinated Debt Indenture,  be subordinated in right of payment to
the prior payment in full, in cash equivalents, of all Senior Debt.

     Upon  any  payment  or   distribution  of  assets  to  creditors  upon  any
liquidation, dissolution, winding up, receivership,  reorganization,  assignment
for the  benefit  of  creditors,  marshaling  of assets and  liabilities  or any
bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceedings of the Company, the holders of all
Senior Debt will first be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due
or to become due  thereon  before the  holders of the Senior  Subordinated  Debt
Securities  will be entitled to receive any payment in respect of the  principal
of, premium, if any, or interest on the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities.

     No  payments  on account of  principal,  premium,  if any,  or  interest in
respect of the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities may be made by the Company if
there  shall have  occurred  and be  continuing  a default in any  payment  with
respect to Senior Debt. In addition,  during the  continuance of any other event
of default (other than a payment default) with respect to Designated Senior Debt
pursuant to which the maturity thereof may be accelerated, from and after the


                                       18

<PAGE>



date of  receipt  by the  Trustee of  written  notice  from the  holders of such
Designated Senior Debt or from an agent of such holders,  no payments on account
of principal, premium, if any, or interest in respect of the Senior Subordinated
Debt  Securities may be made by the Company for a period (the "Payment  Blockage
Period")  commencing  on the date of delivery of such notice and ending 179 days
thereafter  (unless such Payment  Blockage Period shall be terminated by written
notice to the Trustee from the holders of such Designated Senior Debt or from an
agent of such holders,  or such event of default has been cured or waived or has
ceased to exist). Only one Payment Blockage Period may be commenced with respect
to the Senior  Subordinated Debt Securities during any period of 360 consecutive
days.  No event of default  which  existed or was  continuing on the date of the
commencement  of any  Payment  Blockage  Period with  respect to the  Designated
Senior Debt  initiating  such  Payment  Blockage  Period shall be or be made the
basis for the  commencement  of any subsequent  Payment  Blockage  Period by the
holders of such Designated  Senior Debt, unless such event of default shall have
been cured or waived for a period of not less than 90 consecutive days.

     By reason of such  subordination,  in the event of  insolvency,  funds that
would otherwise be payable to holders will be paid to the holders of Senior Debt
to the extent  necessary to pay the Senior Debt in full,  and the Company may be
unable to meet fully its  obligations  with  respect to the Senior  Subordinated
Debt Securities.

     "Debt"  is  defined  to mean,  with  respect  to any  person at any date of
determination  (without  duplication),  (i) all  indebtedness of such person for
borrowed  money,  (ii)  all  obligations  of such  person  evidenced  by  bonds,
debentures,  notes or other similar  instruments,  (iii) all obligations of such
person in respect of letters of credit or bankers'  acceptance  or other similar
instruments  (or  reimbursement  obligations  with  respect  thereto),  (iv) all
obligations  of such person to pay the  deferred  purchase  price of property or
services,  except trade  payables,  (v) all obligations of such person as lessee
under capitalized leases, (vi) all Debt of others secured by a lien on any asset
of such  person,  whether or not such Debt is assumed by such  person;  provided
that, for purposes of  determining  the amount of any Debt of the type described
in this clause,  if recourse with respect to such Debt is limited to such asset,
the amount of such Debt shall be limited to the lesser of the fair market  value
of such asset or the amount of such Debt, (vii) all Debt of others guaranteed by
such person to the extent such Debt is  guaranteed  by such  person,  (viii) all
redeemable  stock  valued  at  the  greater  of  its  voluntary  or  involuntary
liquidation  preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends and (ix) to the extent
not otherwise included in this definition,  all obligations of such person under
currency agreements and interest rate agreements.

     "Designated  Senior  Debt" is  defined  to mean (i) Debt  under the  Credit
Agreement dated as of August 2, 1996 (the "Credit Agreement") among the Company,
the Banks named on the  signature  pages thereof and the Morgan  Guaranty  Trust
Company of New York, as agent for the banks,  as such Credit  Agreement has been
and may be amended,  restated,  supplemented or otherwise  modified from time to
time  and  (ii)  Debt  constituting  Senior  Debt  which,  at  the  time  of its
determination, (A) has an aggregate principal amount of at least $30 million and
(B) is specifically designated as "Designated Senior Debt" by the Company.

     "Senior Debt" is defined to mean the principal of (and premium, if any) and
interest on all Debt of the Company whether created, incurred or assumed before,
on or after the date of the Senior  Subordinated  Debt Indenture;  provided that
Senior Debt shall not  include  (i) the  Company's  8.875%  Senior  Subordinated
Debentures due 2027,  8.50% Senior  Subordinated  Notes due 2007,  8.375% Senior
Subordinated  Notes Due 2007 and the Company's 10.25% Senior  Subordinated Notes
due 2006 which rank pari passu  with the Senior  Subordinated  Debt  Securities,
(ii) Debt of the Company to any affiliate,  (iii) Debt of the Company that, when
incurred, and without respect to any election under Section 1111(b) of Title 11,
U.S. Code, was without recourse, (iv) any other Debt of the Company which by the
terms of the  instrument  creating  or  evidencing  the  same  are  specifically
designated  as not being  senior in right of payment to the Senior  Subordinated
Debt Securities and (v) redeemable stock of the Company.

SUBORDINATION OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES

     The payment of principal  of,  premium,  if any, and interest on the Junior
Subordinated  Debt Securities will, to the extent and in the manner set forth in
the Junior  Subordinated Debt Indenture,  be subordinated in right of payment to
the prior  payment  in full,  in cash or cash  equivalents,  of all  Senior  and
Subordinated Debt of the Company.


                                       19

<PAGE>



     Upon  any  payment  or   distribution  of  assets  to  creditors  upon  any
liquidation, dissolution, winding up, receivership,  reorganization,  assignment
for the  benefit  of  creditors,  marshaling  of assets and  liabilities  or any
bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceedings of the Company, the holders of all
Senior and  Subordinated  Debt will first be entitled to receive payment in full
of all  amounts  due or to become due  thereon  before the holders of the Junior
Subordinated  Debt Securities will be entitled to receive any payment in respect
of the principal  of,  premium,  if any, or interest on the Junior  Subordinated
Debt Securities.

     No  payments  on account of  principal,  premium,  if any,  or  interest in
respect of the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities may be made by the Company if
there  shall have  occurred  and be  continuing  a default in any  payment  with
respect to Senior and Subordinated Debt. In addition,  during the continuance of
any other  event of  default  (other  than a payment  default)  with  respect to
Designated  Senior and Subordinated  Debt pursuant to which the maturity thereof
may be accelerated, from and after the date of receipt by the Trustee of written
notice from holders of such Designated  Senior and Subordinated  Debt or from an
agent of such holders, no payments on account of principal,  premium, if any, or
interest may be made by the Company during a Payment  Blockage Period in respect
of such Junior Subordinated Debt Securities (unless such Payment Blockage Period
shall be  terminated  by written  notice to the Trustee from the holders of such
Designated  Senior and  Subordinated  Debt or from an agent of such holders,  or
such event of default has been cured or waived or has ceased to exist). Only one
Payment Blockage Period may be commenced with respect to the Junior Subordinated
Debt Securities  during any period of 360 consecutive  days. No event of default
which existed or was continuing on the date of the  commencement  of any Payment
Blockage  Period with respect to the  Designated  Senior and  Subordinated  Debt
initiating  such Payment  Blockage  Period shall be or be made the basis for the
commencement  of any subsequent  Payment  Blockage Period by the holders of such
Designated Senior and Subordinated Debt, unless such event of default shall have
been cured or waived for a period of not less than 90 consecutive days.

     By reason of such  subordination,  in the event of  insolvency,  funds that
would  otherwise be payable to holders of Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Securities
will be paid to the  holders of Senior and  Subordinated  Debt of the Company to
the extent  necessary to pay such Debt in full, and the Company may be unable to
meet  fully  its  obligations  with  respect  to the  Junior  Subordinated  Debt
Securities.

     "Designated Senior and Subordinated Debt" is defined to mean (i) Debt under
the Credit Agreement and (ii) Debt  constituting  Senior and  Subordinated  Debt
which, at the time of its determination,  (A) has an aggregate  principal amount
of at least $30 million and (B) is specifically  designated in the instrument as
"Designated Senior and Subordinated Debt" by the Company.

     "Senior and  Subordinated  Debt" is defined to mean the  principal  of (and
premium,  if any) and  interest  on all  Debt of the  Company  whether  created,
incurred or assumed before, on or after the date of the Junior Subordinated Debt
Indenture; provided that such Senior and Subordinated Debt shall not include (i)
Debt of the  Company  to any  affiliate,  (ii) Debt of the  Company  that,  when
incurred and without  respect to any election under Section 1111(b) of Title 11,
U.S.  Code, was without  recourse,  (iii) any other Debt of the Company which by
the terms of the  instrument  creating or evidencing  the same are  specifically
designated  as not being  senior in right of payment to the Junior  Subordinated
Debt Securities, and in particular the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities shall
rank pari passu with all other debt  securities and guarantees  issued to an AES
Trust or any  other  trust,  partnership  or other  entity  affiliated  with the
Company  which is a  financing  vehicle  of the  Company in  connection  with an
issuance of preferred  securities by such financing entity,  and (iv) redeemable
stock of the Company.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     An Event of Default, as defined in each of the Indentures and applicable to
Debt Securities issued under such Indenture, will occur with respect to the Debt
Securities  of any series  issued  under  such  Indenture  if:  (i) the  Company
defaults  in the  payment of  principal  of (or  premium,  if any,  on) any Debt
Security of such series  issued under such  Indenture  when the same becomes due
and payable at maturity, upon acceleration, redemption, mandatory repurchase, or
otherwise;  (ii) the  Company  defaults  in the  payment of interest on any Debt
Security of such series  issued under such  Indenture  when the same becomes due
and payable, and such default continues for a period of 30

                                       20

<PAGE>



days;  (iii) the Company  defaults in the  performance  of or breaches any other
covenant or agreement of the Company in such  Indenture with respect to the Debt
Securities of any series issued under such  Indenture and such default or breach
continues  for a period  of 30  consecutive  days  after  written  notice by the
Trustee  or by the  holders  (as  defined  in the  Indenture)  of 25% or more in
aggregate  principal  amount of the Debt  Securities  of all series issued under
such Indenture; (iv) a court having jurisdiction in the premises enters a decree
or order for (A) relief in respect of the Company or any of its  subsidiaries in
an  involuntary  case  under any  applicable  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  or other
similar  law  now  or  hereafter  in  effect,  (B)  appointment  of a  receiver,
liquidator,  assignee, custodian, trustee,  sequestrator, or similar official of
the Company or any of its  subsidiaries or for all or  substantially  all of the
property and assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or (C) the winding
up or liquidation of the affairs of the Company or any of its subsidiaries  and,
in each case,  such decree or order shall  remain  unstayed  and in effect for a
period of 60 consecutive  days; (v) the Company or any of its  subsidiaries  (A)
commences a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, or other
similar law now or hereafter in effect, or consents to the entry of an order for
relief  in an  involuntary  case  under  any  such  law,  (B)  consents  to  the
appointment  of  or  taking  possession  by a  receiver,  liquidator,  assignee,
custodian,  trustee,  sequestrator, or similar official of the Company or any of
its subsidiaries or for all or  substantially  all of the property and assets of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries or (C) effects any general assignment for
the  benefit of  creditors;  (vi) any other  Events of Default  set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement occur.

     If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default  specified in clause
(iv) or (v) above that occurs with respect to the  Company)  occurs with respect
to the Debt  Securities  of any series  issued under an  Indenture,  and if such
Event of Default is continuing under such Indenture, then, and in each and every
such case,  except for any series of Debt Securities issued under such Indenture
the  principal  of which shall have already  become due and payable,  either the
Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
Debt Securities of any such series issued under such Indenture (each such series
voting as a separate class) by written notice to the Company (and to the Trustee
if such notice is given by the holders (the  "Acceleration  Notice")),  may, and
the Trustee at the request of such  holders  shall,  declare the  principal  of,
premium,  if any, and accrued  interest on the Debt Securities of such series to
be  immediately  due and  payable.  Upon a  declaration  of  acceleration,  such
principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest shall be immediately due and
payable.  If an Event of Default  specified  in clause (iv) or (v) above  occurs
with


                                       21

<PAGE>



respect to the Company,  the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest
on the Debt Securities then outstanding  under each of the Indentures shall ipso
facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other
act on the part of the Trustee or any holder. The holders of at least a majority
in principal  amount of the  outstanding  Debt Securities of any series under an
Indenture  may, by written  notice to the Company and to the Trustee,  waive all
past  defaults  with respect to Debt  Securities  of such series and rescind and
annul a  declaration  of  acceleration  with respect to Debt  Securities of such
series and its consequences if (i) all existing Events of Default  applicable to
Debt  Securities of such series,  other than the nonpayment of the principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on the Debt Securities that have become due solely
by such  declaration  of  acceleration,  have been  cured or waived and (ii) the
rescission  would  not  conflict  with  any  judgment  or  decree  of a court of
competent  jurisdiction.  For  information  as to the  waiver of  defaults,  see
"--Modification and Waiver."

     The holders of at least a majority  in  aggregate  principal  amount of the
outstanding  Debt  Securities  of any series under an  Indenture  may direct the
time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to
the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee.  However,
the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction  that  conflicts  with law or the
applicable  Indenture,  that may involve the Trustee in personal  liability,  or
that the  Trustee  determines  in good  faith may be unduly  prejudicial  to the
rights of holders of such series of Debt Securities not joining in the giving of
such  direction  and may take any  other  action  it  deems  proper  that is not
inconsistent with any such direction received from holders of Debt Securities of
such series.  A holder may not pursue any remedy with respect to the  applicable
Indenture  or the Debt  Securities  of any series  issued  under such  Indenture
unless: (i) the holder gives the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of
Default;  (ii) the  holders  of at least 25% in  aggregate  principal  amount of
outstanding Debt Securities of such series make a written request to the Trustee
to pursue the remedy;  (iii) such holder or holders offer the Trustee  indemnity
satisfactory  to the Trustee against any costs,  liability or expense;  (iv) the
Trustee  does not comply  with the request  within 60 days after  receipt of the
request  and the offer of  indemnity;  and (v) during such  60-day  period,  the
holders of a majority in  aggregate  principal  amount of the  outstanding  Debt
Securities  of  such  series  do not  give  the  Trustee  a  direction  that  is
inconsistent  with the request.  However,  such  limitations do not apply to the
right of any holder of a Debt  Security to receive  payment of the principal of,
premium,  if any,  or interest  on, such Debt  Security or to bring suit for the
enforcement of any such payment,  on or after the due date expressed in the Debt
Securities, which right shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of
the holder.

     Each of the  Indentures  requires  that  certain  officers  of the  Company
certify,  on or before a date not more than  four  months  after the end of each
fiscal  year,  that to the best of such  officers,  knowledge,  the  Company has
fulfilled  all  its  obligations  under  such  Indenture.  The  Company  is also
obligated to notify the Trustee of any default or defaults in the performance of
any covenants or agreements under any of the Indentures.

MODIFICATION AND WAIVER

     Each of the Indentures  provides that the Company and the Trustee may amend
or supplement  such Indenture or the Debt  Securities of any series issued under
such Indenture  without notice to or the consent of any holder:  (i) to cure any
ambiguity,  defect,  or  inconsistency  in such  Indenture;  provided  that such
amendments  or  supplements  shall not  adversely  affect the  interests  of the
holders in any material  respect;  (ii) to comply with the terms in "Restriction
on Mergers, Consolidations and Sales of Assets" described below; (iii) to comply
with any requirements of the Commission in connection with the  qualification of
such  Indenture  under the Trust  Indenture  Act of 1939,  as  amended;  (iv) to
evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment  with respect to the Debt
Securities  of any or all series  issued  under such  Indenture  by a  successor
Trustee;  (v) to establish  the form or forms of Debt  Securities  of any series
issued under such Indenture or of the coupons pertaining to such Debt Securities
as  permitted  by  such  Indenture;  (vi) to  provide  for  uncertificated  Debt
Securities and to make all  appropriate  changes for such purpose;  and (vii) to
make any change that does not materially and adversely  affect the rights of any
holder.

     Each of the Indentures also provides that  modifications  and amendments of
such  Indenture  may be made by the Company and the Trustee  with the consent of
the holders of not less than a majority  in  aggregate  principal  amount of the
outstanding Debt Securities of each series issued under such Indenture  affected
thereby (each series voting as a separate  class);  provided,  however,  that no
such modification or amendment may, without the consent of each holder


                                       22

<PAGE>



affected  thereby,  (i) change the stated  maturity of the  principal of, or any
sinking fund  obligation  or any  installment  of interest on, any Debt Security
issued under such Indenture, (ii) reduce the principal amount of, or premium, if
any, or interest on, any Debt Security issued under such Indenture, (iii) reduce
the  above-stated  percentage of outstanding  Debt Securities  issued under such
Indenture  the  consent of whose  holders is  necessary  to modify or amend such
Indenture  with respect to the Debt  Securities  of any series issued under such
Indenture,   (iv)  reduce  the  percentage  or  aggregate  principal  amount  of
outstanding Debt Securities of any series issued under the Indenture the consent
of whose holders is necessary for waiver of compliance  with certain  provisions
of such Indenture or for waiver of certain  defaults.  A supplemental  indenture
which  changes or  eliminates  any  covenant or other  provision of an Indenture
which  has  expressly  been  included  solely  for  the  benefit  of one or more
particular  series of Debt  Securities  issued  under such  Indenture,  or which
modifies the rights of holders of Debt Securities of such series with respect to
such covenant or  provision,  shall be deemed not to affect the rights under the
applicable  Indenture  of the  holders of Debt  Securities  of any other  series
issued  under  such  Indenture  or of the  coupons  appertaining  to  such  Debt
Securities.  It shall not be necessary for the consent of the holders under this
section  of an  Indenture  to  approve  the  particular  form  of  any  proposed
amendment,  supplement,  or waiver,  but it shall be  sufficient if such consent
approves the substance thereof. After an amendment,  supplement, or waiver under
this section of an Indenture  becomes  effective,  the Company shall give to the
holders affected thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment,  supplement,
or waiver.  The  Company  will mail  supplemental  indentures  to  holders  upon
request.  Any failure of the Company to mail such notice, or any defect therein,
shall  not,  however,  in any way  impair or  affect  the  validity  of any such
supplemental indenture or waiver.

RESTRICTION ON MERGERS, CONSOLIDATIONS AND SALES OF ASSETS

     Pursuant to the  Indentures,  the Company may not consolidate  with,  merge
with or into, or transfer all or substantially all of its assets (as an entirety
or  substantially  an  entirety  in  one  transaction  or a  series  of  related
transactions),  to any Person (as  defined in the  Indentures)  unless:  (i) the
Company  shall be the  continuing  Person,  or the  Person  (if  other  than the
Company) formed by such  consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to
which  properties and assets of the Company are  transferred  shall be a solvent
corporation  organized  and existing  under the laws of the United States or any
State thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly  assume in writing
all the  obligations  of the Company  under the Notes,  (ii)  immediately  after
giving  effect to such  transaction  no Event of Default  or event or  condition
which  through  the  giving of notice or lapse of time or both  would  become an
Event of Default  shall have  occurred  and be  continuing  and (iii) such other
conditions  as may  be  established  in  connection  with  the  issuance  of the
applicable Debt Securities.

DEFEASANCE AND DISCHARGE

     Each of the  Indentures  provides  that the Company shall be deemed to have
paid and shall be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the Debt
Securities of any series issued under such  Indenture on the 123rd day after the
deposit  referred to below has been made,  and the  provisions of such Indenture
will no longer be in effect with respect to the Debt  Securities  of such series
issued  thereunder  (except for,  among other  matters,  certain  obligations to
register the  transfer or exchange of the Debt  Securities  of such  series,  to
replace stolen,  lost or mutilated Debt  Securities of such series,  to maintain
paying agencies and to hold monies for payment in trust) if, among other things,
(A) the Company has  deposited  with the  Trustee,  in trust,  money and/or U.S.
Government  Obligations  that through the payment of interest  and  principal in
respect thereof,  in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount
sufficient to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest on the
applicable  Debt  Securities,  on the due date  thereof  or  earlier  redemption
(irrevocably  provided for under arrangements  satisfactory to the Trustee),  as
the  case  may be,  in  accordance  with the  terms  of such  Indenture  and the
applicable  Debt  Securities,  (B) the Company has  delivered to the Trustee (i)
either (x) an opinion of counsel to the effect that holders  will not  recognize
income,  gain or loss  for  federal  income  tax  purposes  as a  result  of the
Company's  exercise of its option under this "Defeasance"  provision and will be
subject to federal  income tax on the same  amount and in the same manner and at
the same  times as would  have  been the case if such  deposit,  defeasance  and
discharge had not occurred, which opinion of counsel must be based upon a ruling
of the  Internal  Revenue  Service to the same  effect  unless  there has been a
change in  applicable  federal  income tax law or related  treasury  regulations
after the date of such  Indenture  that a ruling is no longer  required or (y) a
ruling directed to the Trustee received from the Internal Revenue Service to the
same effect as the aforementioned opinion


                                       23

<PAGE>



of counsel and (ii) an opinion of counsel to the effect that the creation of the
defeasance  trust does not violate the Investment  Company Act of 1940 and after
the  passage  of 123 days  following  the  deposit,  the trust  fund will not be
subject to the effect of Section 547 of the U.S.  Bankruptcy  Code or Section 15
of the New York Debtor and Creditor Law, (C) immediately  after giving effect to
such deposit on a pro forma basis, no Event of Default,  or event that after the
giving  of  notice or lapse of time or both  would  become an Event of  Default,
shall have  occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or during the
period ending on the 123rd day after the date of such deposit,  and such deposit
shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any
other  agreement or  instrument  to which the Company is a party or by which the
Company is bound,  (D) the Company is not  prohibited  from  making  payments in
respect  of the  applicable  Debt  Securities  by the  subordination  provisions
contained  in such  Indenture  and  (E) if at  such  time  the  applicable  Debt
Securities  are  listed on a  national  securities  exchange,  the  Company  has
delivered  to the  Trustee an  opinion  of counsel to the effect  that such Debt
Securities  will not be delisted  as a result of such  deposit,  defeasance  and
discharge.

     As  more  fully  described  in  the  Prospectus  Supplement,  each  of  the
Indentures also provides for defeasance of certain covenants.


                                       24

<PAGE>



                     DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS
                            AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS

     AES may issue Stock Purchase Contracts,  representing  contracts obligating
holders to purchase from the Company,  and the Company to sell to the holders, a
specified  number of shares of Common Stock at a future date or dates. The price
per share of Common Stock may be fixed at the time the Stock Purchase  Contracts
are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific  formula set forth in
the  Stock  Purchase  Contracts.  The  Stock  Purchase  Contracts  may be issued
separately or as a part of units ("Stock Purchase Units")  consisting of a Stock
Purchase  Contract and Debt  Securities or debt  obligations  of third  parties,
including  U.S.  Treasury  securities,  securing  the  holders'  obligations  to
purchase the Common Stock under the Stock Purchase Contracts. The Stock Purchase
Contracts may require AES to make periodic  payments to the holders of the Stock
Purchase Units or vice versa, and such payments may be unsecured or prefunded on
some basis.  The Stock  Purchase  Contracts may require  holders to secure their
obligations thereunder in a specified manner.

     The applicable  Prospectus  Supplement will describe the terms of any Stock
Purchase  Contracts or Stock Purchase  Units.  The description in the Prospectus
Supplement will not purport to be complete and will be qualified in its entirety
by reference to the Stock Purchase  Contracts,  and, if  applicable,  collateral
arrangements  and  depositary  arrangements,  relating  to such  Stock  Purchase
Contracts or Stock Purchase Units.


                                       25

<PAGE>



                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     The Company may sell the Offered Securities in any of three ways (or in any
combination  thereof):  (i) through underwriters or dealers;  (ii) directly to a
limited number of purchasers or to a single purchaser;  or (iii) through agents.
The Prospectus  Supplement with respect to any Offered Securities will set forth
the terms of the  offering of such  Offered  Securities,  including  the name or
names of any underwriters,  dealers or agents and the respective amounts of such
Offered Securities underwritten or purchased by each of them, the initial public
offering  price of such Offered  Securities and the proceeds to the Company from
such sale, any discounts,  commissions or other items constituting  compensation
from the  Company  and any  discounts,  commissions  or  concessions  allowed or
reallowed or paid to dealers and any securities  exchanges on which such Offered
Securities may be listed. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or
concessions  allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to
time.

     If  underwriters  are  used in the  sale of any  Offered  Securities,  such
Offered  Securities will be acquired by the  underwriters  for their own account
and may be  resold  from  time to  time in one or more  transactions,  including
negotiated  transactions,  at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices
determined at the time of sale. Such Offered Securities may be either offered to
the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters,
or  directly  by  underwriters.  Unless  otherwise  set forth in the  Prospectus
Supplement,  the  obligations  of the  underwriters  to  purchase  such  Offered
Securities will be subject to certain conditions  precedent and the underwriters
will  be  obligated  to  purchase  all of  such  Offered  Securities  if any are
purchased.

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

     If so indicated in the  Prospectus  Supplement,  the Company will authorize
underwriters,  dealers or agents to  solicit  offers by  certain  purchasers  to
purchase  Offered  Securities  from the Company at the public offering price set
forth in the  Prospectus  Supplement  pursuant  to  delayed  delivery  contracts
providing  for payment and  delivery  on a  specified  date in the future.  Such
contracts  will be subject only to those  conditions set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement,  and the Prospectus Supplement will set forth the commission payable
for solicitation of such contracts.

     Agents and underwriters may be entitled under agreements  entered into with
the Company to indemnification by the Company against certain civil liabilities,
including  liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect
to payments which the agents or underwriters  may be required to make in respect
thereof.  Agents and  underwriters  may be customers of, engage in  transactions
with, or perform services for the Company in the ordinary course of business.


                                  LEGAL MATTERS

     The legality of the  Securities  offered hereby will be passed upon for the
Company by Davis Polk & Wardwell, New York, New York.


                                     EXPERTS

     The  financial  statements as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996  incorporated by reference
in this Prospectus from the Company's  Current Report on Form 8-K filed November
6, 1997 and the related financial statement schedules  incorporated by reference
in the Registration Statement from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K have
been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent  auditors, as stated in their
reports  which  are  incorporated  by  reference   herein,   and  have  been  so
incorporated  in  reliance  upon the  reports  of such  firm  given  upon  their
authority as experts in accounting and auditing.


                                       26

<PAGE>



     The financial  statements of Companhia  Energetica de Minas Gerais -- CEMIG
for the years ended  December  31, 1996 and 1995,  prepared in  accordance  with
accounting principles generally accepted in Brazil, incorporated by reference in
this  Prospectus  from  Item 7 of the  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K of The AES
Corporation filed July 16, 1997, have been audited by Price Waterhouse Auditores
Independentes,  Belo Horizonte,  Brazil,  independent accountants,  as stated in
their  report,  which  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference,  and has been so
incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority
as experts in accounting and auditing.


                                       27

<PAGE>

======================================  ======================================
NO PERSON HAS BEEN  AUTHORIZED TO GIVE                                        
ANY   INFORMATION   OR  TO  MAKE   ANY                                        
REPRESENTATIONS,   OTHER   THAN  THOSE                                        
CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE                                        
IN THIS  PROSPECTUS OR ANY  PROSPECTUS                                        
SUPPLEMENT,  IN  CONNECTION  WITH  ANY              $1,500,000,000            
OFFERING  CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, AND, IF                                        
GIVEN OR  MADE,  SUCH  INFORMATION  OR                                        
REPRESENTATIONS  MUST  NOT  BE  RELIED                                        
UPON AS HAVING BEEN  AUTHORIZED BY THE                                        
COMPANY,  ANY  UNDERWRITER,  AGENT  OR                                        
DEALER.  NEITHER THE  DELIVERY OF THIS                                        
PROSPECTUS    OR    ANY     PROSPECTUS            THE AES CORPORATION         
SUPPLEMENT NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER                                        
OR   THEREUNDER    SHALL   UNDER   ANY                                        
CIRCUMSTANCES  CREATE ANY  IMPLICATION                                        
THAT  THERE  HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE                                        
AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY  SINCE THE DATE                                        
HEREOF  OR   THEREOF.   NEITHER   THIS              DEBT SECURITIES           
PROSPECTUS    NOR    ANY    PROSPECTUS               COMMON STOCK             
SUPPLEMENT  SHALL  CONSTITUTE AN OFFER              PREFERRED STOCK           
TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION  OF AN OFFER         STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS       
TO BUY ANY SECURITIES BY ANYONE IN ANY           STOCK PURCHASE UNITS         
JURISDICTION  IN WHICH  SUCH  OFFER OR                                        
SOLICITATION  IS NOT  AUTHORIZED OR IN                                        
WHICH THE PERSON  MAKING SUCH OFFER OR                                        
SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO                                        
OR  TO  ANY   PERSON  TO  WHOM  IT  IS                                        
UNLAWFUL   TO  MAKE   SUCH   OFFER  OR                                        
SOLICITATION.                                                                 
                                                -----------------------       
        -----------------------                                               
                                                      PROSPECTUS              
           TABLE OF CONTENTS                                                  
                                  PAGE          -----------------------       
Available Information.............  1                                         
Incorporation of Certain                                                      
   Information by Reference.......  1                                         
Use of Proceeds...................  2                                         
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed                                                   
   Charges........................  2                                         
The Company.......................  3                                         
Risk Factors......................  5                                         
Description of Capital Stock...... 11                                         
Description of Debt Securities.... 15                                         
Description of Stock Purchase                                                 
   Contracts and Stock Purchase                                               
   Units.......................... 24                                         
Plan of Distribution.............. 25                                         
Legal Matters..................... 25                                         
Experts........................... 25                   , 1997                
======================================  ======================================

<PAGE>


   
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED NOVEMBER 19, 1997
    
PROSPECTUS


[LOGO]

THE AES CORPORATION
$1,500,000,000

JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES

AES TRUST III

AES TRUST IV

AES TRUST V

PREFERRED TRUST  SECURITIES  FULLY AND  UNCONDITIONALLY  GUARANTEED AS SET FORTH
HEREIN BY THE AES CORPORATION

     The AES  Corporation  (the "Company" or "AES") may from time to time offer,
together or separately  unsecured  junior  subordinated  securities (the "Junior
Subordinated Debt Trust  Securities")  consisting of debentures,  notes or other
evidences of indebtedness in one or more series and in amounts, at prices and on
terms to be determined at or prior to the time of any such offering.  The Junior
Subordinated Debt Trust Securities when issued will be unsecured  obligations of
the Company. The Company's  obligations under the Junior Subordinated Debt Trust
Securities  will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to all Senior and
Subordinated Debt (as defined herein) of the Company.

     SEE "RISK FACTORS"  BEGINNING ON PAGE 5 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS.


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


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


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


      AES  Trust  III,  AES  Trust IV and AES  Trust V  (collectively,  the "AES
Trusts"),  each a statutory business trust formed under the laws of the State of
Delaware,  may offer and sell,  from time to time,  preferred  trust  securities
representing  undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the respective AES
Trust (the "Preferred  Securities"  and,  together with the Junior  Subordinated
Debt Trust Securities, the

INFORMATION   CONTAINED  HEREIN  IS  SUBJECT  TO  COMPLETION  OR  AMENDMENT.   A
REGISTRATION  STATEMENT  RELATING  TO THESE  SECURITIES  HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES  AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION.  THESE  SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT  BECOMES
EFFECTIVE.  THIS  PROSPECTUS  SHALL  NOT  CONSTITUTE  AN  OFFER  TO  SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE  SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER,  SOLICITATION  OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.

<PAGE>



"Securities"). The Preferred Securities may be offered in amounts, at prices and
on terms to be  determined  at or  prior to the time of any such  offering.  The
payment  of  periodic  cash  distributions  ("distributions")  with  respect  to
Preferred  Securities  of each  of the  AES  Trusts  out of  moneys  held by the
Property Trustee (as defined herein) of each of the AES Trusts,  and payments on
liquidation of each AES Trust and on redemption of Preferred  Securities of such
AES Trust,  will be  guaranteed  by the  Company  fully and  unconditionally  as
described herein (each such guarantee, a "Preferred Securities Guarantee").  See
"Description of the Preferred  Securities  Guarantees." The Company's obligation
under each  Preferred  Securities  Guarantee is an unsecured  obligation  of the
Company  and will rank (i)  subordinate  and  junior in right of  payment to all
other liabilities of the Company,  including the Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust
Securities, except those made pari passu or subordinate by their terms, and (ii)
senior to all capital  stock now or  hereafter  issued by the Company and to any
guarantee now or hereafter  entered into by the Company in respect of any of its
capital stock.  Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities may be issued and sold
from time to time in one or more  series by the  Company to an AES  Trust,  or a
trustee of such trust,  in connection  with the  investment of the proceeds from
the offering of Preferred  Securities and Common  Securities (as defined herein)
of such AES Trust. The Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities purchased by an
AES Trust may be  subsequently  distributed  pro rata to  holders  of  Preferred
Securities and Common  Securities in connection with the dissolution of such AES
Trust,  upon  the  occurrence  of  certain  events  as  may be  described  in an
accompanying Prospectus Supplement.

     Specific  terms  of the  Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities  and
Preferred Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered (the
"Offered  Securities") will be set forth in a Prospectus Supplement with respect
to such Offered  Securities,  which will describe,  without limitation and where
applicable,  the following:  (i) in the case of Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust
Securities,  the specific  designation,  aggregate principal amount,  authorized
denomination,   maturity,   premium,   if  any,   exchangeability,   redemption,
conversion,  prepayment or sinking fund provisions, if any, interest rate (which
may be fixed or  variable),  if any,  method,  if any, of  calculating  interest
payments, and dates for payment thereof, dates on which premium, if any, will be
payable,  the right of the Company,  if any, to defer payment of interest on the
Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities  and the  maximum  length  of such
deferral period, the public offering price, any listing on a securities exchange
and other  specific  terms of the  offering;  and (ii) in the case of  Preferred
Securities, the specific designation,  number of securities,  liquidation amount
per security,  initial public  offering  price,  and any listing on a securities
exchange,  distribution rate (or method of calculation thereof),  dates on which
distributions  shall be payable and dates from which distributions shall accrue,
voting  rights  (if any),  terms  for any  conversion  or  exchange  into  other
securities,  any  redemption  or  sinking  fund  provisions,  any other  rights,
preferences,  privileges,  limitations or restrictions relating to the Preferred
Securities  and the terms upon which the  proceeds of the sale of the  Preferred
Securities  shall be used to purchase a specific  series of Junior  Subordinated
Debt  Trust  Securities  of  the  Company.  Unless  otherwise  indicated  in the
Prospectus  Supplement,  the Company  does not intend to list any of the Offered
Securities on a national securities exchange.

     Any Prospectus Supplement relating to any series of Offered Securities will
contain  information   concerning  certain  United  States  federal  income  tax
considerations,   if  applicable,   to  the  Offered  Securities.   By  separate
prospectus, the form of which is included in the Registration Statement of which
this  Prospectus  is a part,  the  Company  may  offer  from  time to time  debt
securities or preferred  stock.  The aggregate  initial public offering price of
the securities to be offered by this Prospectus and such other  prospectus shall
not exceed $1,500,000,000.

     The Offered  Securities may be offered directly,  through agents designated
from time to time,  through  dealers or  through  underwriters.  Such  agents or
underwriters  may act alone or with other agents or  underwriters.  See "Plan of
Distribution."  Any such agents,  dealers or underwriters will be set forth in a
Prospectus  Supplement.  If an agent of the Company  and/or any AES Trust,  or a
dealer or underwriter is involved in the offering of the Offered Securities, the
agent's  commission,  dealer's  purchase price,  underwriter's  discount and net
proceeds  to the  Company,  as the case may be,  will be set forth in, or may be
calculated from, the Prospectus Supplement. Any underwriters,  dealers or agents
participating in the offering may be deemed "underwriters" within the meaning of
the Securities Act of 1933.

     This Prospectus may not be used to consummate  sales of Offered  Securities
unless accompanied by a Prospectus Supplement.

     The date of this Prospectus is                  , 1997.



<PAGE>



                              AVAILABLE INFORMATION

     The AES  Corporation is subject to the  informational  requirements  of the
Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934,  as  amended  (the  "Exchange  Act"),  and in
accordance therewith files reports,  proxy and information  statements and other
information  with the Securities  and Exchange  Commission  (the  "Commission").
These reports,  proxy and  information  statements and other  information may be
inspected  without  charge  and  copied  at  the  public  reference   facilities
maintained by the Commission at its principal  offices at Judiciary  Plaza,  450
Fifth Street,  N.W.,  Washington,  D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's  regional
offices  located at  Citicorp  Center,  500 West  Madison  Street,  Suite  1400,
Chicago,  Illinois  60661,  and 7 World Trade Center,  Suite 1300, New York, New
York 10048.  Copies of such materials  also can be obtained at prescribed  rates
from the Public Reference  Section of the Commission at the principal offices of
the Commission at Judiciary  Plaza,  450 Fifth Street,  N.W.,  Washington,  D.C.
20549.  Such  material  may also be  inspected  at the  offices of the  National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., 1735 K Street, N.W.,  Washington,  D.C.
20006.  Such  material  may  also be  accessed  electronically  by  means of the
Commission's home page on the Internet at http://www.sec.gov.

     The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration  Statement on Form
S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the  "Securities  Act"),  with
respect  to  the  Securities   offered  hereby  (including  all  amendments  and
supplements thereto, the "Registration Statement"). This Prospectus, which forms
a part of the Registration  Statement,  does not contain all the information set
forth in the  Registration  Statement and the exhibits  filed  thereto,  certain
parts of which have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of
the Commission.  Statements  contained  herein  concerning the provisions of any
documents are not necessarily complete and, in each instance,  reference is made
to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the  Registration  Statement
or otherwise filed with the Commission.  Each such statement is qualified in its
entirety by such reference.  The Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto
can be inspected and copied at the public reference  facilities and regional and
other offices referred to above.


                 INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

   
     The Company hereby incorporates in this Prospectus by reference thereto and
makes  a  part  hereof  the  following  documents,  heretofore  filed  with  the
Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act: (i) the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996; (ii) the Company's  Quarterly  Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1997; (iii) the Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the  quarter  ended June 30,  1997;  (iv) the  Company's
Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1997; (v) the
Company's  Current  Reports  on Form 8-K filed on filed on  November  10,  1997,
November 6, 1997,  October 24, 1997,  August 18, 1997,  July 16, 1997,  July 15,
1997, July 14, 1997, July 3, 1997, March 24, 1997, March 13, 1997,  February 19,
1997 and January 30, 1997 and the Company's  Current Reports on Form 8-K/A filed
on November 7, 1997 and August 5, 1997.
    

     All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a),  13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
termination of the offering being made hereby shall be deemed to be incorporated
in this  Prospectus  by  reference  and to be a part hereof from the  respective
dates of the filing of such documents.  Any statement  contained  herein or in a
document  incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be
deemed to be modified or  superseded  for  purposes of this  Prospectus  and the
Registration  Statement  of which it is a part to the  extent  that a  statement
contained  herein or in any  subsequently  filed  document  which also is, or is
deemed to be,  incorporated  by reference  herein,  modifies or supersedes  such
earlier statement.  Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed,
except as so modified or superseded,  to constitute a part of this Prospectus or
such Registration Statement.

     The Company hereby  undertakes to provide  without charge to each person to
whom a copy of this Prospectus has been delivered,  upon written or oral request
of any such  person,  a copy of any and all of the  documents  referred to above
which have been or may be incorporated  in this  Prospectus by reference,  other
than  exhibits to such  documents  which are not  specifically  incorporated  by
reference  into such  documents.  Requests for such copies should be directed to
William R. Luraschi,  General Counsel and Secretary,  The AES Corporation,  1001
North 19th Street, Arlington, Virginia 22209, telephone (703) 522-1315.



<PAGE>



                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

     Unless  otherwise  set  forth  in  the  applicable  Prospectus  Supplement,
proceeds from the sale of the Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Securities will be
used  by the  Company  for  general  corporate  purposes  and  initially  may be
temporarily invested in short-term securities.

     Each AES Trust will use all  proceeds  received  from the sale of its Trust
Securities  to  purchase  Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities  from the
Company.


                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

     The following table sets forth the ratio of earnings to fixed charges.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
                                                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                         -----------------------------------------------   NINE MONTHS
                                                                                                              ENDED
                                                               1992    1993     1994     1995      1996   SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                                         --------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                            <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>        <C> 
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges .....................       1.37    1.62     2.08     2.18      1.83       1.45
</TABLE>
    

     For the  purpose  of  computing  the ratio of  earnings  to fixed  charges,
earnings  consist of income from continuing  operations  before income taxes and
minority interest, plus fixed charges, less capitalized interest, less excess of
earnings  over  dividends  of  less-than-fifty-percent-owned   companies.  Fixed
charges   consist  of  interest   (including   capitalized   interest)   on  all
indebtedness,  amortization  of debt  discount  and expense and that  portion of
rental expense which the Company  believes to be  representative  of an interest
factor.  A  statement  setting  forth the  computation  of the  above  ratios of
earnings to fixed charges is on file as an exhibit to the Registration Statement
of which this Prospectus is a part.

     During the period from  January 1, 1992 until June 30,  1997,  no shares of
Preferred Stock were issued or  outstanding,  and during that period the Company
did not pay any Preferred Stock dividends.


                                        2

<PAGE>



                                   THE COMPANY

     AES is a  global  power  company  committed  to  supplying  electricity  to
customers  world-wide in a socially  responsible way. The Company was one of the
original  entrants  in the  independent  power  market  and  today is one of the
world's largest  independent  power companies,  based on net equity ownership of
generating  capacity (in  megawatts)  in operation  or under  construction.  AES
markets  power  principally  from  electricity  generating  facilities  that  it
develops, acquires, owns and operates.

     Over the last five years, the Company has experienced  significant  growth.
This growth has resulted  primarily from the development and construction of new
plants  ("greenfield  development")  and also from the  acquisition  of existing
generating  plants  and  distribution   companies,   through  competitively  bid
privatization   initiatives   outside  of  the  United   States  or   negotiated
acquisitions.  Since 1992, the Company's total generating  capacity in megawatts
has  grown  from  1,829 MW to 18,538 MW (an  increase  of 914%),  with the total
number of plants in operation  increasing  from eight to 74.  Additionally,  the
Company's  total revenues have increased at a compound annual growth rate of 20%
from  $401  million  in 1992 to $835  million  in 1996,  while  net  income  has
increased  at a  compound  annual  growth  rate of 22% from $56  million to $125
million over the same period.

     AES  operates  and owns  (entirely or in part),  through  subsidiaries  and
affiliates,  power  plants in ten  countries  with a capacity  of  approximately
18,538 MW (including  4,000 MW  attributable  to Ekibastuz which currently has a
capacity factor of approximately  20%). AES is also constructing nine additional
power plants in seven countries with a capacity of  approximately  4,921 MW. The
Company's  total  ownership  in  plants  in  operation  and  under  construction
aggregates  approximately  23,459 MW and its net equity ownership in such plants
is approximately  11,882 MW. In addition,  AES has numerous projects in advanced
stages  of  development,  including  seven  projects  with  design  capacity  of
approximately   3,398  MW  that  have  executed  or  been  awarded  power  sales
agreements.

     The  Company  is also  engaged  (entirely  or in  part) in  electric  power
distribution   businesses  in  Latin  America  through  its   subsidiaries   and
affiliates.  These subsidiaries and affiliates serve approximately eight million
commercial,  industrial and  residential  customers using  approximately  63,000
gigawatt hours per year.

     As a result  of the  Company's  significant  growth in  recent  years,  the
Company's  operations have become more diverse with regard to both geography and
fuel  source  and it has  reduced  its  dependence  upon any  single  project or
customer.  During 1996, four of the Company's projects individually  contributed
more than 10% of the Company's  total  revenues,  Shady Point which  represented
approximately 20%, San Nicolas which represented approximately 16%, Thames which
represented  approximately 16% and Barbers Point which represented approximately
15%.


                                     OUTLOOK

     The  global  trend  of  electricity   market   restructuring   has  created
significant new business opportunities for companies like AES. Both domestic and
international  electricity  markets are being  restructured and there is a trend
away from government-owned  electricity systems toward deregulated,  competitive
market  structures.  Many countries have rewritten their laws and regulations to
allow  foreign  investment  and private  ownership  of  electricity  generation,
transmission or distribution  systems. Some countries have or are in the process
of  "privatizing"  their  electricity  systems  by  selling  all or part of such
systems to private  investors.  With 69 of its operating plants and distribution
companies  having been acquired or commenced  commercial  operations since 1992,
AES has  been an  active  participant  in both the  international  privatization
process and the development  process.  The Company is currently pursuing over 90
projects  including  acquisitions,  the  expansion  of  existing  plants and new
projects.

     AES  believes  that  there  is  significant  demand  for  both new and more
efficiently  operated  electric  generating  capacity in many regions around the
world.  In an effort to further grow and diversify  the  Company's  portfolio of
electric generating plants, AES is pursuing,  through its integrated  divisions,
additional greenfield developments and


                                        3

<PAGE>



acquisitions in many countries.  Several of these acquisitions,  if consummated,
would require the Company to obtain  substantial  additional  financing,  in the
form of both debt and equity financing, in the short term.


                                    STRATEGY

     The Company's  strategy in helping meet the world's need for electricity is
to participate in competitive power markets as they develop either by greenfield
development or by acquiring and operating  existing  facilities or  distribution
systems in these markets.  The Company generally  operates  electric  generating
facilities  that utilize  natural gas, coal,  oil, hydro power,  or combinations
thereof.   In  addition,   the  Company   participates  in  the  electric  power
distribution and retail supply businesses in certain limited instances, and will
continue to review opportunities in such markets in the future.

     Other elements of the Company's strategy include:

          o   Supplying energy to customers at the lowest cost possible,  taking
              into  account  factors  such  as  reliability  and   environmental
              performance;

          o   Constructing  or  acquiring  projects of a  relatively  large size
              (generally larger than 100 MW);

          o   When available,  entering into power sales contracts with electric
              utilities or other customers with significant credit strength; and

          o   Participating  in electric  power  distribution  and retail supply
              markets   that   grant    concessions   with   long-term   pricing
              arrangements.

     The Company also strives for  operating  excellence as a key element of its
strategy, which it believes it accomplishes by minimizing  organizational layers
and maximizing company-wide participation in decision-making.  AES has attempted
to create an  operating  environment  that  results in safe,  clean and reliable
electricity generation. Because of this emphasis, the Company prefers to operate
all facilities which it develops or acquires; however, there can be no assurance
that the Company will have operating control of all of its facilities.

     Where  possible,  AES attempts to sell  electricity  under  long-term power
sales  contracts.  The Company  attempts,  whenever  possible,  to structure the
revenue  provisions of such power sales  contracts such that changes in the cost
components of a facility  (primarily fuel costs)  correspond,  as effectively as
possible, to changes in the revenue components of the contract. The Company also
attempts to provide fuel for its  operating  plants  generally  under  long-term
supply agreements,  either through  contractual  arrangements with third parties
or, in some instances, through acquisition of a dependable source of fuel.

     As electricity  markets become more  competitive,  it may be more difficult
for AES (and other power  generation  companies) to obtain long-term power sales
contracts.  In markets where  long-term  contracts are not  available,  AES will
pursue  methods to hedge  costs and  revenues  to provide as much  assurance  as
possible of a project's profitability.  In these situations, AES might choose to
purchase a project with a partial hedge or with no hedge, with the strategy that
its  diverse  portfolio  of  projects  provides  some  hedge  to  the  increased
volatility of the project's earnings and cash flow. Additionally, AES may choose
not to participate in these markets.

     The Company  attempts to finance each domestic and foreign plant  primarily
under loan  agreements  and  related  documents  which,  except as noted  below,
require the loans to be repaid  solely from the  project's  revenues and provide
that the repayment of the loans (and interest  thereon) is secured solely by the
capital stock, physical assets, contracts and cash flow of that plant subsidiary
or  affiliate.  This type of  financing  is  generally  referred  to as "project
financing." The lenders under these project financing  structures cannot look to
AES or its other projects for repayment, unless such entity explicitly agrees to
undertake  liability.  AES has explicitly  agreed to undertake  certain  limited
obligations and


                                        4

<PAGE>



contingent  liabilities,  most of which by their terms will only be effective or
will  be  terminated   upon  the  occurrence  of  future   events.   In  certain
circumstances,  the  Company  may incur  indebtedness  which is  recourse to the
Company or to more than one project.


                                        5

<PAGE>



                                  RISK FACTORS

     Purchasers of the Securities should read this entire Prospectus  carefully.
Ownership of the Securities involves certain risks. The following factors should
be considered carefully in evaluating AES and its business before purchasing the
Securities offered by this Prospectus.

     Leverage  and   Subordination.   The  Company  and  its   subsidiaries  had
approximately  $3.9 billion of outstanding  indebtedness  at June 30, 1997. As a
result  of the  Company's  level of debt,  the  Company  might be  significantly
limited in its  ability to meet its debt  service  obligations,  to finance  the
acquisition and development of additional projects, to compete effectively or to
operate  successfully  under adverse  economic  conditions.  As of September 30,
1997,  the  Company  had a  consolidated  ratio  of  total  debt to  total  book
capitalization (including current debt) of approximately 70%.

     The Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust Securities will be subordinated to all
Senior and Senior Subordinated Debt including, but not limited to, the Company's
current $425 million  credit  facility  debt.  The  obligations of AES under the
Preferred Securities Guarantee are subordinate and junior in right of payment to
all  liabilities  of AES and pari passu in right of payment with the most senior
preferred  stock issued,  from time to time, if any, by AES. As of September 30,
1997, the Company had approximately  $782 million in aggregate  principal amount
of Senior and Senior Subordinated Debt.

     Upon  any  payment  or   distribution  of  assets  to  creditors  upon  any
liquidation, dissolution, winding up, receivership,  reorganization,  assignment
for the  benefit  of  creditors,  marshaling  of assets and  liabilities  or any
bankruptcy,  insolvency or similar  proceedings  of the Company,  the holders of
Senior and Senior Subordinated Debt will first be entitled to receive payment in
full of all amounts due or to become due under all Senior and Subordinated  Debt
before the  holders of the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities  will be
entitled to receive any payment in respect of the principal of, premium, if any,
or interest on such Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust  Securities.  No payments on
account of  principal,  premium,  if any,  or  interest in respect of the Junior
Subordinated  Debt Trust Securities may be made if there shall have occurred and
be continuing a default in any payment under any Senior and Senior  Subordinated
Debt or during certain periods when an event of default under certain Senior and
Subordinated  Debt permits the lenders  thereunder to accelerate the maturing of
such  Senior  and  Senior   Subordinated   Debt.  See   "Description  of  Junior
Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities--Subordination."  The Preferred  Securities
will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all other liabilities of
the Company,  including the Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust  Securities,  except
those made pari passu by their terms and (ii) senior to all capital stock now or
hereafter  issued by the Company and to any guarantee  now or hereafter  entered
into by the Company in respect of any of its capital stock.  See "Description of
the  Preferred  Securities   Guarantees--Status   of  the  Preferred  Securities
Guarantees."

     The  Junior   Subordinated   Debt  Trust  Securities  will  be  effectively
subordinated  to  the  indebtedness  and  other  obligations   (including  trade
payables) of the Company's subsidiaries. At September 30, 1997, the indebtedness
and  obligations of the Company's  subsidiaries  aggregated  approximately  $3.7
billion.  The ability of the Company to pay principal of,  premium,  if any, and
interest on the Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities will be dependent upon
the receipt of funds from its subsidiaries by way of dividends,  fees, interest,
loans or  otherwise.  There are no terms in the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust
Securities,  the Preferred Securities or the Preferred Securities Guarantee that
limit  the  Company's  or  its   subsidiaries'   ability  to  incur   additional
indebtedness.  Most  of the  Company's  subsidiaries  with  interests  in  power
generation  facilities  currently have in place arrangements that restrict their
ability  to  make  distributions  to the  Company  by way  of  dividends,  fees,
interest,  loans or  otherwise.  The  Company's  subsidiaries  are  separate and
distinct legal entities and have no obligation,  contingent or otherwise, to pay
any amounts due pursuant to the Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities or the
Preferred  Securities  or to make  any  funds  available  therefor,  whether  by
dividends, loans or other payments, and do not guarantee the payment of interest
on or  principal  of  the  Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities  or the
Preferred  Securities.  Any right of the Company to receive any assets of any of
its subsidiaries upon any liquidation,  dissolution,  winding up,  receivership,
reorganization,  assignment  for the benefit of creditors,  marshaling of assets
and  liabilities  or any  bankruptcy,  insolvency or similar  proceedings of the
Company (and the consequent right of the holders of the Junior Subordinated Debt
Trust Securities and the Preferred Securities to participate in the distribution
of, or to realize proceeds from, those assets) will be effectively  subordinated
to the claims of any such subsidiary's  creditors (including trade creditors and
holders of debt issued by such subsidiary).


                                        6

<PAGE>



The Company currently  conducts  substantially all of its operations through its
subsidiaries. See "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees--Status of
the Preferred Securities Guarantees" and "Description of the Junior Subordinated
Debt Securities--Subordination."

     Doing Business Outside the United States. The Company's  involvement in the
development of new projects and the  acquisition of existing plants in locations
outside  the  United  States is  increasing  and most of the  Company's  current
development and  acquisition  activities are for projects and plants outside the
United  States.  The  Company,  through  subsidiaries  and joint  ventures,  has
ownership interests in 76 power plants outside the United States in operation or
under construction. Thirty-nine of such power plants are located in Brazil; nine
in the People's Republic of China; seven in Kazakhstan;  six in Argentina;  five
in the United Kingdom;  three in Hungary; two in each of Australia and Pakistan;
and one in each of the Netherlands, Canada and the Dominican Republic.

     The  financing,  development  and operation of projects  outside the United
States entail  significant  political and  financial  uncertainties  (including,
without  limitation,  uncertainties  associated  with  first-time  privatization
efforts in the countries involved, currency exchange rate fluctuations, currency
repatriation restrictions, currency convertibility, political instability, civil
unrest, and  expropriation)  and other credit quality,  liquidity or structuring
issues  that have the  potential  to cause  substantial  delays in respect of or
material  impairment  of the value of the project  being  developed or operated,
which AES may not be capable of fully insuring or hedging  against.  The ability
to  obtain  financing  on  a  commercially   acceptable  non-recourse  basis  in
developing  nations may also  require  higher  investments  by the Company  than
historically  have been the case. In addition,  financing in countries with less
than  investment  grade  sovereign  credit ratings may also require  substantial
participation by multilateral financing agencies. There can be no assurance that
such financing can be obtained when needed.

     The uncertainty of the legal  environment in certain countries in which the
Company,  its  subsidiaries  and  its  affiliates  are or in the  future  may be
developing,  constructing  or  operating  could make it more  difficult  for the
Company to enforce  its  respective  rights  under  agreements  relating to such
projects.  In addition,  the laws and regulations of certain countries may limit
the Company's  ability to hold a majority  interest in some of the projects that
it may develop or acquire.  International  projects owned by the Company may, in
certain cases, be expropriated by applicable governments.  Although AES may have
legal recourse in enforcing its rights under  agreements and recovering  damages
for breaches thereof,  there can be no assurance that any such legal proceedings
will be successful.

     Competition.  The  global  power  production  market  is  characterized  by
numerous  strong and capable  competitors,  many of whom may have  extensive and
diversified  developmental or operating experience  (including both domestic and
international experience) and financial resources similar to or greater than the
Company.  Further,  in recent  years,  the power  production  industry  has been
characterized  by  strong  and  increasing  competition  with  respect  to  both
obtaining power sales agreements and acquiring existing power generation assets.
In certain markets,  these factors have caused reductions in prices contained in
new power sales  agreements and, in many cases,  have caused higher  acquisition
prices for existing assets through competitive bidding practices.  The evolution
of  competitive  electricity  markets and the  development  of highly  efficient
gas-fired  power plants have also caused,  or are  anticipated  to cause,  price
pressure in certain  power  markets  where the Company  sells or intends to sell
power. There can be no assurance that the foregoing competitive factors will not
have a material adverse effect on the Company.

     Development  Uncertainties.  The majority of the projects that AES develops
are large and  complex  and the  completion  of any such  project  is subject to
substantial  risks.  Development  can require the Company to expend  significant
sums for  preliminary  engineering,  permitting,  legal  and other  expenses  in
preparation for competitive  bids which the Company may not win or before it can
be determined whether a project is feasible,  economically attractive or capable
of being financed.  Successful  development and construction is contingent upon,
among  other  things,  negotiation  on  terms  satisfactory  to the  Company  of
engineering,  construction,  fuel  supply and power sales  contracts  with other
project participants,  receipt of required governmental permits and consents and
timely implementation and satisfactory completion of construction.  There can be
no assurance that AES will be able to obtain new power sales contracts, overcome
local opposition, if any, obtain the necessary site agreements,  fuel supply and
ash disposal agreements, construction contracts, steam sales contracts, licenses
and certifications, environmental and other permits


                                        7

<PAGE>



and  financing  commitments  necessary  for the  successful  development  of its
projects.  There can be no assurance that development  efforts on any particular
project,  or the  Company's  efforts  generally,  will be  successful.  If these
development efforts are not successful,  the Company may abandon a project under
development.  At  the  time  of  abandonment,  the  Company  would  expense  all
capitalized  development costs incurred in connection  therewith and could incur
additional losses associated with any related contingent liabilities. The future
growth of the Company is  dependent,  in part,  upon the demand for  significant
amounts of additional  electrical  generating capacity and its ability to obtain
contracts to supply portions of this capacity. Any material unremedied delay in,
or unsatisfactory  completion of,  construction of the Company's projects could,
under certain circumstances,  have an adverse effect on the Company's ability to
meet its obligations, including the payment of principal of, premium, if any and
interest on Debt Securities.  The Company also is faced with certain development
uncertainties  arising out of doing business  outside of the United States.  See
"--Doing Business Outside the United States."

     Risks Associated with Acquisitions.  The Company has achieved a significant
portion of its growth through  acquisitions and expects that it will continue to
grow, in part, through  acquisitions.  During 1997 alone the Company consummated
several major  acquisitions  in which the Company  invested an aggregate of $1.9
billion (excluding  non-recourse debt). Although each of the acquired businesses
had a  significant  operating  history  at the  time of its  acquisition  by the
Company,  the  Company  has a limited  history  of owning  and  operating  these
businesses. In addition, most of these businesses were government owned and some
were operated as part of a larger integrated  utility prior to their acquisition
by the Company.  There can be no assurances  that the Company will be successful
in transitioning  these to private ownership,  that such businesses will perform
as  expected  or  that  the  returns  from  such  businesses  will  support  the
indebtedness  incurred  to acquire  them or the capital  expenditures  needed to
develop them.

     Uncertainty  of  Access  to  Capital  for  Future  Projects.  Each of AES's
projects under development and those independent power facilities it may seek to
acquire may require substantial capital investment.  Continued access to capital
with acceptable  terms is necessary to assure the success of future projects and
acquisitions.  AES has primarily  utilized  project  financing loans to fund the
capital  expenditures  associated with  constructing  and acquiring its electric
power  plants  and  related  assets.  Project  financing  borrowings  have  been
substantially  non-recourse to other  subsidiaries  and affiliates and to AES as
the parent  company and are  generally  secured by the capital  stock,  physical
assets,  contracts and cash flow of the related project subsidiary or affiliate.
The Company  intends to  continue to seek,  where  possible,  such  non-recourse
project  financing  in  connection  with the  assets  which the  Company  or its
affiliates  may  develop,  construct  or acquire.  However,  depending on market
conditions and the unique  characteristics of individual projects, the Company's
traditional   providers  of  project   financing,   particularly   multinational
commercial  banks,  may seek  higher  borrowing  spreads  and  increased  equity
contributions.

     Furthermore,  because of the reluctance of commercial lending  institutions
to provide non-recourse  project financing  (including financial  guarantees) in
certain less developed economies,  the Company, in such locations,  has and will
continue to seek  direct or  indirect  (through  credit  support or  guarantees)
project   financing  from  a  limited  number  of   multilateral   or  bilateral
international  financial  institutions or agencies.  As a precondition to making
such  project  financing   available,   these   institutions  may  also  require
governmental   guarantees  of  certain  project  and  sovereign  related  risks.
Depending on the policies of specific  governments,  such  guarantees may not be
offered  and as a result,  AES may  determine  that  sufficient  financing  will
ultimately not be available to fund the related project.

     In addition to the project  financing  loans, if available,  AES provides a
portion,  or in certain  instances  all, of the  remaining  long-term  financing
required to fund development,  construction,  or acquisition.  These investments
have  generally  taken  the form of  equity  investments  or  loans,  which  are
subordinated to the project  financing  loans.  The funds for these  investments
have been  provided  by cash  flows from  operations  and by the  proceeds  from
borrowings  under  short-term  credit   facilities,   and  issuances  of  senior
subordinated notes, convertible debentures and common stock of the Company.

     The Company's  ability to arrange for financing on either a fully  recourse
or a  substantially  non-recourse  basis  and  the  costs  of such  capital  are
dependent on numerous  factors,  including  general  economic and capital market
conditions, the availability of bank credit, investor confidence in the Company,
the continued success of current projects and


                                        8

<PAGE>



provisions of tax and securities  laws which are conducive to raising capital in
this manner.  Should future  access to capital not be available,  AES may decide
not to build new plants or acquire existing facilities.  While a decision not to
build new plants or acquire existing  facilities would not affect the results of
operations of AES on its  currently  operating  facilities  or facilities  under
construction, such a decision would affect the future growth of AES.

     Dependence on Utility Customers and Certain Projects. The nature of most of
AES's power  projects is such that each facility  generally  relies on one power
sales  contract  with a single  customer  for the  majority,  if not all, of its
revenues over the life of the power sales contract. During 1996, five customers,
including   Connecticut  Light  &  Power  Company,  a  subsidiary  of  Northeast
Utilities,  accounted for 73% of the Company's  consolidated total revenues. The
prolonged  failure  of any one  utility  customer  to  fulfill  its  contractual
obligations could have a substantial  negative impact on AES's primary source of
revenues.  AES has  sought to reduce  this risk in part by  entering  into power
sales  contracts with utilities or other  customers of strong credit quality and
by locating  its plants in different  geographic  areas in order to mitigate the
effects of regional economic downturns.

     Four of the Company's plants collectively represented  approximately 39% of
AES's consolidated total assets at December 31, 1996 and generated approximately
67% of AES's consolidated total revenues for the year ended December 31, 1996.

     Sales to Connecticut Light & Power Company ("CL&P")  represented 16% of the
Company's total revenues in 1996. Moody's Investor Service Inc.  ("Moody's") and
Standard & Poor's  Corporation  ("S&P") have recently  downgraded  CL&P's senior
secured  long-term  debt from  Baa3/BBB-  to Ba1/BB+.  Both Moody's and S&P have
placed CL&P under review for possible  downgrade or credit watch. In March 1997,
as a result  of  regulatory  action  by the  Public  Service  Commission  of New
Hampshire,  Moody's and S&P  downgraded  the senior  unsecured debt of Northeast
Utilities,  the  parent of CL&P,  from  Ba2/BB to Ba3/BB-  and placed  Northeast
Utilities on watch for possible downgrade.

     Regulatory  Uncertainty.  AES's cogeneration  operations are subject to the
provisions  of  various  laws and  regulations,  including  the  Public  Utility
Regulatory  Policies Act of 1978, as amended  ("PURPA")  and the Public  Utility
Holding  Company  Act,  as  amended  ("PUHCA").  PURPA  provides  to  qualifying
facilities  ("QFs")  certain  exemptions  from  substantial  federal  and  state
legislation,  including  regulation as public utilities.  PUHCA regulates public
utility  holding  companies and their  subsidiaries.  AES is not and will not be
subject to regulation  as a holding  company under PUHCA as long as the domestic
power plants it owns are QFs under PURPA.  QF status is  conditioned  on meeting
certain criteria, and would be jeopardized,  for example, by the loss of a steam
customer.  The Company believes that, upon the occurrence of an event that would
threaten the QF status of one of its domestic plants,  it would be able to react
in a manner that would  avoid the loss of QF status  (such as by  replacing  the
steam customer).  In the event the Company were unable to avoid the loss of such
status for one of its plants,  to avoid public utility  holding  company status,
AES could apply to the Federal Energy Regulatory  Commission  ("FERC") to obtain
status  as an Exempt  Wholesale  Generator  ("EWG"),  or could  restructure  the
ownership  of the  project  subsidiary.  EWGs,  however,  are subject to broader
regulation  by FERC and may be  subject  to  state  public  utility  commissions
regulation  regarding  non-rate  matters.  In addition,  any  restructuring of a
project  subsidiary  could result in, among other  things,  a reduced  financial
interest in such subsidiary, which could result in a gain or loss on the sale of
the  interest  in such  subsidiary,  the  removal  of such  subsidiary  from the
consolidated  income tax group or the consolidated  financial  statements of the
Company, or an increase or decrease in the results of operations of the Company.

     The United States Congress is considering  proposed legislation which would
repeal  PURPA  entirely,  or at least  repeal the  obligation  of  utilities  to
purchase  from QFs.  There is strong  support  for  grandfathering  existing  QF
contracts  if such  legislation  is  passed,  and  also  support  for  requiring
utilities  to conduct  competitive  bidding for new electric  generation  if the
PURPA purchase obligation is eliminated. Various bills have also proposed repeal
of  PUHCA.  Repeal  of  PUHCA  would  allow  both  independents  and  vertically
integrated  utilities to acquire retail  utilities in the United States that are
geographically  widespread, as opposed to the current limitations of PUHCA which
require  that retail  electric  systems be capable of physical  integration.  In
addition,  registered  holding  companies  would be free to acquire  non-utility
businesses,  which they may not do now, with certain limited exceptions.  In the
event of a PUHCA repeal,  competition  for  independent  power  generators  from
vertically integrated utilities would likely increase. Repeal of


                                        9

<PAGE>



PURPA  and/or  PUHCA  may or may  not be part of  comprehensive  legislation  to
restructure  the  electric  utility  industry,  allow  retail  competition,  and
deregulate  most  electric  rates.  The  effect  of any such  repeal  cannot  be
predicted,  although any such repeal could have a material adverse effect on the
Company.

     Electric Utility Industry Restructuring  Proposals. The FERC and many state
utility  commissions are currently studying a number of proposals to restructure
the electric utility  industry in the United States.  Such  restructuring  would
permit  utility  customers to choose  their  utility  supplier in a  competitive
electric  energy  market.  The FERC  issued a final  rule in  April  1996  which
requires  utilities to offer  wholesale  customers and suppliers  open access on
utility  transmission  lines, on a comparable basis to the utilities' own use of
the lines.  The final rule is subject to rehearing and may become the subject of
court litigation.  Many utilities have already filed "open access" tariffs.  The
utilities contend that they should recover from departing  customers their fixed
costs that will be "stranded" by the ability of their  wholesale  customers (and
perhaps  eventually,  their  retail  customers)  to choose  new  electric  power
suppliers.  The  FERC  final  rule  endorses  the  recovery  of  legitimate  and
verifiable  "stranded costs." These may include the costs utilities are required
to pay under  many QF  contracts  which the  utilities  view as  excessive  when
compared with current market prices.  Many utilities are therefore  seeking ways
to lower these  contract  prices or rescind  the  contracts  altogether,  out of
concern  that their  shareholders  will be  required to bear all or part of such
"stranded"  costs.  Some  utilities  have engaged in  litigation  against QFs to
achieve these ends.

     In addition,  future United States  electric  rates may be deregulated in a
restructured  United States electric utility industry and increased  competition
may result in lower rates and less profit for United States electricity sellers.
Falling  electricity  prices and  uncertainty as to the future  structure of the
industry is inhibiting  United  States  utilities  from entering into  long-term
power purchase  contracts.  The effect of any such  restructuring on the Company
cannot be  predicted,  although  any such  restructuring  could  have a material
adverse effect on the Company.

     Litigation and Regulatory  Proceedings.  From time to time, the Company and
its affiliates are parties to litigation and regulatory  proceedings.  Investors
should  review the  descriptions  of such  matters  contained  in the  Company's
Annual, Quarterly and Current Reports filed with the Commission and incorporated
by reference herein. There can be no assurances that the outcome of such matters
will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's  consolidated financial
position.

     Business Subject to Stringent Environmental  Regulations.  AES's activities
are subject to stringent  environmental  regulation by federal, state, local and
foreign governmental  authorities.  For example, the Clean Air Act Amendments of
1990  impose more  stringent  standards  than those  previously  in effect,  and
require  states to impose permit fees on certain  emissions.  Congress and other
foreign governmental  authorities also may consider proposals to restrict or tax
certain emissions. These proposals, if adopted, could impose additional costs on
the operation of AES's power plants. There can be no assurance that AES would be
able to  recover  all or any  increased  costs  from its  customers  or that its
business,  financial  condition or results of operations would not be materially
and adversely  affected by future  changes in domestic or foreign  environmental
laws and regulations. The Company has made and will continue to make capital and
other expenditures to comply with environmental laws and regulations.  There can
be no assurance that such  expenditures  will not have a material adverse effect
on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

     Control by Existing  Stockholders.  As of  September  30,  1997,  AES's two
founders,  Roger W. Sant and  Dennis W.  Bakke,  and  their  immediate  families
together owned  beneficially  approximately  22.1% of AES's  outstanding  Common
Stock. As a result of their ownership  interests,  Messrs. Sant and Bakke may be
able to  significantly  influence  or exert  control  over the  affairs  of AES,
including the election of the Company's directors. As of September 30, 1997, all
of AES's  officers and directors and their  immediate  families  together  owned
beneficially  approximately  29.2% of AES's  outstanding  Common  Stock.  To the
extent that they decide to vote together,  these  stockholders  would be able to
significantly  influence  or  control  the  election  of  AES's  directors,  the
management and policies of AES and any action  requiring  stockholder  approval,
including significant corporate transactions.

     Adherence to AES's Principles--Possible  Impact on Results of Operations. A
core part of AES's corporate culture is a commitment to "shared principles":  to
act with integrity, to be fair, to have fun and to be socially responsible. The


                                       10

<PAGE>



Company seeks to adhere to these  principles not as a means to achieve  economic
success,  but because adherence is a worthwhile goal in and of itself.  However,
if the Company  perceives a conflict between these  principles and profits,  the
Company will try to adhere to its principles--even  though doing so might result
in diminished or foregone opportunities or financial benefits.

     Shares  Eligible  for  Future  Sale.   Certain  credit  facilities  of  AES
subsidiaries  are secured by the pledge of 34.6 million shares of the AES Common
Stock held by a  subsidiary  of AES.  The sale of a  substantial  number of such
shares in the public  market upon any  foreclosure  or  otherwise  could have an
adverse  effect on the  market  price of the AES  Common  Stock and  thereby  an
adverse  effect  on the  market  price  of any  Preferred  Securities  that  are
convertible to AES Common Stock.

     Risk of Fraudulent Transfer.  Various fraudulent  conveyance laws have been
enacted for the  protection of creditors and may be applied by a court on behalf
of any unpaid  creditor or a  representative  of AES's creditors in a lawsuit to
subordinate  or  avoid  the  Junior  Subordinated  Debentures  in favor of other
existing or future  creditors of AES.  Under  applicable  provisions of the U.S.
Bankruptcy  code or  comparable  provisions  of  state  fraudulent  transfer  or
conveyance  laws,  if AES at the time of  issuance  of the  Junior  Subordinated
Debentures,  (i)  incurred  such  indebtedness  with intent to hinder,  delay or
defraud any present or future creditor of AES or contemplated  insolvency with a
design to prefer one or more  creditors to the  exclusion in whole or in part of
others  or  (ii)  received  less  than  reasonably   equivalent  value  or  fair
consideration  for issuing the Junior  Subordinated  Debentures  and AES (a) was
insolvent,  (b) was  rendered  insolvent by reason of the issuance of the Junior
Subordinated  Debentures,  (c) was  engaged or about to engage in  business or a
transaction for which the remaining assets of AES constitute  unreasonably small
capital to carry on its business or (d) intended to incur,  or believed  that it
would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature, then, in
each case, a court of competent  jurisdiction  could void,  in whole or in part,
the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Among other things, a legal challenge of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures on fraudulent conveyance grounds may focus on the
benefits,  if any,  realized  by AES as a result of the  issuance  by AES of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures.

     The measure of insolvency for purposes of the foregoing will vary depending
upon the law applied in such case.  Generally,  however, AES would be considered
insolvent  if the  sum of its  debts,  including  contingent  liabilities,  were
greater  than all of its assets at fair  valuation or if the present fair market
value of its assets  were less than the amount that would be required to pay the
probable liability on its existing debts, including contingent  liabilities,  as
they become absolute and mature. There can be no assurance that, after providing
for all prior claims,  there will be sufficient  assets to satisfy the claims of
the holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
[JAY]
     Management  believes that, for purposes of all such insolvency,  bankruptcy
and fraudulent transfer or conveyance laws, the Junior  Subordinated  Debentures
are being incurred without the intent to hinder,  delay or defraud creditors and
for proper  purposes  and in good faith,  and that AES after the issuance of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures will be solvent, will have sufficient capital for
carrying on its business and will be able to pay its debts as they mature. There
can be no assurance, however, that a court passing on such questions would agree
with management's view.

     Ability of AES to Make Distributions. The ability of the AES Trusts to make
distributions and other payments on the Preferred Securities is solely dependent
upon the Company making  interest and other payments on the Junior  Subordinated
Debt Trust  Securities  deposited as trust assets as and when  required.  If the
Company  were  not to  make  distributions  or  other  payments  on  the  Junior
Subordinated Debt Trust Securities for any reason,  including as a result of the
Company's  election to defer the payment of interest on the Junior  Subordinated
Debt  Trust   Securities  by  extending  the  interest   period  on  the  Junior
Subordinated Debt Trust Securities, the AES Trusts will not make payments on the
Trust Securities (as defined herein). In such an event, holders of the Preferred
Securities would not be able to rely on the Preferred Securities Guarantee since
distributions and other payments on the Preferred Securities are subject to such
Guarantee  only if and to the extent  that the Company has made a payment to the
Property  Trustee (as defined  herein) of  interest or  principal  on the Junior
Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities  deposited  in the Trust as trust  assets.
Instead,  holders of Preferred  Securities  would rely on the enforcement by the
Property Trustee of its rights as registered  holder of the Junior  Subordinated
Debt Trust Securities against the Company pursuant to the terms of the Indenture
(as defined herein).  However,  if the Trust's failure to make  distributions on
the Preferred Securities is a consequence of the Company's exercise of its right
to extend the interest  payment  period for the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust
Securities,  the  Property  Trustee will have no right to enforce the payment of
distributions on the Preferred  Securities until an Event of Default (as defined
herein) under the Declaration (as defined herein) shall have occurred.


                                       11

<PAGE>



     The  Declaration  provides  that the  Company  shall  pay for all debts and
obligations  (other than with respect to the Trust Securities) and all costs and
expenses of the AES Trusts,  including any taxes and all costs and expenses with
respect thereto,  to which the AES Trusts may become subject,  except for United
States  withholding  taxes. No assurance can be given that the Company will have
sufficient  resources  to enable it to pay such  debts,  obligations,  costs and
expenses on behalf of the AES Trusts.

     Option to Extend Interest Payment Period; Tax Impact of Extension.  So long
as the Company  shall not be in default in the payment of interest on the Junior
Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities,  the  Company  has the  right  under  the
Indenture to defer  payments of interest on the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust
Securities  by extending  the interest  payment  period from time to time on the
Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Securities for an extension period not exceeding
20 consecutive quarterly interest periods (an "Extension Period"),  during which
no interest shall be due and payable. In such an event, quarterly  distributions
on the Preferred Securities would not be made by the applicable AES Trust during
any such  Extension  Period.  If the  Company  exercises  the right to extend an
interest  payment  period,  the  Company may not during  such  Extension  Period
declare or pay dividends on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a distribution
or  liquidation  payment  with  respect to, any of its common stock or preferred
stock;  provided that (i) the Company will be permitted to pay accrued dividends
upon the exchange or redemption of any series of preferred  stock of the Company
as may be  outstanding  from time to time, in accordance  with the terms of such
stock  and (ii) the  foregoing  will not  apply to stock  dividends  paid by the
Company. Under the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation the Company
is authorized to issue up to 50,000,000  shares of preferred  stock.  As of June
30, 1997,  no shares of the  Company's  preferred  stock were  outstanding.  The
Company may from time to time offer shares of its preferred stock to the public.

     Prior to the termination of any Extension  Period,  the Company may further
extend such Extension Period;  provided that such Extension Period together with
all such previous and further  extensions  thereof may not exceed 20 consecutive
quarterly interest periods. Upon the termination of any Extension Period and the
payment of all  amounts  then due,  the  Company  may  commence a new  Extension
Period,  subject to the above  requirements.  The Company may also prepay at any
time all or any portion of the  interest  accrued  during an  Extension  Period.
Consequently,  there  could be  multiple  Extension  Periods of varying  lengths
throughout the term of the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities,  not to
exceed 20 consecutive  quarters or to cause any extension beyond the maturity of
the Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities.  See any accompanying  Prospectus
Supplement relating to Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities.

     Because the Company has the right to extend the interest payment period for
an  Extension  Period of up to 20  consecutive  quarterly  interest  periods  on
various occasions, the Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities will be treated
as issued with  "original  issue  discount" for United States federal income tax
purposes.  As a result,  holders of  Preferred  Securities  will be  required to
include  their pro rata share of original  issue  discount in gross income as it
accrues for United States  federal income tax purposes in advance of the receipt
of cash.  Generally,  all of a  securityholder's  taxable  interest  income with
respect to the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust Securities will be accounted for
as "original  issue discount" and actual  distributions  of stated interest will
not be separately  reported as taxable income.  See any accompanying  Prospectus
Supplement relating to Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities.

     Special Event  Redemption or  Distribution.  Upon the occurrence and during
the  continuation  of a Tax Event or  Investment  Company Event (each as defined
herein), which may occur at any time, the applicable AES Trust shall, unless the
Junior   Subordinated   Debt  Trust  Securities  are  redeemed  in  the  limited
circumstances  described  below,  be  dissolved  with  the  result  that  Junior
Subordinated Debt Trust Securities having an aggregate principal amount equal to
the  aggregate  stated  liquidation  amount of, and  bearing  accrued and unpaid
distributions  on,  the  Preferred  Securities  and Common  Securities  would be
distributed  on a Pro Rata  Basis (as  defined  herein  under "The AES Trusts --
Distributions") to the holders of the Preferred Securities and Common Securities
in  liquidation  of  such  Trust.  In  the  case  of a  Tax  Event,  in  certain
circumstances, the Company shall have the right to redeem at any time the Junior
Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities  in whole or in part,  in which  event the
applicable AES Trust will redeem Preferred Securities and Common Securities on a
Pro  Rata  Basis  to the same  extent  as the  Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust
Securities  are redeemed.  There can be no assurance as to the market prices for
Preferred  Securities or the Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities which may
be distributed in exchange for Preferred Securities if a dissolution and


                                       12

<PAGE>



liquidation  of the  applicable  AES  Trust  were  to  occur.  Accordingly,  the
Preferred  Securities that an investor may purchase,  or the Junior Subordinated
Debt  Trust  Securities  that  the  investor  may  receive  on  dissolution  and
liquidation of the  applicable  AES Trust,  may trade at a discount to the price
that the investor  paid to purchase the  Preferred  Securities  offered  hereby.
Because  holders of Preferred  Securities may receive Junior  Subordinated  Debt
Trust  Securities  upon the  occurrence of a Special Event (as defined  herein),
prospective  purchasers  of Preferred  Securities  are also making an investment
decision with regard to the Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities and should
carefully  review all the  information  regarding the Junior  Subordinated  Debt
Trust Securities contained in any accompanying Prospectus Supplement relating to
Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities.

     There can be no assurance  that future federal  legislative  proposals will
not prevent the Company from deducting interest on the Junior  Subordinated Debt
Trust  Securities.  This would  constitute  a Tax Event and could  result in the
distribution of any Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Securities to holders of the
Preferred  Securities  or, in  certain  circumstances,  the  redemption  of such
securities  by the  Company  and  the  distribution  of the  resulting  cash  in
redemption  of  the  Preferred  Securities.   See  any  accompanying  Prospectus
Supplement relating to Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities.

     "Tax Event" means that the Regular  Trustees (as defined herein) shall have
obtained  an  opinion  of  a  nationally  recognized   independent  tax  counsel
experienced in such matters (a "Dissolution  Tax Opinion") to the effect that on
or after the date of any accompanying  Prospectus  Supplement relating to Junior
Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities  as a result of (a) any  amendment  to, or
change in, the laws (or any regulations  thereunder) of the United States or any
political  subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, (b) any amendment
to,  or  change  in,  an  interpretation  or  application  of any  such  laws or
regulations by any legislative  body, court,  governmental  agency or regulatory
authority (including the enactment of any legislation and the publication of any
judicial  decision  or  regulatory  determination),  (c) any  interpretation  or
pronouncement  that  provides  for a  position  with  respect  to  such  laws or
regulations that differs from the theretofore generally accepted position or (d)
any action  taken by any  governmental  agency or  regulatory  authority,  which
amendment  or change is  enacted,  promulgated,  issued  or  effective  or which
interpretation or pronouncement is issued or announced or which action is taken,
in each case on or after the date of such Prospectus  Supplement,  there is more
than an  insubstantial  risk  that (i) the  applicable  AES Trust is, or will be
within 90 days of the date thereof,  subject to United States federal income tax
with respect to income accrued or received on the Junior Subordinated Debt Trust
Securities,  (ii) the  applicable AES Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the
date thereof, subject to more than a de minimis amount of other taxes, duties or
other  governmental  charges or (iii)  interest  payable  by the  Company to the
applicable AES Trust on the Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities is not, or
within 90 days of the date  thereof will not be,  deductible  by the Company for
United States federal income tax purposes.

     "Investment  Company  Event"  means that the  Regular  Trustees  shall have
received an opinion of nationally recognized  independent counsel experienced in
practice under the Investment  Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"),
that as a result of the  occurrence of a change in law or regulation or a change
in  interpretation  or application of law or regulation by any legislative body,
court, governmental agency or regulatory authority (a "Change in 1940 Act Law"),
there  is more  than an  insubstantial  risk  that  an AES  Trust  is or will be
considered an "investment  company" which is required to be registered under the
1940 Act, which Change in 1940 Act Law becomes effective on or after the date of
any accompanying  Prospectus  Supplement  relating to Junior  Subordinated  Debt
Trust Securities.

     "Special Event" means a Tax Event or an Investment Company Event.

     Limiting Voting Rights.  Holders of Preferred  Securities will have limited
voting  rights,  but will  not be able to  appoint,  remove  or  replace,  or to
increase  or  decrease  the  number  of,  Trustees,   which  rights  are  vested
exclusively in the Common Securities (as defined herein under "The AES Trusts").

     Trading Prices of Preferred Securities. The Preferred Securities constitute
a new issue of securities  with no  established  trading  market.  The Preferred
Securities may trade at a price that does not fully reflect the value of accrued
but unpaid  interest with respect to the  underlying  Junior  Subordinated  Debt
Trust  Securities.  A holder who disposes of his  Preferred  Securities  between
record dates for payments of distributions thereon will be required to include


                                       13

<PAGE>



accrued but unpaid  interest on the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities
through the date of  disposition in income as ordinary  income,  and to add such
amount to his adjusted tax basis in his pro rata share of the underlying  Junior
Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities  deemed  disposed of.  Accordingly,  such a
holder will  recognize a capital loss to the extent the selling price (which may
not fully  reflect  the value of accrued but unpaid  interest)  is less than the
holders  adjusted tax basis (which will  include  accrued but unpaid  interest).
Subject to  certain  limited  exceptions,  capital  losses  cannot be applied to
offset  ordinary  income for United States federal income tax purposes.  See any
accompanying  Prospectus  Supplement  relating to Junior Subordinated Debt Trust
Securities.

     Potential Market  Volatility  During Extension  Period. As described above,
the  Company has the right to extend an  interest  payment  period on the Junior
Subordinated  Debt Trust Securities from time to time for a period not exceeding
20 consecutive  quarterly interest periods.  If the Company determines to extend
an interest payment period,  or if the Company  thereafter  extends an Extension
Period or prepays  interest  accrued  during an  Extension  Period as  described
above, the market price of the Preferred Securities is likely to be affected. In
addition,  as a  result  of such  rights,  the  market  price  of the  Preferred
Securities  (which represent an undivided  interest in Junior  Subordinated Debt
Trust  Securities) may be more volatile than other  securities on which original
issue discount  accrues that do not have such rights.  A holder that disposes of
its Preferred Securities during an Extension Period,  therefore, may not receive
the same  return  on its  investment  as a  holder  that  continues  to hold its
Preferred  Securities.  See any accompanying  Prospectus  Supplement relating to
Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities.

     No Prior Public Market--Possible Price Volatility of the Securities.  Prior
to the offering,  there has been no public market for the Securities.  There can
be no assurance that an active trading market for the Securities will develop or
be sustained.  If such a market were to develop, the Securities,  could trade at
prices that may be higher or lower than their offering price depending upon many
factors,  including  prevailing  interest rates, the Company's operating results
and  the  markets  for  similar   securities.   Historically,   the  market  for
non-investment grade debt has demonstrated  substantial volatility in the prices
of  securities  similar to the  Securities.  There can be no assurance  that the
future  market for the  Securities  will not be  subject to similar  volatility.
Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the Securities.


                                       14

<PAGE>



                                 THE AES TRUSTS

   
     Each of the AES Trust  III,  AES  Trust IV and AES  Trust V is a  statutory
business  trust formed,  in the case of AES Trust III, on November 13, 1996, and
in the case of AES Trust IV and AES Trust V, on November  5, 1997,  in each case
under the Delaware  Business Trust Act (the "Business  Trust Act") pursuant to a
separate declaration of trust among the Trustees (as defined herein) of such AES
Trust  and the  Company  and the  filing  of a  certificate  of  trust  with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.  Such  declaration  will be amended
and  restated in its entirety (as so amended and  restated,  the  "Declaration")
substantially  in the  form  incorporated  by  reference  as an  exhibit  to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part, as of the date the
Preferred  Securities of such AES Trust are initially  issued.  Each Declaration
will be qualified  under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust
Indenture Act").

     This  description  summarizes the material terms of the Declarations and is
qualified in its entirety by  reference  to the form of  Declaration,  which has
been  incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the  Registration  Statement of
which this Prospectus is a part, and the Trust Indenture Act.
    

TRUST SECURITIES

     Upon  issuance of any  Preferred  Securities  by an AES Trust,  the holders
thereof will own all of the issued and outstanding  Preferred Securities of such
AES Trust.  The Company will acquire  securities  representing  common undivided
beneficial  interests in the assets of each AES Trust (the  "Common  Securities"
and,  together  with the Preferred  Securities,  the "Trust  Securities")  in an
amount equal to at least 3% of the total capital of such AES Trust and will own,
directly or indirectly,  all of the issued and outstanding  Common Securities of
each AES Trust.  The Preferred  Securities and the Common  Securities  will rank
pari passu with each other and will have equivalent terms;  provided that (i) if
a Declaration  Event of Default (as defined herein under  "--Events of Default")
under the  Declaration of an AES Trust occurs and is continuing,  the holders of
Preferred  Securities of such AES Trust will have a priority over holders of the
Common  Securities  of such AES Trust  with  respect to  payments  in respect of
distributions  and payments upon  liquidation,  redemption and maturity and (ii)
holders of Common  Securities  have the exclusive right (subject to the terms of
the  Declaration) to appoint,  remove or replace the Trustees and to increase or
decrease  the number of  Trustees.  Each AES Trust exists for the purpose of (a)
issuing its  Preferred  Securities,  (b) issuing  its Common  Securities  to the
Company,  (c) investing the gross proceeds from the sale of the Trust Securities
in Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Securities of the Company and (d) engaging in
only such other activities as are necessary,  convenient or incidental  thereto.
The  rights of the  holders  of the  Preferred  Securities,  including  economic
rights, rights to information and voting rights, are set forth in the applicable
Declaration, the Business Trust Act and the Trust Indenture Act.

POWERS AND DUTIES OF TRUSTEES

     The number of trustees (the  "Trustees") of each AES Trust shall  initially
be five.  Three of such Trustees (the "Regulator  Trustees") are individuals who
are  employees or officers of the  Company.  The fourth such trustee will be The
First National Bank of Chicago, which is unaffiliated with the Company and which
will serve as the  property  trustee  (the  "Property  Trustee")  and act as the
indenture  trustee  for  purposes  of the Trust  Indenture  Act.  The fifth such
trustee is First Chicago  Delaware Inc. that has its principal place of business
in the State of Delaware (the "Delaware Trustee"). Pursuant to each Declaration,
legal title to the Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities purchased by an AES
Trust will be held by the Property Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the
Trust Securities of such AES Trust, and the Property Trustee will have the power
to exercise all rights,  powers and  privileges  under the Indenture (as defined
under  "Description  of the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities")  with
respect to the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities.  In  addition,  the
Property Trustee will maintain  exclusive  control of a segregated  non-interest
bearing bank account (the "Property Account") to hold all payments in respect of
the Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities  purchased by an AES Trust for the
benefit of the holders of Trust  Securities.  The Property Trustee will promptly
make  distributions to the holders of the Trust Securities out of funds from the
Property Account. The Preferred  Securities  Guarantees are separately qualified
under the Trust  Indenture  Act and will be held by The First  National  Bank of
Chicago,  acting in its capacity as indenture trustee with respect thereto,  for
the benefit of the holders of the applicable  Preferred  Securities.  As used in
this Prospectus and any accompanying Prospectus Supplement, the


                                       15

<PAGE>



term  "Property  Trustee"  with  respect  to an AES  Trust  refers  to The First
National  Bank of Chicago  acting  either in its capacity as a Trustee under the
relevant  Declaration  and the holder of legal title to the Junior  Subordinated
Debt Trust  Securities  purchased  by that Trust or in its capacity as indenture
trustee under, and the holder of, the applicable Preferred Securities Guarantee,
as the context may require.  The Company, as the direct or indirect owner of all
of the  Common  Securities  of each AES  Trust,  will have the  exclusive  right
(subject to the terms of the related Declaration) to appoint,  remove or replace
Trustees and to increase or decrease the number of Trustees,  provided  that the
number of Trustees shall be, except under certain  circumstances,  at least five
and the majority of Trustees shall be Regular Trustees. The term of an AES Trust
will be set forth in the  Prospectus  Supplement,  but may terminate  earlier as
provided in such Declaration.

     The  duties  and  obligations  of the  Trustees  of an AES  Trust  shall be
governed by the  Declaration  of such AES Trust,  the Business Trust Act and the
Trust  Indenture Act. Under its  Declaration,  each AES Trust shall not, and the
Trustees shall cause such AES Trust not to, engage in any activity other than in
connection  with the  purposes  of such AES Trust or other than as  required  or
authorized by the related Declaration.  In particular,  each AES Trust shall not
and the  Trustees  shall  cause each AES Trust not to (a)  invest  any  proceeds
received  by such AES Trust  from  holding  the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust
Securities  purchased by such AES Trust but shall promptly  distribute  from the
Property  Account all such proceeds to holders of Trust  Securities  pursuant to
the terms of the related  Declaration and of the Trust  Securities;  (b) acquire
any assets  other than as  expressly  provided in the related  Declaration;  (c)
possess Trust property for other than a Trust purpose; (d) make any loans, other
than loans represented by the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities;  (e)
possess any power or  otherwise  act in such a way as to vary the assets of such
AES Trust or the terms of its Trust Securities in any way whatsoever;  (f) issue
any  securities  or other  evidences of  beneficial  ownership of, or beneficial
interests  in,  such AES Trust  other than its Trust  Securities;  (g) incur any
indebtedness  for borrowed money or (h)(i) direct the time,  method and place of
exercising any trust or power  conferred upon the Indenture  Trustee (as defined
under  "Description  of the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities")  with
respect to the Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Securities  deposited in that AES
Trust as trust  assets  or upon the  Property  Trustee  of that AES  Trust  with
respect  to its  Preferred  Securities,  (ii)  waive  any past  default  that is
waivable  under the Indenture or the  Declaration,  (iii)  exercise any right to
rescind  or annul  any  declaration  that  the  principal  of all of the  Junior
Subordinated  Debt Trust Securities  deposited in that AES Trust as trust assets
shall be due and  payable or (iv)  consent  to any  amendment,  modification  or
termination of the Indenture or such Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Securities,
in each case where such consent  shall be  required,  unless in the case of this
clause (h) the Property  Trustee shall have received an  unqualified  opinion of
nationally  recognized  independent  tax  counsel  recognized  as expert in such
matters  to the  effect  that such  action  will not cause  such AES Trust to be
classified  for United  States  federal  income tax  purposes as an  association
taxable as a corporation or a partnership  and that such AES Trust will continue
to be  classified  as a grantor  trust for  United  States  federal  income  tax
purposes.

BOOKS AND RECORDS

     The books and records of each AES Trust will be maintained at the principal
office  of such  AES  Trust  and  will be open for  inspection  by a  holder  of
Preferred  Securities  of such AES Trust or his  representative  for any purpose
reasonably  related to his  interest in such AES Trust  during  normal  business
hours.  Each holder of  Preferred  Securities  will be furnished  annually  with
unaudited financial  statements of the applicable AES Trust as soon as available
after the end of such AES Trust's fiscal year.

VOTING

     Holders of Preferred  Securities will have limited voting rights,  but will
not be able to appoint, remove or replace, or to increase or decrease the number
of, Trustees, which rights are vested exclusively in the Common Securities.


                                       16

<PAGE>



THE PROPERTY TRUSTEE

     The  Property  Trustee,  for  the  benefit  of the  holders  of  the  Trust
Securities of an AES Trust, is authorized under each Declaration to exercise all
rights under the Indenture  with respect to the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust
Securities deposited in such AES Trust as trust assets,  including its rights as
the holder of such  Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities  to enforce the
Company's  obligations under such Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities upon
the  occurrence  of an  Indenture  Event of Default  (as  defined  herein  under
"Description of the Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities--Indenture  Events
of  Default").  The Property  Trustee  shall also be  authorized  to enforce the
rights of holders of  Preferred  Securities  of an AES Trust  under the  related
Preferred Securities Guarantee. If any AES Trust's failure to make distributions
on the Preferred  Securities  of an AES Trust is a consequence  of the Company's
exercise  of any right  under the terms of the  Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust
Securities  deposited  in such AES Trust as trust  assets to extend the interest
payment period for such Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities,  the Property
Trustee  will have no right to  enforce  the  payment of  distributions  on such
Preferred  Securities until a Declaration  Event of Default shall have occurred.
Holders of at least a majority in liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities
held by an AES Trust will have the right to direct the Property Trustee for that
AES Trust with respect to certain  matters  under the  Declaration  for that AES
Trust and the related Preferred  Securities  Guarantee.  If the Property Trustee
fails to  enforce  its  rights  under  the  Indenture  or fails to  enforce  the
Preferred Securities  Guarantee,  to the extent permitted by applicable law, any
holder of Preferred  Securities  may, after a period of 30 days has elapsed from
such Holder's  written  request to the Property  Trustee to enforce such rights,
institute a legal  proceeding  against the Company to enforce such rights or the
Preferred Securities Guarantee,  as the case may be. In addition, the holders of
at least 25% in aggregate  liquidation  preference of the outstanding  Preferred
Securities  would  have  the  right  to  directly   institute   proceedings  for
enforcement of payments to such holders of principal of, or premium,  if any, or
interest on the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities  having a principal
amount equal to the aggregate liquidation preference of the Preferred Securities
of such holders (a "Direct Action").  In connection with such Direct Action, the
Company will be subrogated to the rights of such holder of Preferred  Securities
under the  Declaration  to the extent of any payment made by the Company to such
holders of  Preferred  Securities  in such Direct  Action.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing,  if an Event of Default under the applicable Declaration has occurred
and is continuing and such event is  attributable  to the failure of the Company
to pay  interest or principal on the  applicable  series of Junior  Subordinated
Debt Trust  Securities  on the date such  interest  or  principal  is  otherwise
payable (or in the case of redemption, on the redemption date), then a holder of
Preferred  Securities of such AES Trust may directly  institute a proceeding for
enforcement  of payment to such  holder of the  principal  of or interest on the
applicable  series  of  Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities  having  a
principal  amount equal to the  aggregate  liquidation  amount of the  Preferred
Securities of such holder (a "Holder Direct  Action") on or after the respective
due date specified in the applicable  series of Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust
Securities.  In connection  with such Holder Direct Action,  the Company will be
subrogated  to the  rights of such  holder  of  Preferred  Securities  under the
applicable  Declaration to the extent of any payment made by the Company to such
holder of Preferred Securities in such Holder Direct Action.

DISTRIBUTIONS

     Pursuant to each Declaration,  distributions on the Preferred Securities of
an AES Trust must be paid on the dates  payable to the extent that the  Property
Trustee for that AES Trust has cash on hand in the applicable  Property  Account
to permit such payment.  The funds available for  distribution to the holders of
the Preferred Securities of an AES Trust will be limited to payments received by
the Property Trustee in respect of the Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities
that are  deposited  in the AES Trust as trust  assets.  If the Company does not
make  interest  payments  on  the  Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities
deposited in an AES Trust as trust  assets,  the Property  Trustee will not make
distributions  on  the  Preferred  Securities  of  such  AES  Trust.  Under  the
Declaration, if and to the extent the Company does make interest payments on the
Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities  deposited in an AES Trust as trust
assets,  the Property  Trustee is obligated to make  distributions  on the Trust
Securities of such AES Trust on a Pro Rata Basis (as defined below). The payment
of  distributions  on the Preferred  Securities of an AES Trust is guaranteed by
AES on a subordinated basis as and to the extent set forth under "Description of
the  Preferred  Securities  Guarantee."  A Preferred  Securities  Guarantee is a
guarantee from the time of issuance of the applicable Preferred Securities,  but
the Preferred  Securities  Guarantee covers  distributions and other payments on
the applicable Preferred Securities only if


                                       17

<PAGE>


and to the extent that the Company has made a payment to the Property Trustee of
interest or principal on the Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities deposited
in the AES Trust as trust assets. As used in this Prospectus, the term "Pro Rata
Basis"  shall mean pro rata to each holder of Trust  Securities  of an AES Trust
according to the aggregate  liquidation  amount of the Trust  Securities of such
AES Trust held by the relevant  holder in relation to the aggregate  liquidation
amount of all Trust Securities of such AES Trust outstanding unless, in relation
to a payment,  a Declaration Event of Default under the Declaration has occurred
and is continuing,  in which case any funds available to make such payment shall
be paid first to each holder of the  Preferred  Securities of such AES Trust pro
rata according to the aggregate  liquidation amount of the Preferred  Securities
held by the relevant holder in relation to the aggregate  liquidation  amount of
all the  Preferred  Securities  of such AES Trust  outstanding,  and only  after
satisfaction of all amounts owed to the holders of such Preferred Securities, to
each holder of Common  Securities  of such AES Trust pro rata  according  to the
aggregate  liquidation  amount of such Common  Securities  held by the  relevant
holder in relation to the aggregate  liquidation amount of all Common Securities
of such AES Trust outstanding.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     If an Indenture  Event of Default occurs and is continuing  with respect to
Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities  deposited in an AES Trust as trust
assets,  an Event of Default  under the  Declaration  (a  "Declaration  Event of
Default")  of such AES Trust will occur and be  continuing  with  respect to any
outstanding  Trust Securities of such AES Trust. In such event, each Declaration
provides that the holders of Common  Securities of such AES Trust will be deemed
to have waived any such Declaration  Event of Default with respect to the Common
Securities until all Declaration Events of Default with respect to the Preferred
Securities  of such  AES  Trust  have  been  cured  or  waived.  Until  all such
Declaration  Events of Default with respect to the Preferred  Securities of such
AES Trust have been so cured or waived,  the Property  Trustee will be deemed to
be acting  solely on behalf of the holders of the  Preferred  Securities of such
AES Trust and only the holders of such Preferred  Securities will have the right
to direct the  Property  Trustee  with  respect to  certain  matters  under such
Declaration  and  consequently  under  the  Indenture.  In the  event  that  any
Declaration  Event of Default with respect to the  Preferred  Securities of such
AES Trust is waived by the holders of the Preferred Securities of such AES Trust
as provided in the  Declaration,  the holders of Common  Securities  pursuant to
such  Declaration have agreed that such waiver also constitutes a waiver of such
Declaration  Event of Default  with  respect to the  Common  Securities  for all
purposes under the  Declaration  without any further act, vote or consent of the
holders of the Common Securities

RECORD HOLDERS

     Each Declaration provides that the Trustees of such AES Trust may treat the
person in whose name a  Certificate  representing  its  Preferred  Securities is
registered on the books and records of such AES Trust as the sole holder thereof
and of the Preferred  Securities  represented  thereby for purposes of receiving
distributions and for all other purposes and, accordingly, shall not be bound to
recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such  certificate or in
the Preferred Securities  represented thereby on the part of any person, whether
or not such AES Trust  shall  have  actual or other  notice  thereof.  Preferred
Securities will be issued in fully registered form.  Unless otherwise  specified
in a Prospectus Supplement, Preferred Securities will be represented by a global
certificate registered on the books and records of such AES Trust in the name of
a depositary (the "Depositary") named in an accompanying  Prospectus  Supplement
or its nominee. Under each Declaration:



          (i) such AES Trust and the Trustees  thereof shall be entitled to deal
     with  the  Depositary  (or any  successor  depositary)  for  all  purposes,
     including the payment of distributions  and receiving  approvals,  votes or
     consents  under the  related  Declaration,  and  except as set forth in the
     related  Declaration  with respect to the Property  Trustee,  shall have no
     obligation to persons owning a beneficial interest in Preferred  Securities
     ("Preferred Security Beneficial Owners") registered in the name of and held
     by the Depositary or its nominee; and

          (ii) the  rights of  Preferred  Security  Beneficial  Owners  shall be
     exercised  only through the Depositary  (or any successor  depositary)  and
     shall be limited to those  established by law and  agreements  between such
     Preferred  Security   Beneficial  Owners  and  the  Depositary  and/or  its
     participants. With respect to Preferred Securities


                                       18

<PAGE>


     registered in the name of and held by the  Depositary  or its nominee,  all
     notices and other  communications  required under each Declaration shall be
     given to, and all distributions on such Preferred Securities shall be given
     or made to, the Depositary (or its successor).

     The  specific  terms of the  depositary  arrangement  with  respect  to the
Preferred Securities will be disclosed in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.

DEBTS AND OBLIGATIONS

     In each  Declaration,  the  Company  has  agreed  to pay for all  debts and
obligations  (other than with respect to the Trust Securities) and all costs and
expenses of the  applicable  AES Trust,  including  the fees and expenses of its
Trustees and any taxes and all costs and expenses with respect thereto, to which
such AES Trust may become subject,  except for United States  withholding taxes.
The  foregoing  obligations  of the Company under each  Declaration  are for the
benefit  of, and shall be  enforceable  by,  any person to whom any such  debts,
obligations,  costs,  expenses and taxes are owed (a "Creditor")  whether or not
such Creditor has received  notice  thereof.  Any such Creditor may enforce such
obligations  of the  Company  directly  against  the Company and the Company has
irrevocably  waived any right or remedy to require that any such  Creditor  take
any action against any AES Trust or any other person before  proceeding  against
the  Company.  The  Company  has  agreed in each  Declaration  to  execute  such
additional  agreements  as may be  necessary  or desirable in order to give full
effect to the foregoing.


                                       19

<PAGE>


                     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES

     Each AES Trust may issue,  from time to time,  only one series of Preferred
Securities having terms described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
The  Declaration of each AES Trust  authorizes the Regular  Trustees of such AES
Trust to issue on behalf of such AES Trust one series of  Preferred  Securities.
Each  Declaration  will be qualified as an indenture  under the Trust  Indenture
Act. The Preferred  Securities  will have such terms,  including  distributions,
redemption,  voting,  liquidation  rights and such other preferred,  deferred or
other special rights or such  restrictions  as shall be set forth in the related
Declaration  or made  part of  such  Declaration  by the  Trust  Indenture  Act.
Reference  is  made  to the  Prospectus  Supplement  relating  to the  Preferred
Securities  of an AES Trust  for  specific  terms,  including  (i) the  specific
designation  of  such  Preferred  Securities,   (ii)  the  number  of  Preferred
Securities  issued by such AES  Trust,  (iii) the annual  distribution  rate (or
method of  calculation  thereof)  for  Preferred  Securities  issued by such AES
Trust, the date or dates upon which such distributions  shall be payable and the
record  date or  dates  for the  payment  of such  distributions,  (iv)  whether
distributions  on  Preferred  Securities  issued  by such  AES  Trust  shall  be
cumulative,  and, in the case of  Preferred  Securities  having such  cumulative
distribution  rights,  the date or dates or  method of  determining  the date or
dates from which  distribution on Preferred  Securities issued by such AES Trust
shall be  cumulative,  (v) the amount or amounts  which shall be paid out of the
assets of such AES Trust to the  holders  of  Preferred  Securities  of such AES
Trust upon  voluntary or involuntary  dissolution,  winding-up or termination of
such AES  Trust,  (vi) the  obligation  or right,  if any,  of such AES Trust to
purchase or redeem Preferred  Securities  issued by such AES Trust and the price
or  prices at  which,  the  period  or  periods  within  which and the terms and
conditions upon which Preferred Securities issued by such AES Trust shall or may
be purchased or redeemed,  in whole or in part,  pursuant to such  obligation or
right,  (vii) the voting rights, if any, of Preferred  Securities issued by such
AES Trust in addition to those  required by law,  including  the number of votes
per Preferred  Security and any  requirement  for the approval by the holders of
Preferred  Securities,  or of  Preferred  Securities  issued  by one or more AES
Trusts,  or of both,  as a condition to specified  actions or  amendments to the
Declaration of such AES Trust,  (viii) terms for any conversion or exchange into
other  securities and (ix) any other relevant rights,  preferences,  privileges,
limitations or  restrictions  of Preferred  Securities  issued by such AES Trust
consistent  with the  Declaration of such AES Trust or with  applicable law. All
Preferred  Securities offered hereby will be guaranteed by the Company as and to
the  extent set forth  below  under  "Description  of the  Preferred  Securities
Guarantees." Certain United States federal income tax considerations  applicable
to any offering of  Preferred  Securities  will be  described in the  Prospectus
Supplement relating thereto.

     In  connection  with the issuance of Preferred  Securities,  each AES Trust
will issue one series of Common  Securities.  The  Declaration of each AES Trust
authorizes  the  Regular  Trustees  of such trust to issue on behalf of such AES
Trust one series of Common Securities having such terms including distributions,
redemption,  voting,  liquidation  rights or such  restrictions  as shall be set
forth therein. The terms of the Common Securities issued by an AES Trust will be
substantially  identical to the terms of the Preferred Securities issued by such
AES Trust and the Common  Securities will rank pari passu,  and payments will be
made thereon on a Pro Rata Basis with the Preferred  Securities except that if a
Declaration Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the rights of the holders
of such Common  Securities to payment in respect of  distributions  and payments
upon liquidation,  redemption and maturity will be subordinated to the rights of
the  holders  of  such   Preferred   Securities.   Except  in  certain   limited
circumstances,  the Common Securities issued by an AES Trust will also carry the
right to vote and to appoint,  remove or replace any of the Trustees of that AES
Trust.  All of the  Common  Securities  of an AES  Trust  will  be  directly  or
indirectly owned by the Company.


                                       20

<PAGE>


               DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES

   
     Set forth  below is a  summary  of  information  concerning  the  Preferred
Securities Guarantees that will be executed and delivered by the Company for the
benefit of the holders from time to time of Preferred Securities. Each Preferred
Security  Guarantee will be separately  qualified  under the Trust Indenture Act
and will be held by The First  National Bank of Chicago,  acting in its capacity
as indenture  trustee with  respect  thereto,  for the benefit of holders of the
Preferred  Securities of the applicable  AES Trust.  The terms of each Preferred
Securities  Guarantee  will be  those  set  forth in such  Preferred  Securities
Guarantee and those made part of such Guarantee by the Trust Indenture Act. This
description summarizes the material terms of the Preferred Securities Guarantees
and  is  qualified  in its  entirety  by  reference  to the  form  of  Preferred
Securities  Guarantee,  which is  incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the
Registration  Statement  of which this  Prospectus  forms a part,  and the Trust
Indenture Act. Section and Article  references used herein are references to the
provisions of the form of Preferred Securities Guarantee.
    

GENERAL

     Pursuant  to  each  Preferred  Securities   Guarantee,   the  Company  will
irrevocably and  unconditionally  agree, to the extent set forth therein, to pay
in full, to the holders of the Preferred  Securities issued by an AES Trust, the
Guarantee   Payments  (as  defined  herein)  (without   duplication  of  amounts
theretofore  paid by such AES Trust),  to the extent not paid by such AES Trust,
regardless of any defense,  right of set-off or counterclaim that such AES Trust
may have or assert.  The  following  payments or  distributions  with respect to
Preferred  Securities  issued by an AES Trust to the  extent not paid or made by
such AES Trust (the  "Guarantee  Payments"),  will be  subject to the  Preferred
Securities  Guarantee  (without   duplication):   (i)  any  accrued  and  unpaid
distributions on such Preferred Securities,  and the redemption price, including
all accrued and unpaid distributions to the date of redemption,  with respect to
any Preferred Securities called for redemption by such AES Trust but if and only
to the extent  that in each case the  Company  has made a payment to the related
Property Trustee of interest or principal on the Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust
Securities deposited in such AES Trust as trust assets and (ii) upon a voluntary
or involuntary  dissolution,  winding-up or termination of such AES Trust (other
than in connection with the distribution of such Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust
Securities to the holders of Preferred  Securities  or the  redemption of all of
the  Preferred  Securities  upon  the  maturity  or  redemption  of such  Junior
Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities)  the lesser of (a) the  aggregate  of the
liquidation  amount and all accrued and unpaid  distributions  on such Preferred
Securities  to the date of  payment,  to the  extent  such AES  Trust  has funds
available  therefor  or (b) the  amount of  assets  of such AES Trust  remaining
available  for   distribution  to  holders  of  such  Preferred   Securities  in
liquidation  of such AES Trust.  The  Company's  obligation  to make a Guarantee
Payment  may be  satisfied  by direct  payment  of the  required  amounts by the
Company to the holders of Preferred  Securities or by causing the applicable AES
Trust to pay such amounts to such holders.

     The Preferred Securities Guarantee is a guarantee from the time of issuance
of the applicable Preferred  Securities,  but the Preferred Securities Guarantee
covers distributions and other payments on such Preferred Securities only if and
to the extent  that the Company  has made a payment to the  Property  Trustee of
interest or principal on the Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities deposited
in the  applicable  AES  Trust as trust  assets.  If the  Company  does not make
interest or principal payments on the Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Securities
deposited in the applicable AES Trust as trust assets, the Property Trustee will
not make distributions of the Preferred Securities of such AES Trust and the AES
Trust will not have funds available therefor.

     The  Company's  obligations  under  the  Declaration  for each  Trust,  the
Preferred  Securities  Guarantee  issued with  respect to  Preferred  Securities
issued by that Trust, the Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities purchased by
that Trust and the related  Indenture (as defined  below) in the aggregate  will
provide  a full  and  unconditional  guarantee  on a  subordinated  basis by the
Company of payments due on the Preferred Securities issued by that Trust.


                                       21

<PAGE>


CERTAIN COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY

     In each Preferred Securities Guarantee,  the Company will covenant that, so
long as any  Preferred  Securities  issued by the  applicable  AES Trust  remain
outstanding,  the  Company  will not (A)  declare  or pay any  dividends  on, or
redeem,  purchase,  acquire or make a distribution  or liquidation  payment with
respect to, any of its common  stock or  preferred  stock or make any  guarantee
payment  with respect  thereto or (B) make any payment of interest,  premium (if
any) or principal on any debt  securities  issued by the Company which rank pari
passu with or junior to the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities,  if at
such time (i) the  Company  shall be in default  with  respect to its  Guarantee
Payments or other payment obligations under the Preferred Securities  Guarantee,
(ii) there  shall  have  occurred  any  Declaration  Event of Default  under the
related  Declaration or (iii) in the event that Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust
Securities  are issued to an AES Trust in connection  with the issuance of Trust
Securities  by such AES  Trust,  the  Company  shall  have  given  notice of its
election to defer  payments of interest on such Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust
Securities by extending the interest  payment period as provided in the terms of
the Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Securities and such period, or any extension
thereof,  is continuing:  provided that (a) the Company will be permitted to pay
accrued dividends (and cash in lieu of fractional shares) upon the conversion of
Preferred Stock of the Company as may be outstanding  from time to time, in each
case in accordance  with the terms of such stock and (ii) the foregoing will not
apply  to stock  dividends  paid by the  Company.  In  addition,  so long as any
Preferred  Securities remain  outstanding,  the Company has agreed (i) to remain
the sole direct or indirect owner of all of the  outstanding  Common  Securities
issued by the  applicable  AES Trust  and shall not cause or permit  the  Common
Securities  to be  transferred  except to the extent  permitted  by the  related
Declaration;  provided  that any  permitted  successor of the Company  under the
Indenture may succeed to the Company's ownership of the Common Securities issued
by the applicable AES Trust and (ii) to use reasonable efforts to cause such AES
Trust to continue  to be treated as a grantor  trust for United  States  federal
income  tax  purposes  except  in  connection  with  a  distribution  of  Junior
Subordinated Debt Trust Securities.

AMENDMENTS AND ASSIGNMENT

     Except with respect to any changes that do not adversely  affect the rights
of holders of Preferred  Securities (in which case no consent will be required),
each Preferred  Securities Guarantee may be amended only with the prior approval
of the holders of not less than 662/3% in liquidation  amount of the outstanding
Preferred Securities issued by the applicable AES Trust. The manner of obtaining
any such approval of holders of such Preferred  Securities  will be set forth in
an accompanying  Prospectus Supplement.  All guarantees and agreements contained
in a  Preferred  Securities  Guarantee  shall  bind the  successors,  assignees,
receivers,  trustees and  representatives  of the Company and shall inure to the
benefit of the holders of the Preferred  Securities of the  applicable AES Trust
then  outstanding.  Except in connection  with a  consolidation,  merger or sale
involving the Company that is permitted under the Indenture, the Company may not
assign its obligations under any Preferred Securities Guarantee.

TERMINATION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES

     Each  Preferred  Securities  Guarantee  will terminate and be of no further
force and effect as to the Preferred  Securities  issued by the  applicable  AES
Trust upon full payment of the redemption  price of all Preferred  Securities of
such AES  Trust,  or upon  distribution  of the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust
Securities  to the  holders  of the  Preferred  Securities  of such AES Trust in
exchange for all of the Preferred  Securities  issued by such AES Trust, or upon
full  payment  of the  amounts  payable  upon  liquidation  of such  AES  Trust.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Preferred Securities Guarantee will continue
to be  effective or will be  reinstated,  as the case may be, if at any time any
holder of Preferred  Securities  issued by the applicable AES Trust must restore
payment of any sums paid under such Preferred Securities or such Guarantee.

STATUS OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES

     The Company's obligations under each Preferred Securities Guarantee to make
the Guarantee  Payments will  constitute an unsecured  obligation of the Company
and will  rank (i)  subordinate  and  junior  in right of  payment  to all other
liabilities  of the  Company,  including  the  Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust
Securities, except those made pari passu


                                       22

<PAGE>


or  subordinate  by their  terms,  and (ii) senior to all  capital  stock now or
hereafter  issued by the Company and to any guarantee  nor or hereafter  entered
into by the  Company in  respect  of any of its  capital  stock.  The  Company's
obligations under each Preferred  Securities Guarantee will rank pari passu with
each other  Preferred  Securities  Guarantee.  Because  the Company is a holding
company, the Company's obligations under each Preferred Securities Guarantee are
also effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities,  including
trade  payables,  of the Company's  subsidiaries,  except to the extent that the
Company is a creditor of the  subsidiaries  recognized as such. Each Declaration
provides that each holder of Preferred  Securities  issued by the applicable AES
Trust by acceptance  thereof  agrees to the  subordination  provisions and other
terms of the related Preferred Securities Guarantee.

     Each Preferred  Securities Guarantee will constitute a guarantee of payment
and not of  collection  (that is, the  guaranteed  party may  institute  a legal
proceeding  directly  against  the  guarantor  to enforce  its rights  under the
guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding  against any other person
or entity). Each Preferred Securities Guarantee will be deposited with The First
National Bank of Chicago,  as indenture  trustee,  to be held for the benefit of
the holders of the Preferred  Securities issued by the applicable AES Trust. The
First National Bank of Chicago shall enforce the Preferred  Securities Guarantee
on behalf of the holders of the Preferred  Securities  issued by the  applicable
AES Trust.  The  holders of not less than a majority  in  aggregate  liquidation
amount of the Preferred  Securities  issued by the applicable AES Trust have the
right to direct the time,  method and place of conducting any proceeding for any
remedy  available  in respect of the  related  Preferred  Securities  Guarantee,
including the giving of  directions  to The First  National Bank of Chicago . If
The First  National Bank of Chicago fails to enforce such  Preferred  Securities
Guarantee as above provided,  any holder of Preferred  Securities  issued by the
applicable  AES Trust may  institute  a legal  proceeding  directly  against the
Company to enforce its rights under such Preferred Securities Guarantee, without
first  instituting a legal  proceeding  against the  applicable AES Trust or any
other person or entity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company has failed
to make a guarantee  payment,  a holder of  Preferred  Securities  may  directly
institute a  proceeding  against the Company for  enforcement  of the  Preferred
Securities Guarantee for such payment.

MISCELLANEOUS

     The Company will be required to provide annually to The First National Bank
of Chicago a statement  as to the  performance  by the Company of certain of its
obligations under the Preferred  Securities  Guarantees and as to any default in
such  performance.  The  Company is  required  to file  annually  with The First
National Bank of Chicago an officer's certificate as to the Company's compliance
with all conditions under Preferred Securities Guarantees.

     The First  National Bank of Chicago,  prior to the occurrence of a default,
undertakes  to perform  only such  duties as are  specifically  set forth in the
applicable  Preferred  Securities Guarantee and, after default with respect to a
Preferred  Securities  Guarantee,  shall  exercise  the same degree of care as a
prudent  individual  would  exercise in the  conduct of his or her own  affairs.
Subject  to such  provision,  The First  National  Bank of  Chicago  is under no
obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by a Preferred  Securities
Guarantee  at the  request of any holder of  Preferred  Securities  unless it is
offered  reasonable  indemnity against the costs,  expenses and liabilities that
might be incurred thereby.

GOVERNING LAW

     The Guarantees  will be governed by, and construed in accordance  with, the
laws of the State of New York.


                                       23

<PAGE>


          DESCRIPTION OF THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT TRUST SECURITIES

   
     Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust Securities may be issued from time to time
in one or more series under an Indenture (the  "Indenture")  between the Company
and The First National Bank of Chicago,  as trustee (the  "Indenture  Trustee").
The  form of  Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities  Indenture  has been
incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the  Registration  Statement of which
this Prospectus forms a part. The following description  summarizes the material
terms of the  Indenture,  and is  qualified  in its entirety by reference to the
Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act. Whenever particular provisions or defined
terms in the Indenture are referred to herein,  such provisions or defined terms
are incorporated by reference herein. Section and article references used herein
are references to provisions of the Indenture.
    

GENERAL

     The Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities will be unsecured,  junior
subordinated  obligation of the Company. The Indenture does not limit the amount
of additional  indebtedness  the Company or any of its  subsidiaries  may incur.
Since the Company is a holding  company,  the Company's rights and the rights of
its creditors,  including the holders of Junior Subordinated Debt Securities, to
participate  in the assets of any  subsidiary  upon the latter's  liquidation or
recapitalization  will  be  subject  to the  prior  claims  of the  subsidiary's
creditors,  except to the extent that the Company may itself be a creditor  with
recognized claims against the subsidiary.

     The Indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of indebtedness
which may be issued thereunder and provides that Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust
Securities may be issued thereunder from time to time in one or more series. The
Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities  are issuable in one or more series
pursuant to an indenture supplemental to the Indenture.

     In the event Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities are issued to an AES
Trust or a  Trustee  of such  trust in  connection  with the  issuance  of Trust
Securities by such AES Trust,  such Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities
subsequently may be distributed pro rata to the holders of such Trust Securities
in  connection  with the  dissolution  of such AES Trust upon the  occurrence of
certain  events  described in the Prospectus  Supplement  relating to such Trust
Securities. Only one series of Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities will be
issued  to an AES  Trust  or a  trustee  of such  trust in  connection  with the
issuance of Trust Securities by such AES Trust.

     Reference is made to the  Prospectus  Supplement  which will accompany this
Prospectus  for the following  terms of the series of Junior  Subordinated  Debt
Trust  Securities being offered thereby (to the extent such terms are applicable
to the Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities):  (i) the specific designation
of such Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Securities,  aggregate principal amount,
purchase  price and premium,  if any; (ii) any limit on the aggregate  principal
amount of such  Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities;  (iii) the date or
dates on which the principal of such Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust Securities
is payable and the right,  to extend or defer such date or dates;  (iv) the rate
or rates at which  such  Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities  will bear
interest or the method of calculating  such rate or rates,  if any; (v) the date
or dates from which such interest  shall accrue,  the interest  payment dates on
which such  interest  will be payable  or the  manner of  determination  of such
interest payment dates and the record dates for the  determination of holders to
whom interest is payable on any such interest payment dates;  (vi) the right, if
any, to extend the interest  payment periods and the duration of such extension;
(vii) the period or periods within which,  the price or prices at which, and the
terms and conditions upon which, such Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Securities
may be redeemed,  in whole or in part, at the option of the Company;  (viii) the
obligation, if any of the Company to redeem or purchase such Junior Subordinated
Debt Trust Securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at
the option of the holder thereof and the period or periods for which,  the price
or prices  at  which,  and the terms and  conditions  upon  which,  such  Junior
Subordinated  Debt Trust Securities shall be redeemed or purchased,  in whole or
part,  pursuant to such  obligation;  (ix) any  exchangeability,  conversion  or
prepayment provisions of the Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities;  (x) any
applicable United States federal income tax consequences,  including whether and
under what  circumstances the Company will pay additional  amounts on the Junior
Subordinated  Debt Trust Securities held by a person who is not a U.S. person in
respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge withheld


                                       24

<PAGE>


or deducted and, if so,  whether the Company will have the option to redeem such
Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities  rather  than pay such  additional
amounts; (xi) the form of such Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities;  (xii)
if  other  than  denominations  of $25 or any  integral  multiple  thereof,  the
denominations in which such Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust Securities shall be
issuable;  (xiii) any and all other terms with respect to such series, including
any modification of or additions to the events of default or covenants  provided
for with respect to such series,  including any  modification of or additions to
the events of  default  or  covenants  provided  for with  respect to the Junior
Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities,  and any terms which may be required by or
advisable  under  applicable  laws or  regulations  not  inconsistent  with  the
Indenture;  and (xiv) whether such Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities are
issuable as a global security, and in such case, the identity of the depositary.

     Unless otherwise  indicated in the Prospectus  Supplement relating thereto,
the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities will be issued in United States
dollars in fully  registered  form without  coupons in  denominations  of $25 or
integral  multiples  thereof.  Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Securities may be
presented  for  exchange  and  Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities  in
registered  form may be presented for transfer in the manner,  at the places and
subject  to the  restrictions  set forth in the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust
Securities and the Prospectus Supplement. Such services will be provided without
charge,  other than any tax or other  governmental  charge payable in connection
therewith,  but subject to the limitations  provided in the Junior  Subordinated
Debt Trust Securities.  Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities in bearer form
and the coupons, if any, appertaining thereto will be transferable by delivery.

     Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities may bear interest at a fixed rate
or a  floating  rate.  Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities  bearing no
interest  or  interest  at a rate  that at the time of  issuance  is  below  the
prevailing  market rate will be sold at a discount below their stated  principal
amount.  Special United States federal income tax  considerations  applicable to
any such  discounted  Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities or to certain
Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities  issued at par which are treated as
having been issued at a discount for United States  federal  income tax purposes
will be described in the relevant Prospectus Supplement.

CERTAIN  COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY  APPLICABLE  TO THE JUNIOR  SUBORDINATED  DEBT
SECURITIES

     If Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Securities are issued to an AES Trust in
connection with the issuance of Trust  Securities by such AES Trust, the Company
will covenant in the Indenture that, so long as the Preferred  Securities issued
by the applicable AES Trust remain outstanding,  the Company will not declare or
pay any dividends on, or redeem,  purchase,  acquire or make a  distribution  or
liquidation  payment with respect to, any of its common stock or preferred stock
or make any  guarantee  payment  with  respect  to, any of its  common  stock or
preferred  stock or make any guarantee  payment with respect  thereto if at such
time (i) the Company shall be in default with respect to its Guarantee  Payments
or other payment obligations under the related Preferred  Securities  Guarantee,
(ii) there shall have  occurred any  Indenture  Event of Default with respect to
the Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Securities or (iii) in the event that Junior
Subordinated Debt Trust Securities are issued to an AES Trust in connection with
the issuance of Trust Securities by such AES Trust, the Company shall have given
notice of its election to defer payments of interest on such Junior Subordinated
Debt Trust  Securities by extending the interest  payment  period as provided in
the terms of such Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Securities and such period, or
any  extension  thereof,  is  continuing;  provided that (x) the Company will be
permitted to pay accrued dividends (and cash in lieu of fractional  shares) upon
the conversion of any Preferred Stock of the Company as may be outstanding  from
time to time,  in each case in  accordance  with the terms of such stock and (y)
the  foregoing  will not apply to any stock  dividends  paid by the Company.  In
addition,  if Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities  are issued to an AES
Trust in connection with the issuance of Trust Securities by such AES Trust, for
so long as the Preferred  Securities  issued by the  applicable AES Trust remain
outstanding,  the  Company  has agreed (i) to remain the sole direct or indirect
owner of all of the outstanding  Common  Securities issued by the applicable AES
Trust and not to cause or permit the Common Securities to be transferred  except
to the extent permitted by the related Declaration;  provided that any permitted
successor  of the  Company  under the  Indenture  may  succeed to the  Company's
ownership of the Common  Securities  issued by the applicable AES Trust, (ii) to
comply fully with all of its obligations and agreements contained in the related
Declaration  and (iii) not to take any action  which would cause the  applicable
AES Trust to cease to be treated as a grantor  trust for United  States  federal
income  tax  purposes,  except  in  connection  with a  distribution  of  Junior
Subordinated Debt Trust Securities.


                                       25

<PAGE>


SUBORDINATION

     The payment of principal  of,  premium,  if any, and interest on the Junior
Subordinated Trust Securities will, to the extent and in the manner set forth in
the Indenture, be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full,
in cash or cash equivalents, of all Senior and Subordinated Debt of the Company.

     Upon  any  payment  or   distribution  of  assets  to  creditors  upon  any
liquidation, dissolution, winding up, receivership,  reorganization,  assignment
for the  benefit  of  creditors,  marshaling  of assets and  liabilities  or any
bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceedings of the Company, the holders of all
Senior and  Subordinated  Debt will first be entitled to receive payment in full
of all  amounts  due or to become due  thereon  before the holders of the Junior
Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities  will be entitled to receive any payment in
respect  of the  principal  of,  premium,  if any,  or  interest  on the  Junior
Subordinated Debt Trust Securities.

     No  payments  on account of  principal,  premium,  if any,  or  interest in
respect of the Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities  may be made by the
Company if there shall have  occurred and be continuing a default in any payment
with respect to Senior and  Subordinated  Debt or during certain periods when an
event of default under certain Senior and Subordinated  Debt permits the lenders
thereunder to accelerate the maturity of such Senior and  Subordinated  Debt. In
addition,  during the  continuance  of any other event of default  (other than a
payment  default)  with  respect  to  Designated  Senior and  Subordinated  Debt
pursuant to which the maturity  thereof may be  accelerated,  from and after the
date of receipt by the Trustee of written notice from holders of such Designated
Senior and  Subordinated  Debt or from an agent of such holders,  no payments on
account of  principal,  premium,  if any,  or  interest in respect of the Junior
Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities  may be made by the Company during a period
(the  "Payment  Blockage  Period")  commencing  on the date of  delivery of such
notice and ending 179 days thereafter (unless such Payment Blockage Period shall
be  terminated  by  written  notice  to the  Trustee  from the  holders  of such
Designated  Senior and  Subordinated  Debt or from an agent of such holders,  or
such event of default has been cured or waived or has ceased to exist). Only one
Payment Blockage Period may be commenced with respect to the Junior Subordinated
Debt Trust  Securities  during any period of 360  consecutive  days. No event of
default which existed or was continuing on the date of the  commencement  of any
Payment  Blockage Period with respect to the Designated  Senior and Subordinated
Debt initiating  such Payment  Blockage Period shall be or be made the basis for
the  commencement  of any subsequent  Payment  Blockage Period by the holders of
such Designated Senior and Subordinated Debt, unless such event of default shall
have been cured or waived for a period of not less than 90 consecutive days.

     By reason of such  subordination,  in the event of  insolvency,  funds that
would  otherwise  be  payable  to  holders  of Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust
Securities  will be paid to the holders of Senior and  Subordinated  Debt of the
Company to the extent necessary to pay such Debt in full, and the Company may be
unable to meet fully its  obligations  with  respect to the Junior  Subordinated
Debt Trust Securities.

     "Debt"  is  defined  to mean,  with  respect  to any  person at any date of
determination  (without  duplication),  (i) all  indebtedness of such person for
borrowed  money,  (ii)  all  obligations  of such  person  evidenced  by  bonds,
debentures,  notes or other similar  instruments,  (iii) all obligations of such
person in respect of letters of credit or bankers'  acceptance  or other similar
instruments  (or  reimbursement  obligations  with  respect  thereto),  (iv) all
obligations  of such person to pay the  deferred  purchase  price of property or
services,  except trade  payables,  (v) all obligations of such person as lessee
under capitalized leases, (vi) all Debt of others secured by a lien on any asset
of such  person,  whether or not such Debt is assumed by such  person;  provided
that, for purposes of  determining  the amount of any Debt of the type described
in this clause,  if recourse with respect to such Debt is limited to such asset,
the amount of such Debt shall be limited to the lesser of the fair market  value
of such asset or the amount of such Debt, (vii) all Debt of others guaranteed by
such person to the extent such Debt is  guaranteed  by such  person,  (viii) all
redeemable  stock  valued  at  the  greater  of  its  voluntary  or  involuntary
liquidation  preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends and (ix) to the extent
not otherwise included in this definition,  all obligations of such person under
currency agreements and interest rate agreements.


                                       26

<PAGE>


     "Designated Senior and Subordinated Debt" is defined to mean (i) Debt under
the Credit Agreement dated as of May 20, 1996 (the "Credit Agreement") among the
Company,  the Banks named on the signature pages thereof and the Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York, as agent for the banks, as such Credit  Agreement has
been and may be amended, restated,  supplemented or otherwise modified from time
to time and (ii) Debt  constituting  Senior and Subordinated  Debt which, at the
time of its determination, (A) has an aggregate principal amount of at least $30
million and (B) is  specifically  designated in the instrument  evidencing  such
Senior and Subordinated Debt as "Designated Senior and Subordinated Debt" by the
Company.

     "Senior and  Subordinated  Debt" is defined to mean the  principal  of (and
premium,  if any) and  interest  on all  Debt of the  Company  whether  created,
incurred or assumed before, on or after the date of the Indenture; provided that
such Senior and  Subordinated  Debt shall not include (i) Debt of the Company to
any Affiliate,  (ii) Debt of the Company that, when incurred and without respect
to any  election  under  Section  1111(b) of Title 11,  U.S.  Code,  was without
recourse,  (iii)  any  other  Debt of the  Company  which  by the  terms  of the
instrument  creating or evidencing the same are  specifically  designated as not
being  senior  in  right  of  payment  to the  Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust
Securities,  and in particular  the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities
shall rank pari passu with all other debt  securities and  guarantees  issued to
any trust,  partnership or other entity  affiliated  with the Company which is a
financing  vehicle of the Company in  connection  with an issuance of  preferred
securities by such financing entity, and (iv) redeemable stock of the Company.

INDENTURE EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     The  Indenture  provides  that any one or more of the  following  described
events, which has occurred and is continuing, constitutes an "Indenture Event of
Default" with respect to each series of Junior Subordinated Debt Securities:

      (a) failure for 30 days to pay  interest on the Junior  Subordinated  Debt
Trust Securities of such series when due; provided that a valid extension of the
interest  payment  period by the Company  shall not  constitute a default in the
payment of interest for this purpose;

      (b)  failure  to pay  principal  of or  premium,  if  any,  on the  Junior
Subordinated  Debt Trust Securities of such series when due whether at maturity,
upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise;

      (c)  failure to observe or perform  any other  covenant  contained  in the
Indenture  with respect to such series for 90 days after  written  notice to the
Company from the  Indenture  Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal
amount of the  outstanding  Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities of such
series; or

      (d) certain  events in  bankruptcy,  insolvency or  reorganization  of the
Company.

     In each and  every  such  case,  unless  the  principal  of all the  Junior
Subordinated  Debt Trust Securities of that series shall have already become due
and payable, either the Indenture Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in
aggregate  principal amount of the Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Securities of
that series then  outstanding,  by notice in writing to the Company  (and to the
Indenture  Trustee if given by such  holders),  may declare the principal of all
the Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities  of that  series to be due and
payable  immediately,  and upon any such  declaration  the same shall become and
shall be immediately due and payable.

     The holders of a majority in aggregate  outstanding principal amount of the
Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities  of that  series  have the right to
direct the time,  method and place of conducting  any  proceeding for any remedy
available to the Indenture Trustee.  (Section 6.06) The Indenture Trustee or the
holders of not less than 25% in aggregate  outstanding  principal  amount of the
Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities  of that  series may  declare  the
principal due and payable  immediately  upon an Indenture  Event of Default with
respect to such series,  but the holders of a majority in aggregate  outstanding
principal amount of Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities of such series may
annul such declaration and waive the default if the default has been cured and a
sum sufficient to pay all matured


                                       27

<PAGE>


installments of interest and principal  otherwise than by  acceleration  and any
premium has been deposited with the Indenture Trustee.

     The holders of a majority in aggregate  outstanding principal amount of the
Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust Securities of that series may, on behalf of the
holders of all the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities  of that series,
waive any past default,  except a default in the payment of principal,  premium,
if any, or interest  (unless such default has been cured and a sum sufficient to
pay all  matured  installments  of  interest  and  principal  otherwise  than by
acceleration and any premium has been deposited with the Indenture Trustee) or a
call for redemption of Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities. The Company is
required to file annually with the Indenture Trustee a certificate as to whether
or not the Company is in compliance  with all the conditions and covenants under
the Indenture.

     If Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Securities are issued to an AES Trust in
connection with the issuance of Trust  Securities of such AES Trust,  then under
the applicable  Declaration  an Indenture  Event of Default with respect to such
series  of  Junior   Subordinated   Debt  Trust  Securities  will  constitute  a
Declaration Event of Default.

MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURE

     The Indenture contains provisions  permitting the Company and the Indenture
Trustee,  with the  consent  of the  holders  of not  less  than a  majority  in
principal amount of the outstanding Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities of
each series  affected,  to modify the  Indenture or any  supplemental  indenture
affecting the rights of the holders of such Junior Subordinated Debt Securities;
provided  that no such  modification  may,  without the consent of the holder of
each outstanding Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Security affected thereby,  (i)
extend the fixed maturity of any Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities of
any series,  reduce the principal amount thereof,  reduce the rate or extent the
time of  payment  of  interest  thereon,  reduce any  premium  payable  upon the
redemption   thereof,   without  the  consent  of  the  holder  of  each  Junior
Subordinated  Debt Trust  Security so affected or (ii) reduce the  percentage of
Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities,  the holders of which are required to
consent to any such  modification,  without  the  consent of the holders of each
Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Security then outstanding and affected thereby.

BOOK-ENTRY AND SETTLEMENT

     If  any  Junior   Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities  of  a  series  are
represented by one or more global  securities (each, a "Global  Security"),  the
applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the circumstances,  if any, under
which  beneficial  owners of interests in any such Global  Security may exchange
such interests for Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Securities of such series and
of like tenor and  principal  amount in any  authorized  form and  denomination.
Principal of and any premium and interest on a Global  Security  will be payable
in the manner described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.

     The  specific  terms of the  depositary  arrangement  with  respect  to any
portion  of a  series  of  Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities  to  be
represented by a Global Security will be described in the applicable  Prospectus
Supplement.

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND SALE

     The  Indenture  will provide that the Company may not  consolidate  with or
merge  into any other  person or  transfer  or lease its  properties  and assets
substantially  as an  entirety  to any  person  and may not permit any person to
merge into or consolidate with the Company unless (i) either the Company will be
the resulting or surviving entity or any successor or purchaser is a corporation
organized  under  the laws of the  United  States of  America,  any State or the
District of Columbia,  and any such successor or purchaser expressly assumes the
Company's  obligations  under the  Indenture and (ii)  immediately  after giving
effect  to the  transaction  no Event of  Default  shall  have  occurred  and be
continuing. (Section 10.01)


                                       28

<PAGE>


DEFEASANCE AND DISCHARGE

     Under the terms of the Indenture,  the Company will be discharged  from any
and all obligations in respect of the Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Securities
of a series  (except  in each  case for  certain  obligations  to  register  the
transfer or exchange of such Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities,  replace
stolen,  lost or mutilated  Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities of that
series,  maintain  paying  agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust) if (i)
the  Company  irrevocably  deposits  with  the  Indenture  Trustee  cash or U.S.
Government  Obligations,  as trust funds in an amount certified to be sufficient
to pay at maturity (or upon  redemption) the principal of, premium,  if any, and
interest on all outstanding  Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust Securities of such
series;  (ii) such  deposit  will not  result in a breach  or  violation  of, or
constitute a default under,  any agreement or instrument to which the Company is
a party or by which it is bound;  (iii) the Company  delivers  to the  Indenture
Trustee an opinion  of  counsel  to the  effect  that the  holders of the Junior
Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities of such series will not  recognize  income,
gain or loss for United States  federal  income tax purposes as a result of such
defeasance and that  defeasance  will not otherwise alter holders' United States
federal income tax treatment of principal, premium and interest payments on such
Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust Securities of such series (such opinion must be
based on a ruling of the Internal  Revenue  Service or a change in United States
federal income tax law occurring after the date of such Junior Subordinated Debt
Trust  Securities  Indenture,  since such a result would not occur under current
tax law);  (iv) the Company has delivered to the Indenture  Trustee an Officer's
Certificate  and an  opinion  of  counsel,  each  stating  that  all  conditions
precedent provided for relating to the defeasance contemplated by such provision
have  been  complied  with;  and (v) no event or  condition  shall  exist  that,
pursuant  to the  subordination  provisions  applicable  to such  series,  would
prevent the Company from making payments of principal of,  premium,  if any, and
interest on the Junior  Subordinated Debt Trust Securities of such series at the
date of the irrevocable deposit referred to above.

GOVERNING LAW

     The Indenture and the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities  will be
governed by the laws of the State of New York.

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE

     The Indenture  Trustee,  prior to default,  undertakes to perform only such
duties as are specifically set forth in the Indenture and, after default,  shall
exercise the same degree of care as a prudent  individual  would exercise in the
conduct of his or her own  affairs.  Subject to such  provision,  the  Indenture
Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the
Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities Indenture at the request of any holder
of  Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Securities,   unless  offered  reasonable
indemnity by such holder against the costs,  expenses and liabilities that might
be incurred thereby. The Indenture Trustee is not required to expend or risk its
own funds or otherwise incur personal financial  liability in the performance of
its  duties if the  Trustee  reasonably  believes  that  repayment  or  adequate
indemnity is not reasonably assured to it.

     The  Company  and its  subsidiaries  maintain  ordinary  banking  and trust
relationships with The First National Bank of Chicago and its affiliates.

MISCELLANEOUS

     The Company will have the right at all times to assign any of its rights or
obligations under the Indenture to a direct or indirect wholly-owned  subsidiary
of the Company; provided that, in the event of any such assignment,  the Company
will remain jointly and severally  liable for all such  obligations.  Subject to
the  foregoing,  the Indenture  will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the parties thereto and their respective  successors and assigns.  The Indenture
provides that it may not otherwise be assigned by the parties thereto other than
by the Company to a successor or purchaser  pursuant to a consolidation,  merger
or sale permitted by the Indenture.


                                       29

<PAGE>


                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     The  Company  may  sell  any  series  of  Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust
Securities  and the AES Trusts may sell the Preferred  Securities  being offered
hereby  in any of  three  ways  (or in any  combination  thereof):  (i)  through
underwriters or dealers; (ii) directly to a limited number of purchasers or to a
single  purchaser;  or (iii) through  agents.  The  Prospectus  Supplement  with
respect to any Offered  Securities  will set forth the terms of the  offering of
such  Offered  Securities,  including  the name or  names  of any  underwriters,
dealers  or  agents  and  the  respective  amounts  of such  Offered  Securities
underwritten  or purchased by each of them, the initial public offering price of
such Offered  Securities  and the  proceeds to the Company  from such sale,  any
discounts, commissions or other items constituting compensation from the Company
and any discounts,  commissions  or concessions  allowed or reallowed or paid to
dealers and any  securities  exchanges on which such Offered  Securities  may be
listed.  Any public  offering price and any discounts or concessions  allowed or
reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.

     If  underwriters  are  used in the  sale of any  Offered  Securities,  such
Offered  Securities will be acquired by the  underwriters  for their own account
and may be  resold  from  time to  time in one or more  transactions,  including
negotiated  transactions,  at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices
determined at the time of sale. Such Offered Securities may be either offered to
the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters,
or  directly  by  underwriters.  Unless  otherwise  set forth in the  Prospectus
Supplement,  the  obligations  of the  underwriters  to  purchase  such  Offered
Securities will be subject to certain conditions  precedent and the underwriters
will  be  obligated  to  purchase  all of  such  Offered  Securities  if any are
purchased.

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

     If so indicated in the  Prospectus  Supplement,  the Company will authorize
underwriters,  dealers or agents to  solicit  offers by  certain  purchasers  to
purchase  Offered  Securities  from the Company at the public offering price set
forth in the  Prospectus  Supplement  pursuant  to  delayed  delivery  contracts
providing  for payment and  delivery  on a  specified  date in the future.  Such
contracts  will be subject only to those  conditions set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement,  and the Prospectus Supplement will set forth the commission payable
for solicitation of such contracts.

     Agents and underwriters may be entitled under agreements  entered into with
the Company to indemnification by the Company against certain civil liabilities,
including  liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect
to payments which the agents or underwriters  may be required to make in respect
thereof.  Agents and  underwriters  may be customers of, engage in  transactions
with, or perform services for the Company in the ordinary course of business.


                                  LEGAL MATTERS


     Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, certain
matters of Delaware  law relating to the  validity of the  Preferred  Securities
will be passed upon by Richards,  Layton & Finger,  Wilmington.  The legality of
the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities  and the  Preferred  Securities
offered hereby will be passed upon for the Company by Davis Polk & Wardwell, New
York, New York.


                                     EXPERTS


     The  financial  statements as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996  incorporated by reference
in this  Prospectus  from the  Company's  Current  Report  on Form 8-K  filed on
November 6, 1997 and the related financial statement  schedules  incorporated by
reference in the Registration


                                       30

<PAGE>


Statement  from the  Company's  Annual  Report on Form 10-K have been audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP,  independent  auditors,  as stated in their reports which
are incorporated by reference herein,  and have been so incorporated in reliance
upon the  reports  of such  firm  given  upon  their  authority  as  experts  in
accounting and auditing.

     The financial  statements of Companhia  Energetica de Minas Gerais -- CEMIG
for the years ended  December  31, 1996 and 1995,  prepared in  accordance  with
accounting principles generally accepted in Brazil, incorporated by reference in
this  Prospectus  from  Item 7 of the  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K of The AES
Corporation filed July 16, 1997, have been audited by Price Waterhouse Auditores
Independentes,  Belo Horizonte,  Brazil,  independent accountants,  as stated in
their  report,  which  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference,  and has been so
incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority
as experts in accounting and auditing.


                                       31

<PAGE>


================================================================================
NO PERSON  HAS BEEN  AUTHORIZED  TO GIVE          $1,500,000,000
ANY   INFORMATION   OR   TO   MAKE   ANY
REPRESENTATIONS,    OTHER   THAN   THOSE        THE AES CORPORATION
CONTAINED OR  INCORPORATED  BY REFERENCE
IN  THIS  PROSPECTUS  OR ANY  PROSPECTUS        JUNIOR SUBORDINATED
SUPPLEMENT,   IN  CONNECTION   WITH  ANY          DEBT SECURITIES
OFFERING  CONTEMPLATED  HEREBY,  AND, IF
GIVEN  OR  MADE,  SUCH   INFORMATION  OR           AES TRUST III
REPRESENTATIONS  MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON           AES TRUST IV
AS  HAVING   BEEN   AUTHORIZED   BY  THE            AES TRUST V
COMPANY,   ANY  UNDERWRITER,   AGENT  OR
DEALER.  NEITHER  THE  DELIVERY  OF THIS       PREFERRED SECURITIES
PROSPECTUS OR ANY PROSPECTUS  SUPPLEMENT
NOR   ANY   SALE   MADE   HEREUNDER   OR      -----------------------
THEREUNDER SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES
CREATE  ANY  IMPLICATION  THAT THERE HAS            PROSPECTUS
BEEN NO  CHANGE  IN THE  AFFAIRS  OF THE
COMPANY   SINCE   THE  DATE   HEREOF  OR      -----------------------
THEREOF. NEITHER THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY
PROSPECTUS  SUPPLEMENT  SHALL CONSTITUTE
AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES BY ANYONE IN
ANY  JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION  IS  NOT  AUTHORIZED  OR IN
WHICH THE  PERSON  MAKING  SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION  IS NOT  QUALIFIED TO DO SO
OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS  UNLAWFUL
TO  MAKE  SUCH  OFFER  OR  SOLICITATION.
        -----------------------

          TABLE OF CONTENTS


                                    PAGE
                                    ----
Available Information................. 1
Incorporation of Certain Information    
  by Reference........................ 1
Use of Proceeds....................... 2
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges... 2
The Company........................... 3
Risk Factors.......................... 6
The AES Trusts........................14
Description of Preferred Securities...19
Description of Preferred Securities 
 Guarantees...........................20
Description of Junior Subordinated 
 Debt Trust Securities................23
Plan of Distribution..................29
Legal Matters.........................29
Experts...............................29                                  ,1997
================================================================================

<PAGE>


                                     PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS


ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

     The following table sets forth the expenses in connection with the issuance
and distribution of the securities  being  registered,  other than  underwriting
discounts and  commissions.  All of the amounts shown are estimates,  except the
SEC registration fee.


SEC Registration filing fee............................$     454,545
Printing and engraving expenses........................$     150,000
Blue sky fees and expenses (including counsel).........$      10,000
Legal fees and expenses................................$     500,000
Fees of accountants....................................$     150,000
Fees of trustee........................................$      15,000
                                                        ------------
   Total...............................................$   1,279,545
                                                        ============


ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

     Under the  Company's  By-Laws,  and in  accordance  with Section 145 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law ("GCL"), the Company shall indemnify any person
who was or is a party or is  threatened  to be made a party  to any  threatened,
pending or  completed  action,  suit or  proceeding,  whether  civil,  criminal,
administrative  or  investigative  (other  than any  action or suit by or in the
right of the  Company to procure a judgment in its favor,  which is  hereinafter
referred to as a "derivative  action") by reason of the fact that such person is
or was a director,  officer or employee of the Company,  or is or was serving in
such  capacity or as an agent at the request of the Company for another  entity,
to the full extent authorized by Delaware law, against expenses (including,  but
not limited to,  attorneys'  fees),  judgments,  fines and amounts  actually and
reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action,
suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner the person
reasonably  believed  to be in or not  opposed  to  the  best  interests  of the
Company,  and,  with  respect  to any  criminal  action  or  proceeding,  had no
reasonable cause to believe was unlawful. Agents of the Company may be similarly
indemnified, at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

     Under  Section 145 of the GCL, a similar  standard of care is applicable in
the case of  derivative  actions,  except that  indemnification  only extends to
expenses (including  attorneys' fees) incurred in connection with the defense or
settlement of such an action and then, where the person is adjudged to be liable
to the  Company,  only if and to the extent  that the Court of  Chancery  of the
State of Delaware or the court in which such action was brought  determines that
such person is fairly and  reasonably  entitled to such  indemnity  and only for
such expenses as the court shall deem proper.

     Pursuant to Company's  By-Laws, a person eligible for  indemnification  may
have the expenses incurred in connection with any matter described above paid in
advance of a final disposition by the Company.  However, such advances will only
be made upon the delivery of an undertaking  by or on behalf of the  indemnified
person to repay all amounts so advanced if it is ultimately determined that such
person is not entitled to indemnification.

     In  addition,  under the  Company's  By-Laws,  the Company may purchase and
maintain  insurance  on behalf of any person who is or was a director,  officer,
employee or agent of the Company or of another corporation against any liability
asserted against and incurred by such person in such capacity, or arising out of
the person's status as such


                                      II-1

<PAGE>


whether or not the Company  would have the power or the  obligation to indemnify
such  person  against  such  liability  under the  provisions  of the  Company's
By-Laws.

ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS.




EXHIBITS     DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- --------     ---------------------- 
              
   
1.1          Form of Underwriting  Agreement (Debt Securities)  (incorporated by
             reference  to  Exhibit  1.1  of  Amendment  No.  1 to  Registration
             Statement No. 333-15487 on Form S-3 filed on November 18, 1996)
1.2          Form of Underwriting  Agreement  (Common Stock and Preferred Stock)
             (incorporated  by reference  to Exhibit 1.2 of  Amendment  No. 1 to
             Registration  Statement No. 333-15487 on Form S-3 filed on November
             18, 1996)
1.3          Form of Underwriting  Agreement (Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock
             Purchase  Units)  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  1.3 of
             Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-15487 on Form S-3
             filed on November 18, 1996)
1.4          Form of Underwriting Agreement (Preferred Securities)*
4.1          Form of Senior Debt  Securities  Indenture  between the Company and
             The First  National Bank of Chicago  (incorporated  by reference to
             Exhibit 4.1 of  Registration  Statement  No.  333-15487 on Form S-3
             filed on November 4, 1996)
4.2          Senior  Subordinated Debt Securities  Indenture dated as of July 1,
             1996  between the Company  and The First  National  Bank of Chicago
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Registration Statement
             No. 333-15487 on Form S-3 filed on November 4, 1996)
4.2.1        Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 13, 1997  between
             the Company and the First National Bank of Chicago
4.3          Form of Junior  Subordinated Debt Securities  Indenture between the
             Company and The First  National  Bank of Chicago  (incorporated  by
             reference to Exhibit 4.3 of Registration Statement No. 333-15487 on
             Form S-3 filed on November 4, 1996)
4.4          Form of Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities Indenture between
             the Company and The First National Bank of Chicago (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 4.4 of Registration Statement No. 333-15487 on
             Form S-3 filed on November 4, 1996)
4.5          Declaration of Trust of AES Trust III (incorporated by reference to
             Exhibit  4.14 of  Amendment  No. 1 to  Registration  Statement  No.
             333-15487 on Form S-3 filed on November 18, 1996)
4.6          Certificate of Trust of AES Trust III (incorporated by reference to
             Exhibit  4.15 of  Amendment  No. 1 to  Registration  Statement  No.
             333-15487 on Form S-3 filed on November 18, 1996)
4.7          Form of Amended  and  Restated  Declaration  of Trust for AES Trust
             III,  AES Trust IV and AES Trust V  (incorporated  by  reference to
             Exhibit 4.9 of Amendment No. 2 to  Registration  Statement No. 333-
             15487 on Form S-3 filed on November 27, 1996)
4.8          Form of Preferred Security (included in Exhibit 4.7)
4.9          Form  of  Supplemental  Indenture  to be used  in  connection  with
             issuance of Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities and Preferred
             Securities   (incorporated   by   reference   to  Exhibit  4.11  of
             Registration  Statement No. 333-15487 on Form S-3 filed on November
             4, 1996)
4.10         Form of  Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Security  (included  in
             Exhibit 4.9)
4.11         Form of Preferred  Securities  Guarantee  with respect to Preferred
             Securities  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 of Amendment
             No. 2 to Registration  Statement No. 333-15487 on Form S-3 filed on
             November 27, 1996)
4.12         Declaration of Trust of AES Trust IV*
4.13         Certificate of Trust of AES Trust IV*
4.14         Declaration of Trust of AES Trust V*
4.15         Certificate of Trust of AES Trust V*
4.16         Form of Purchase Contract  Agreement  (incorporated by reference to
             Exhibit  41.6 of  Amendment  No. 1 to  Registration  Statement  No.
             333-15487 on Form S-3 filed on November 18, 1996)
4.17         Form of Pledge Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.17
             of Amendment No. 1 to Registration  Statement No. 333-15487 on Form
             S-3 filed on November 18, 1996)
5.1          Opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell
    



                                      II-2

<PAGE>



EXHIBITS     DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- --------     ----------------------

   
5.2          Opinion of Delaware counsel
12.1         Statement re: Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges
23.1         Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.2         Consent of Price Waterhouse*
23.3         Consent of Davis Polk & Wardwell (included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.4         Consent of Delaware counsel (included in Exhibit 5.2)
24.1         Powers of Attorney for the Company
24.2         Powers  of  Attorney  for the  Company  as  sponsor,  to  sign  the
             Registration Statement on behalf of AES Trust III, AES Trust IV and
             AES Trust V (included in Exhibits 4.5, 4.7, 4.12 and 4.14)
25.1         Statement of Eligibility  under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
             amended, of The First National Bank of Chicago,  as Trustee,  under
             the Senior Debt Securities Indenture
25.2         Statement of Eligibility  under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
             amended, of The First National Bank of Chicago,  as Trustee,  under
             the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities Indenture
25.3         Statement of Eligibility  under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
             amended, of The First National Bank of Chicago,  as Trustee,  under
             the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities Indenture
25.4         Statement of Eligibility  under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
             amended,  of The First National Bank of Chicago,  as Trustee,  with
             respect to the Junior Subordinated Debt Trust Securities  Indenture
25.5         Statement of Eligibility  under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
             amended,  of The First National Bank of Chicago,  as Trustee,  with
             respect to the Preferred Securities of AES Trust III
25.6         Statement of Eligibility  under The Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
             amended,  of The First National Bank of Chicago,  as Trustee,  with
             respect to the Preferred Securities of AES Trust IV
25.7         Statement of Eligibility  under The Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
             amended,  of The First National Bank of Chicago,  as Trustee,  with
             respect to the Preferred Securities of AES Trust V
25.8         Statement of Eligibility  under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
             amended,  of The First National Bank of Chicago,  as Trustee,  with
             respect to the Preferred  Securities  Guarantee of the Company with
             respect to the Preferred Securities of AES Trust III
25.9         Statement of Eligibility  under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
             amended,  of The First National Bank of Chicago,  as Trustee,  with
             respect to the Preferred  Securities  Guarantee of the Company with
             respect to the Preferred Securities of AES Trust IV
25.10        Statement of Eligibility  under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
             amended,  of The First National Bank of Chicago,  as Trustee,  with
             respect to the Preferred  Securities  Guarantee of the Company with
             respect to the Preferred Securities of AES Trust V

- ---------------------------
*    Previously filed.
    

ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.

     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

      (1) To file,  during any period in which offers or sales are being made of
the  securities   registered   hereby,  a   post-effective   amendment  to  this
registration statement:

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

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

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


                                      II-3

<PAGE>


provided,  however,  that the  undertakings  set forth in paragraphs  (1)(i) and
(1)(ii)  above do not apply if the  information  required  to be  included  in a
post-effective  amendment by those  paragraphs is contained in periodic  reports
filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant  pursuant to Section
13 or Section  15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934,  as amended (the
"Exchange  Act")  that  are  incorporated  by  reference  in  this  registration
statement.

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

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

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

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


                                      II-4

<PAGE>


                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the  requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
certifies  that is has  reasonable  grounds to believe  that it meets all of the
requirements  for filing on Forms S-3 and has duly caused this  Amendment to the
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,  thereunto
duly  authorized,  in the City of  Arlington,  State of Virginia on November 19,
1997.


                                    THE AES CORPORATION



                                    By:  /s/  Dennis W. Bakke          
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         Dennis W. Bakke
                                         President and Chief Executive Officer

     Pursuant  to  the   requirements  of  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  this
Registration  Statement  has been signed below by the  following  persons in the
capacities indicated on November 19, 1997.


       SIGNATURE                      TITLE                          DATE
       ---------                      -----                          -----  

          *
- -------------------------       Chairman-of-the-Board          November 19, 1997
    Roger W. Sant

  /s/  Dennis W. Bakke
- -------------------------       President,-Chief-Executive     November 19, 1997
    Dennis W. Bakke             Officer and Director 
                                (Principal Executive Officer)

          *
- -------------------------       Director                       November 19, 1997
    Vicki-Ann Assevero



                                      II-5

<PAGE>

          *
- -------------------------        Director                      November 19, 1997
    Dr. Alice F. Emerson

          *
- -------------------------        Director                      November 19, 1997
    Robert F. Hemphill, Jr.

          *
- -------------------------        Director                      November 19, 1997
    Frank Jungers

          *
- -------------------------        Director                      November 19, 1997
    Dr. Henry R. Linden
 
          *
- -------------------------        Director                      November 19, 1997
    John H. McArthur

          *
- -------------------------        Director                      November 19, 1997
    Hazel O'Leary

          *
- -------------------------        Director                      November 19, 1997
    Thomas I. Unterberg

          *
- -------------------------        Director                      November 19, 1997
    Robert H. Waterman, Jr.

  /s/ Barry J. Sharp
- -------------------------       Vice-President and             November 19, 1997
    Barry J. Sharp              Chief Financial Officer
                                (Principal Financial and
                                Accounting Officer)

By:   /s/ William R. Luraschi
      ----------------------                                   November 19, 1997
      William R. Luraschi
      Attorney-in-Fact


                                      II-6

<PAGE>


                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the  requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, AES Trust III,
AES Trust IV and AES Trust V each certifies  that it has  reasonable  grounds to
believe  that it meets all of the  requirements  for filing on Forms S-3 and has
duly caused this  Amendment  to the  Registration  Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned,  thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Arlington,
State of Virginia on November 19, 1997.

                                  AES TRUST III


                                  By: The AES Corporation, as Sponsor


                                  By: /s/ William R. Luraschi
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                      Name: William R. Luraschi
                                      Title:   General Counsel and Secretary



                                   AES TRUST IV


                                   By: The AES Corporation, as Sponsor


                                   By: /s/ William R. Luraschi
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Name: William R. Luraschi
                                       Title:   General Counsel and Secretary


                                   AES TRUST V


                                   By: The AES Corporation, as Sponsor


                                   By: /s/ William R. Luraschi 
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Name: William R. Luraschi
                                       Title:   General Counsel and Secretary



                                      II-7

<PAGE>


                          EXHIBIT INDEX


                                                                   SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBITS     DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT                                NUMBERED PAGE

   
1.1          Form of Underwriting Agreement (Debt Securities)*
1.2          Form of  Underwriting  Agreement  (Common  Stock and
             Preferred Stock)*
1.3          Form  of  Underwriting   Agreement  (Stock  Purchase
             Contracts and Stock Purchase Units)*
1.4          Form   of    Underwriting    Agreement    (Preferred
             Securities) +
4.1          Form of Senior Debt Securities Indenture between the
             Company and The First National Bank of Chicago*
4.2          Senior Subordinated Debt Securities  Indenture dated
             as of July 1, 1996 between the Company and The First
             National Bank of Chicago*
4.2.1        Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 13,
             1997 between the Company and The First National  Bank
             of Chicago
4.3          Form  of   Junior   Subordinated   Debt   Securities
             Indenture between the Company and The First National
             Bank of Chicago*
4.4          Form of Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities
             Indenture between the Company and The First National
             Bank of Chicago*
4.5          Declaration of Trust of AES Trust III*
4.6          Certificate of Trust of AES Trust III*
4.7          Form of Amended and  Restated  Declaration  of Trust
             for  each of AES  Trust  III,  AES  Trust IV and AES
             Trust V*
4.8          Form of Preferred Security (included in Exhibit 4.7)
4.9          Form  of  Supplemental   Indenture  to  be  used  in
             connection with issuance of Junior Subordinated Debt
             Trust Securities and Preferred Securities*
4.10         Form of  Junior  Subordinated  Debt  Trust  Security
             (included in Exhibit 4.9)
4.11         Form of Preferred  Securities Guarantee with respect
             to Preferred Securities*
4.12         Declaration of Trust of AES Trust IV +
4.13         Certificate of Trust of AES Trust IV +
4.14         Declaration of Trust of AES Trust V +
4.15         Certificate of Trust of AES Trust V +
4.16         Form of Purchase Contract Agreement*
4.17         Form of Pledge Agreement *
5.1          Opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell
5.2          Opinion of Delaware counsel
12.1         Statement  re:  Computation  of ratio of earnings to
             fixed charges
23.1         Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.2         Consent of Price Waterhouse+
23.3         Consent  of  Davis  Polk  &  Wardwell  (included  in
             Exhibit 5.1)
23.4         Consent of  Delaware  counsel  (included  in Exhibit
             5.2)
24.1         Powers of Attorney for the Company
24.2         Powers of Attorney  for the  Company as sponsor,  to
             sign the  Registration  Statement  on  behalf of AES
             Trust III, AES Trust IV and AES Trust V (included in
             Exhibits 4.5, 4.7, 4.12 and 4.14)
25.1         Statement of Eligibility  under the Trust  Indenture
             Act of 1939, as amended,  of The First National Bank
             of  Chicago,  as  Trustee,  under  the  Senior  Debt
             Securities Indenture
25.2         Statement of Eligibility  under the Trust  Indenture
             Act of 1939, as amended,  of The First National Bank
             of   Chicago,   as   Trustee,   under   the   Senior
             Subordinated Debt Securities Indenture
25.3         Statement of Eligibility  under the Trust  Indenture
             Act of 1939, as amended,  of The First National Bank
             of   Chicago,   as   Trustee,   under   the   Junior
             Subordinated Debt Securities Indenture
    



                               II-8

<PAGE>


                                                                   SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBITS     DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT                                NUMBERED PAGE

25.4         Statement of Eligibility  under the Trust  Indenture
             Act of 1939, as amended,  of The First National Bank
             of Chicago,  as Trustee,  with respect to the Junior
             Subordinated Debt Trust Securities Indenture
25.5         Statement of Eligibility  under the Trust  Indenture
             Act of 1939, as amended,  of The First National Bank
             of  Chicago,   as  Trustee,   with  respect  to  the
             Preferred Securities of AES Trust III
25.6         Statement of Eligibility  under The Trust  Indenture
             Act of 1939, as amended,  of The First National Bank
             of  Chicago,   as  Trustee,   with  respect  to  the
             Preferred Securities of AES Trust IV
25.7         Statement of Eligibility  under The Trust  Indenture
             Act of 1939, as amended,  of The First National Bank
             of  Chicago,   as  Trustee,   with  respect  to  the
             Preferred Securities of AES Trust V
25.8         Statement of Eligibility  under the Trust  Indenture
             Act of 1939, as amended,  of The First National Bank
             of  Chicago,   as  Trustee,   with  respect  to  the
             Preferred  Securities  Guarantee of the Company with
             respect to the Preferred Securities of AES Trust III
25.9         Statement of Eligibility  under the Trust  Indenture
             Act of 1939, as amended,  of The First National Bank
             of  Chicago,   as  Trustee,   with  respect  to  the
             Preferred  Securities  Guarantee of the Company with
             respect to the Preferred Securities of AES Trust IV
25.10        Statement of Eligibility  under the Trust  Indenture
             Act of 1939, as amended,  of The First National Bank
             of  Chicago,   as  Trustee,   with  respect  to  the
             Preferred  Securities  Guarantee of the Company with
             respect to the Preferred Securities of AES Trust V

- ---------------------------
*    Incorporated by reference to other documents (see Item 16) and not included
     herein.

   
+    Previously filed
    

                                      II-9



                                                                   EXHIBIT 4.2.1





                               THE AES CORPORATION

                                       and

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
                                   as Trustee

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

                          SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

                          Dated as of October 13, 1997

              (Supplemental to Indenture Dated as of July 1, 1996)

                   10 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2006




<PAGE>



     SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL  INDENTURE dated as of October 13, 1997 between The AES
Corporation,  a Delaware corporation  (hereinafter called the "COMPANY") and The
First  National  Bank of Chicago,  a national  banking  association,  as Trustee
(hereinafter called the "TRUSTEE").

     WHEREAS,  the Company  executed and delivered an Indenture dated as of July
1,  1996,  as may be  amended or  supplemented  from time to time,  (hereinafter
called the "ORIGINAL  INDENTURE")  between the Company and the Trustee providing
for the issue  from  time to time of its  unsecured  debentures,  notes or other
evidences  of  indebtedness  in one  or  more  series  (hereinafter  called  the
"SECURITIES"); and

     WHEREAS, the Company executed and delivered a First Supplemental  Indenture
(the "FIRST  SUPPLEMENTAL  INDENTURE"),  supplemental to the Original Indenture,
between the Company and the Trustee  providing for the issuance of  $250,000,000
aggregate  principal amount of the Company's 10 1/4% Senior  Subordinated  Notes
due 2006 (the "10 1/4% NOTES"); and

     WHEREAS,  Section 9.2 of the Original  Indenture provides that the Original
Indenture  may be amended by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the
holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the 10 1/4%
Notes; and

     WHEREAS,  holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount
of the 10 1/4% Notes  outstanding  on August 19, 1997 have given and not revoked
their  consent to the  execution  by the Company and the Trustee of an amendment
changing the  provisions  of, and modifying the rights of holders of the 10 1/4%
Notes under, the Original Indenture, as amended or supplemented, as set forth in
this Second Supplemental Indenture; and

     WHEREAS,  all  conditions  and  requirements  necessary to make this Second
Supplemental  Indenture a valid and binding  instrument in  accordance  with its
terms and the terms of the Original Indenture have been satisfied.

     NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of the  premises  and  of  the  mutual
covenants  herein  contained,  the Company and the Trustee  hereby  covenant and
agree as follows:

     SECTION 1.  Defined  Terms.  For all  purposes of this Second  Supplemental
Indenture,  except  as  otherwise  expressly  provided  or  unless  the  context
otherwise  requires,  all  capitalized  terms defined  herein and defined in the
Original  Indenture  or First  Supplemental  Indenture  shall have the  meanings
assigned to them herein.



<PAGE>



Unless otherwise expressly specified, all references to a "SECTION" herein refer
to a section of the Second Supplemental Indenture.

     SECTION  2.  Amendment  of  Section  1.1 of First  Supplemental  Indenture.
Section 1.1 of the First Supplemental Indenture is hereby amended to read in its
entirety as follows:

          "SECTION 1.1. The words  "herein",  "hereof" and "hereunder" and other
words of similar  import refer to this First  Supplemental  Indenture as a whole
and not to any  particular  Section or other  subdivision.  The following  terms
shall,  unless the context otherwise clearly requires,  for all purposes of this
First  Supplemental  Indenture  have the respective  meanings  specified in this
Section:

          "ACQUISITION  DEBT" means Debt of any Person existing at the time such
     Person  became a  Restricted  Subsidiary  of the Company (or such Person is
     merged into the Company or one of its Restricted  Subsidiaries)  or assumed
     in connection  with the  acquisition  of assets from any such Person (other
     than assets  acquired in the ordinary  course of business),  including Debt
     Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person becoming a
     Restricted  Subsidiary  of the Company (but  excluding  Debt of such Person
     which is  extinguished,  retired or repaid in  connection  with such Person
     becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company).

          "ADJUSTED  CONSOLIDATED  NET INCOME"  means,  for any period,  for any
     Person  the  aggregate  Net  Income  (or  loss)  of  such  Person  and  its
     Consolidated  Subsidiaries  for such period  determined in conformity  with
     GAAP plus the Net Income of any  Restricted  Subsidiary  of such Person for
     prior  periods to the extent  such Net Income is  actually  paid in cash to
     such Person  during  such  period plus the Net Income of any Person  (other
     than a  Restricted  Subsidiary)  in which such Person has a joint  interest
     with a third  party for prior  periods  to the  extent  such Net  Income is
     actually paid in cash to such Person during such period;  provided that the
     following items shall be excluded in computing  Adjusted  Consolidated  Net
     Income  (without  duplication):  (i) the Net Income (or loss) of any Person
     (other  than a  Restricted  Subsidiary)  in which  such  Person has a joint
     interest  with a third  party,  except  to the  extent  such Net  Income is
     actually  paid in cash to such Person  during such period;  (ii) solely for
     the purposes of calculating  the amount of Restricted  Payments that may be
     made pursuant to clauses (c)(1) or (c)(2) of Section 3.8 (and in such case,
     except to the extent  includible  pursuant  to clause (i)  above),  the Net
     Income (if positive) of such Person  accrued prior to the date it becomes a
     Restricted Subsidiary of any other Person or is merged into or consolidated
     with such other Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or


                                       2

<PAGE>



     all or  substantially  all of the  property  and assets of such  Person are
     acquired by such other Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;  (iii)
     the Net  Income  (or loss) of any  Restricted  Subsidiary  of such  Person,
     except to the extent such Net Income (if positive) is actually paid in cash
     to such  Person  during  such  period;  (iv)  any  gains or  losses  (on an
     after-tax basis)  attributable to Asset Sales; (v) the cumulative effect of
     a change in accounting  principle;  and (vi) any amounts paid or accrued as
     dividends  on  Preferred  Stock of such  Person or  Preferred  Stock of any
     Restricted Subsidiary of such Person.

          "AES  HAWAII"  means AES  Hawaii  Management  Co.,  Inc.,  a  Delaware
     corporation and a Subsidiary of the Company, and its successors.

          "AES  OKLAHOMA"  means AES Oklahoma  Management  Co., Inc., a Delaware
     corporation and a Subsidiary of the Company, and its successors.

          "AFFILIATE" means, as applied to any Person, any other Person directly
     or  indirectly  controlling  or  controlled  by or under direct or indirect
     common  control  with such  Person.  For the  purposes of this  definition,
     "CONTROL" (including,  with correlative meanings,  the terms "CONTROLLING",
     "CONTROLLED  BY" and "UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH") when used with respect to
     any Person is defined to mean the  possession,  directly or indirectly,  of
     the power to direct or cause the direction of the  management  and policies
     of such Person,  whether  through the  ownership of voting  securities,  by
     contract or otherwise.

          "ASSET  ACQUISITION"  means (i) an investment by the Company or any of
     its  Restricted  Subsidiaries  in any other  Person  pursuant to which such
     Person shall become a  Restricted  Subsidiary  of the Company or any of its
     Restricted  Subsidiaries or shall be merged into or  consolidated  with the
     Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or (ii) an acquisition by the
     Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of the Property of any Person
     other  than  the  Company  or  any  of  its  Restricted  Subsidiaries  that
     constitutes  substantially  all of an  operating  unit or  business of such
     Person.

          "ASSET  DISPOSITION"  means,  with  respect to any  Person,  any sale,
     transfer,  conveyance,  lease or  other  disposition  (including  by way of
     merger,  consolidation  or  sale-leaseback)  by such  Person  or any of its
     Restricted  Subsidiaries  to any  Person  (other  than to such  Person or a
     Consolidated Subsidiary of such Person and other than in the ordinary


                                       3

<PAGE>



     course of business) of (i) any assets (excluding cash and cash equivalents)
     of such Person or any of its Restricted  Subsidiaries or (ii) any shares of
     Capital Stock of such  Person's  Restricted  Subsidiaries.  For purposes of
     this definition,  any disposition in connection with directors'  qualifying
     shares or investments by foreign nationals mandated by applicable law shall
     not  constitute  an  Asset  Disposition.   In  addition,  the  term  "ASSET
     DISPOSITION"  shall not include any sale,  transfer,  conveyance,  lease or
     other  disposition  of assets  governed  by Section  5.1.  The term  "ASSET
     DISPOSITION"  also shall not  include  (i) any sale of shares of  Preferred
     Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary,  (ii) the grant of a security interest by
     any Person in any assets or shares of Capital  Stock  securing a  borrowing
     by, or contractual performance obligation of, such Person or any Restricted
     Subsidiary of such Person,  (iii) a  sale-leaseback  transaction  involving
     substantially  all of  the  assets  of a  Power  Supply  Business  where  a
     Restricted  Subsidiary of the Company sells the Power Supply  Business to a
     Person in exchange for the  assumption by that Person of the Debt financing
     the Power Supply  Business and the Restricted  Subsidiary  leases the Power
     Supply Business from such Person,  (iv)  dispositions  of contract  rights,
     development  rights and resource data made in  connection  with the initial
     development of a Power Supply  Business,  made prior to the commencement of
     commercial operation of such Power Supply Business or (v) transactions made
     in order to enhance the  repatriation of cash proceeds in connection with a
     Foreign Asset  Disposition  or in order to increase the after-tax  proceeds
     thereof available for immediate distribution.

          "ASSET SALE" means the sale or other disposition by the Company or any
     of its  Restricted  Subsidiaries  (other  than to the  Company  or  another
     Restricted  Subsidiary of the Company) of (i) all or  substantially  all of
     the Capital Stock of any  Restricted  Subsidiary of the Company or (ii) all
     or substantially  all of the Property that constitutes an operating unit or
     business of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

          "AVERAGE LIFE" means, at any date of determination with respect to any
     debt security, the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the product
     of (A) the number of years from such date of  determination to the dates of
     each  successive   scheduled   principal  payment  of  such  debt  security
     multiplied by (B) the amount of such  principal  payment by (ii) the sum of
     all such principal payments.

          "BANK AGENT" means Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as agent
     for the Banks pursuant to the Bank Credit  Agreement,  and any successor or
     successors thereto in such capacity.


                                       4

<PAGE>



          "BANK CREDIT  AGREEMENT" means the Credit Agreement dated as of August
     2, 1996 among the Company,  the Banks named on the signature  pages thereof
     and the  Bank  Agent,  as  such  agreement  has  been  and may be  amended,
     restated,  supplemented  or  otherwise  modified  from  time to  time,  and
     includes  any  agreement   extending  the  maturity  of,  or  restructuring
     (including,  but not  limited to, the  inclusion  of  additional  borrowers
     thereunder  that are  Restricted  Subsidiaries  of the  Company  and  whose
     obligations  are guaranteed by the Company  thereunder)  all or any portion
     of, the Debt under such agreement or any successor  agreements and includes
     any  agreement  with  one or  more  banks  or  other  lending  institutions
     refinancing  all or any  portion of the Debt under  such  agreement  or any
     successor agreements.

          "BANKS"  means the  lenders  who are from time to time  parties to the
     Bank Credit Agreement.

          "BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS"  means  either  the Board of  Directors  of the
     Company or (except for the  purposes of clause (iii) of the  definition  of
     "Change of Control")  any  committee of such Board duly  authorized  to act
     hereunder.

          "BOARD  RESOLUTION"  means  one or more  resolutions  of the  Board of
     Directors,  certified by the  secretary  or an assistant  secretary to have
     been  duly  adopted  and to be in full  force  and  effect  on the  date of
     certification, and delivered to the Trustee.

          "BUSINESS DAY" means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is
     neither  a  legal  holiday  nor a day on  which  banking  institutions  are
     authorized  or  required by law or  regulation  to close in The City of New
     York.

          "CAPITAL STOCK" means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares,
     interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated, whether
     voting or non-voting) of, or interests in (however designated),  the equity
     of such Person which is outstanding or issued on or after the Closing Date,
     including,  without  limitation,  all Common Stock and Preferred  Stock and
     partnership and joint venture interests of such Person.

          "CAPITALIZED  LEASE" means, as applied to any Person, any lease of any
     Property of which the discounted present value of the rental obligations of
     such  Person  as  lessee,  in  conformity  with  GAAP,  is  required  to be
     capitalized on the balance sheet of such Person; and "Capitalized


                                       5

<PAGE>



     Lease Obligation" is defined to mean the rental obligations,  as aforesaid,
     under such lease.

          "CHANGE  OF  CONTROL"  means  the  occurrence  of one or  more  of the
     following events:  (i) any sale, lease,  exchange or other transfer (in one
     transaction or a series of related  transactions)  of all, or substantially
     all,  of the assets of the  Company to any Person or group (as that term is
     used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) of Persons,  (ii) a Person or
     group (as so defined) of Persons  (other than  management of the Company on
     the date of the Original  Indenture or their  Affiliates) shall have become
     the beneficial  owner of more than 35% of the  outstanding  Voting Stock of
     the Company,  or (iii) during any one-year  period,  individuals who at the
     beginning of such period  constitute the Board of Directors  (together with
     any new director whose election or nomination was approved by a majority of
     the directors then in office who were either  directors at the beginning of
     such period or who were  previously  so  approved)  cease to  constitute  a
     majority of the Board of Directors.

          "CHANGE OF CONTROL OFFER" has the meaning provided in Section 3.6.

          "CLOSING  DATE" means July 17, 1997,  the date on which the  Company's
     83/8% Senior  Subordinated  Notes due 2007 were originally issued under the
     indenture relating to such notes.

          "COMMON STOCK" means, with respect to any Person,  any and all shares,
     interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated, whether
     voting or  non-voting)  of common stock of such Person which is outstanding
     or issued on or after the Closing Date, including,  without limitation, all
     series and classes of such common stock.

          "CONSOLIDATED  EBITDA" of any Person for any period means the Adjusted
     Consolidated  Net Income of such Person,  plus  (without  duplication)  (i)
     income  taxes  (other than income  taxes (x) (either  positive or negative)
     attributable to extraordinary  and  non-recurring  gains or losses or Asset
     Sales and (y) actually payable with respect to such period) determined on a
     consolidated  basis for such Person and its  Consolidated  Subsidiaries  in
     accordance   with  GAAP  to  the  extent  payable  by  such  Person,   (ii)
     Consolidated Fixed Charges, (iii) depreciation and amortization expense for
     such period and prior periods,  all determined on a consolidated  basis for
     such Person and its Consolidated  Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, but
     only to the  extent  that the  positive  cash  flow  associated  with  such
     depreciation and amortization expense is actually


                                       6

<PAGE>



     received  in cash by such  Person  during  such  period  and (iv) all other
     non-cash items  reducing Net Income for such period and prior periods,  all
     determined  on a  consolidated  basis for such Person and its  Consolidated
     Subsidiaries  in  accordance  with GAAP,  but only to the  extent  that the
     positive cash flow associated with such non-cash items is actually received
     in cash by such Person during such period,  and less (without  duplication)
     (i) all non-cash  items  increasing  Net Income of such Person  during such
     period and prior  periods,  but only to the extent that  positive cash flow
     associated  with such  non-cash  items in not actually  received in cash by
     such  Person  during  such  period,  and (ii) the  aggregate  amount of any
     capitalized expenses (including  capitalized  interest) paid by such Person
     during such period which have the effect of increasing  Net Income for such
     period.

          "CONSOLIDATED  FIXED CHARGES" of any Person means, for any period, the
     aggregate of (i) Consolidated Interest Expense, (ii) the interest component
     of Capitalized  Leases,  determined on a consolidated basis for such Person
     and its  Consolidated  Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP,  excluding any
     interest  component of  Capitalized  Leases in respect of that portion of a
     Capitalized   Lease   Obligation  of  a  Restricted   Subsidiary   that  is
     Non-Recourse  to such  Person and (iii)  cash and  non-cash  dividends  due
     (whether or not declared) on any Redeemable Stock of such Person.

          "CONSOLIDATED  INTEREST  EXPENSE" of any Person means, for any period,
     the aggregate  interest expense in respect of Debt (including  amortization
     of original issue discount and non-cash  interest  payments or accruals) of
     such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated
     basis in accordance with GAAP, including all commissions,  discounts, other
     fees and  charges  owed with  respect to  letters  of credit  and  bankers'
     acceptance financing and net costs associated with Interest Rate Agreements
     and any  amounts  paid  during  such  period in  respect  of such  interest
     expense,  commissions,  discounts,  other fees and  charges  that have been
     capitalized;  provided that  Consolidated  Interest  Expense of the Company
     shall  not  include  any  interest  expense   (including  all  commissions,
     discounts,  other fees and charges  owed with  respect to letters of credit
     and bankers'  acceptance  financing and net costs  associated with Interest
     Rate  Agreements)  in  respect  of that  portion  of  Debt of a  Restricted
     Subsidiary of the Company that is Non-Recourse to the Company; and provided
     further that  Consolidated  Interest Expense of the Company in respect of a
     Guarantee by the Company of Debt of a Restricted  Subsidiary shall be equal
     to the  commissions,  discounts,  other fees and charges  that would be due
     with  respect  to a  hypothetical  letter of credit  issued  under the Bank
     Credit Agreement that can be drawn by the


                                       7

<PAGE>



     beneficiary  thereof  in the  amount of the Debt so  guaranteed  if (i) the
     Company is not actually making directly or indirectly  interest payments on
     such Debt and (ii) GAAP does not require  the Company on an  unconsolidated
     basis to record such Debt as a liability of the Company.

          "CONSOLIDATED  SUBSIDIARY"  means  at any  date  with  respect  to any
     Person, any Subsidiary of such Person or other entity the accounts of which
     would  be  consolidated  with  those  of such  Person  in its  consolidated
     financial  statements  if such  statements  were  prepared as of such date,
     other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

          "CONSOLIDATED  TOTAL ASSETS" means,  with respect to any Person at any
     time, the total assets of such Person and its Consolidated  Subsidiaries at
     such time determined in conformity with GAAP.

          "CURRENCY  AGREEMENT" means,  with respect to any Person,  any foreign
     exchange  contract,  currency swap agreement or other similar  agreement or
     arrangement  designed  to  protect  such  Person  or any of its  Restricted
     Subsidiaries against fluctuations in currency values to or under which such
     Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is a party or a beneficiary on
     the Closing Date or becomes a party or a beneficiary thereafter.

          "DEBT" means,  with respect to any Person at any date of determination
     (without  duplication),  (i) all  indebtedness  of such Person for borrowed
     money, (ii) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds,  debentures,
     notes or other similar instruments, (iii) all obligations of such Person in
     respect  of  letters  of credit or  bankers'  acceptance  or other  similar
     instruments (or reimbursement  obligations with respect thereto),  (iv) all
     obligations  of such Person to pay the deferred  purchase price of property
     or services,  except Trade Payables,  (v) all obligations of such Person as
     lessee under Capitalized  Leases, (vi) all Debt of others secured by a Lien
     on any asset of such  Person,  whether  or not such Debt is assumed by such
     Person;  provided that, for purposes of determining  the amount of any Debt
     of the type described in this clause, if recourse with respect to such Debt
     is limited to such  asset,  the amount of such Debt shall be limited to the
     lesser of the fair  market  value of such asset or the amount of such Debt,
     (vii) all Debt of others  Guaranteed by such Person to the extent such Debt
     is Guaranteed  by such Person,  (viii) all  Redeemable  Stock valued at the
     greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference plus accrued
     and unpaid dividends and (ix) to the extent not otherwise  included in this
     definition,  all  obligations of such Person under Currency  Agreements and
     Interest Rate Agreements.


                                       8

<PAGE>



          "DEFAULT" means any Event of Default as defined in Section 6.1 and any
     event  that is, or after  notice or  passage  of time or both  would be, an
     Event of Default.

          "DESIGNATED  SENIOR  DEBT"  means  (i)  Debt  under  the  Bank  Credit
     Agreement and (ii) Debt constituting  Senior Debt which, at the time of its
     determination,  (A) has an  aggregate  principal  amount  of at  least  $30
     million and (B) is  specifically  designated in the  instrument  evidencing
     such Senior Debt as "Designated Senior Debt" by the Company.

          "EVENT OF DEFAULT" has the meaning provided in Section 6.1.

          "EXCESS  CASH FLOW" of any Person  for any period  means  Consolidated
     EBITDA less Consolidated  Fixed Charges less any income taxes actually paid
     by such Person during such period.

          "FINANCE  SUBSIDIARY"  means a Wholly-Owned  Subsidiary of the Company
     that does not engage in any activity  other than (i) the holding of Debt of
     the Company that both (x) is subordinated to the Notes and (y) provides for
     no payments of principal by way of sinking  fund,  mandatory  redemption or
     otherwise prior to the maturity of the Notes,  (ii) the issuance of Capital
     Stock  and (iii) any  activity  necessary,  incidental  or  related  to the
     foregoing.

          "FIXED CHARGE RATIO" means the ratio, on a pro forma basis, of (i) the
     aggregate  amount of  Consolidated  EBITDA of any Person for the  Reference
     Period  immediately prior to the date of the transaction giving rise to the
     need to calculate the Fixed Charge Ratio (the  "Transaction  Date") to (ii)
     the  aggregate  Consolidated  Fixed  Charges  of such  Person  during  such
     Reference  Period;  provided  that for  purposes  of such  computation,  in
     calculating  Consolidated  EBITDA and Consolidated  Fixed Charges,  (1) the
     Incurrence  of the Debt  giving  rise to the need to  calculate  the  Fixed
     Charge Ratio and the application of the proceeds therefrom shall be assumed
     to have occurred on the first day of the Reference Period,  (2) Asset Sales
     and  Asset   Acquisitions  which  occur  during  the  Reference  Period  or
     subsequent to the Reference  Period and prior to the Transaction  Date (but
     including any Asset  Acquisition to be made with the Debt Incurred pursuant
     to clause (1) above) shall be assumed to have  occurred on the first day of
     the Reference  Period,  (3) the Incurrence of any Debt during the Reference
     Period or subsequent to the Reference  Period and prior to the  Transaction
     Date and the application of the proceeds therefrom shall be assumed to have
     occurred  on the  first  day of such  Reference  Period,  (4)  Consolidated
     Interest Expense attributable to


                                       9

<PAGE>



     any Debt (whether existing or being Incurred) computed on a pro forma basis
     and  bearing a floating  interest  rate shall be computed as if the rate in
     effect  on the date of  computation  had been the  applicable  rate for the
     entire period unless such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is a
     party to an Interest Rate  Agreement  (which shall remain in effect for the
     twelve  month period  after the  Transaction  Date) which has the effect of
     fixing the  interest  rate on the date of  computation,  in which case such
     rate  (whether  higher  or  lower)  shall  be used and (5)  there  shall be
     excluded from  Consolidated  Fixed Charges any  Consolidated  Fixed Charges
     related to any amount of Debt which was  outstanding  during and subsequent
     to the Reference  Period but is not  outstanding on the  Transaction  Date,
     except for  Consolidated  Fixed Charges  actually  incurred with respect to
     Debt  borrowed (as  adjusted  pursuant to clause (4)) (x) under a revolving
     credit or  similar  arrangement  to the extent  the  commitment  thereunder
     remains in effect on the Transaction Date or (y) pursuant to clause (iv) of
     Section 3.3(b). For the purpose of making this computation, Asset Sales and
     Asset  Acquisitions  which have been made by any Person  which has become a
     Restricted  Subsidiary  of the  Company  or been  merged  with or into  the
     Company or any  Restricted  Subsidiary of the Company  during the Reference
     Period or subsequent to the Reference  Period and prior to the  Transaction
     Date  shall  be  calculated  on a pro  forma  basis  (including  all of the
     calculations  referred to in clauses (1)  through (5) above  assuming  such
     Asset  Sales  or  Asset  Acquisitions  occurred  on  the  first  day of the
     Reference Period).

          "FOREIGN ASSET  DISPOSITION" means any Asset Disposition in respect of
     the Capital  Stock  and/or  Property of any  Restricted  Subsidiary  of any
     Person where such Restricted  Subsidiary is organized under the laws of any
     jurisdiction  other than the U.S.  or any state  thereof or any  Restricted
     Subsidiary  of the type  described in Section 936 of the  Internal  Revenue
     Code of 1986,  as amended,  to the extent  that the  proceeds of such Asset
     Disposition are received by a Person subject in respect of such proceeds to
     the tax laws of a jurisdiction other than the U.S. or any state thereof.

          "GAAP" means generally accepted  accounting  principles in the U.S. as
     in effect as of the Closing  Date  applied on a basis  consistent  with the
     principles,  methods,  procedures and practices employed in the preparation
     of  the  Company's  audited  financial   statements,   including,   without
     limitation,  those  set forth in the  opinions  and  pronouncements  of the
     Accounting  Principles Board of the American  Institute of Certified Public
     Accountants and statements and  pronouncements of the Financial  Accounting
     Standards Board or in such other statements by such other


                                       10

<PAGE>



     entity  as  is  approved  by  a  significant   segment  of  the  accounting
     profession.

          "GUARANTEE"  means any  obligation,  contingent or  otherwise,  of any
     Person directly or indirectly  guaranteeing any Debt or other obligation of
     any other Person and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any
     obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person (i)
     to purchase or pay (or advance or supply  funds for the purchase or payment
     of) such Debt or other  obligation of such other Person (whether arising by
     virtue  of  partnership  arrangements,  or by  agreement  to  keepwell,  to
     purchase  assets,  goods,  securities or services,  to  take-or-pay,  or to
     maintain financial statement  conditions or otherwise) or (ii) entered into
     for  purposes of  assuring in any other  manner the obligee of such Debt or
     other  obligation of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against
     loss in  respect  thereof  (in  whole or in part);  provided  that the term
     "Guarantee" shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the
     ordinary  course of  business.  The term  "Guarantee"  used as a verb has a
     corresponding meaning.

          "HOLDER",  "HOLDER OF SECURITIES",  "SECURITYHOLDER" and other similar
     terms mean the registered holder of any Security.

          "INCUR"  means,  with respect to any Debt,  to incur,  create,  issue,
     assume,  Guarantee  or otherwise  become  liable for or with respect to, or
     become  responsible  for, the payment of,  contingently or otherwise,  such
     Debt;  provided that neither the accrual of interest (whether such interest
     is payable in cash or kind) nor the  accretion of original  issue  discount
     shall be considered an Incurrence of Debt.

          "INDENTURE" means this Indenture as originally  executed and delivered
     or as it may be amended or  supplemented  from time to time pursuant to the
     terms hereof.

          "INDEPENDENT   FINANCIAL   ADVISOR"  means  a  nationally   recognized
     investment banking firm (i) which does not (and whose directors,  officers,
     employees  and  Affiliates  do not)  have a  direct  or  indirect  material
     financial  interest in the Company and (ii) which,  in the sole judgment of
     the Board of Directors,  is otherwise  independent and qualified to perform
     the task for which such firm is being engaged.

          "INTEREST PAYMENT DATE," when used with respect to any Security, means
     the  stated  maturity  of an  installment  of  interest  specified  in such
     Security.


                                       11

<PAGE>



          "INTEREST  RATE  AGREEMENT"  means,  with  respect to any Person,  any
     interest  rate  protection  agreement,   interest  rate  future  agreement,
     interest rate option agreement, interest rate swap agreement, interest rate
     cap  agreement,   interest  rate  collar  agreement,  interest  rate  hedge
     agreement or other  similar  agreement or  arrangement  designed to protect
     such Person or any of its Restricted  Subsidiaries  against fluctuations in
     interest  rates to or under  which  such  Person  or any of its  Restricted
     Subsidiaries  is a party or a  beneficiary  on the date of the Indenture or
     becomes a party or a beneficiary thereafter.

          "INTERMEDIATE  HOLDING COMPANY" means any Restricted Subsidiary of the
     Company  that  serves  as a holding  company  for the  Company's  direct or
     indirect interests in Power Supply Businesses and Unrelated Businesses.

          "INVESTMENT"  in a Person means any investment in, loan or advance to,
     Guarantee on behalf of, directly or indirectly, or other transfer of assets
     to such Person. For purposes of the definition of "Unrestricted Subsidiary"
     and Section 3.8,  "Investment"  shall  include (i) the fair market value of
     the assets (net of  liabilities)  of any Restricted  Subsidiary at the time
     that such Restricted  Subsidiary is designated an  Unrestricted  Subsidiary
     and shall exclude the fair market value of the assets (net of  liabilities)
     of  any  Unrestricted   Subsidiary  at  the  time  that  such  Unrestricted
     Subsidiary  is  designated  a Restricted  Subsidiary  and (ii) any property
     transferred  to or from any Person shall be valued at its fair market value
     at the time of such  transfer,  in each case as  determined by the Board of
     Directors in good faith.

          "INVESTMENT  GRADE" means,  with respect to any security,  a rating of
     Baa3 or higher of such security by Moody's  Investors Service Inc. together
     with a rating of BBB- or  higher  of such  security  by  Standard  & Poor's
     Corporation.

          "JOINT  VENTURE" means a joint  venture,  partnership or other similar
     arrangement,  whether  in  corporate,  partnership  or  other  legal  form;
     provided  that,  as  to  any  such  arrangement  in  corporate  form,  such
     corporation  shall not,  as to any Person of which  such  corporation  is a
     Subsidiary,  be  considered to be a Joint Venture to which such Person is a
     party.

          "LEGAL HOLIDAY" means any day other than a Business Day.


                                       12

<PAGE>



          "LIEN"  means,  with  respect to any  Property,  any  mortgage,  lien,
     pledge, charge,  security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of
     such Property. For purposes of this Indenture,  the Company shall be deemed
     to own  subject  to a Lien  any  Property  which it has  acquired  or holds
     subject to the  interest of a vendor or lessor under any  conditional  sale
     agreement,  capital lease or other title  retention  agreement  relating to
     such Property.

          "MATERIAL AES ENTITY" means (i) any Subsidiary Guarantor,  (ii) any of
     AES Connecticut  Management Co., Inc., AES Thames, Inc., AES Barbers Point,
     Inc.  and AES Shady  Point,  Inc.  and (iii) any other  Person in which the
     Company  has a  direct  or  indirect  equity  Investment  if such  Person's
     contribution  to  Consolidated  EBITDA  of the  Company  for the four  most
     recently  completed fiscal quarters of the Company  constitutes 15% or more
     of the  Consolidated  EBITDA of the Company for such period,  in each case,
     other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

          "MATERIAL  SUBSIDIARY"  of  a  Person  means,  as  of  any  date,  any
     Restricted  Subsidiary  that would  constitute a  "SIGNIFICANT  SUBSIDIARY"
     within the meaning of Article 1 of Regulation S-X.

          "MATURITY  DATE," when used with  respect to any Note,  means the date
     specified in such Note as the fixed date on which the final  installment of
     principal  of  such  Note  is  due  and  payable  (in  the  absence  of any
     acceleration  thereof pursuant to Section 6.2 of the Original  Indenture or
     any Change of Control Offer pursuant to Section 3.6).

          "NET CASH  PROCEEDS"  from an Asset  Disposition  means cash  payments
     received  (including any cash payments  received by way of deferred payment
     of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or otherwise, but
     only as and  when  received  (including  any  cash  received  upon  sale or
     disposition of such note or receivable),  excluding any other consideration
     received in the form of assumption by the acquiring Person of Debt or other
     obligations  relating to the Property disposed of in such Asset Disposition
     or received in any other noncash form) therefrom,  in each case, net of all
     legal,  title and recording tax  expenses,  commissions  and other fees and
     expenses incurred (including,  without limitation,  consent and waiver fees
     and any  applicable  premiums,  earn-out  or working  interest  payments or
     payments  in lieu or in  termination  thereof),  and  all  federal,  state,
     provincial,  foreign and local taxes  required to be accrued as a liability
     under GAAP (i) as a consequence of such Asset Disposition, (ii) as a result
     of  the  repayment  of  any  Debt  in  any  jurisdiction   other  than  the
     jurisdiction where the Property disposed of was


                                       13

<PAGE>



     located  or (iii)  as a  result  of any  repatriation  to the  U.S.  of any
     proceeds of such Asset  Disposition,  and in each case net of a  reasonable
     reserve for the after tax-cost of any  indemnification  payments (fixed and
     contingent)   attributable   to  seller's   indemnities  to  the  purchaser
     undertaken  by  the  Company  or  any of  its  Restricted  Subsidiaries  in
     connection with such Asset  Disposition (but excluding any payments,  which
     by the terms of the indemnities will not, under any circumstances,  be made
     during the term of the  Notes),  and net of all  payments  made on any Debt
     which is secured by such Property, in accordance with the terms of any Lien
     upon or with  respect  to such  Property  or which  must by its terms or by
     applicable  law be repaid out of the proceeds from such Asset  Disposition,
     and net of all  distributions  and other payments made to minority interest
     holders in Restricted  Subsidiaries  or Joint  Ventures as a result of such
     Asset Disposition.

          "NET INCOME" of any Person for any period means the net income  (loss)
     of such Person for such period,  determined in accordance with GAAP, except
     that  extraordinary  and  non-recurring  gains and losses as  determined in
     accordance with GAAP shall be excluded.

          "NET WORTH" of any Person  means,  as of any date,  the  aggregate  of
     capital,   surplus  and  retained   earnings   (including   any  cumulative
     translation adjustment) of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries as
     would be shown  on a  consolidated  balance  sheet of such  Person  and its
     Consolidated Subsidiaries prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP.

          "NON-RECOURSE" to a Person as applied to any Debt (or portion thereof)
     means that such  Person is not  directly or  indirectly  liable to make any
     payments with respect to such Debt (or portion thereof),  that no Guarantee
     of such Debt (or  portion  thereof)  has been made by such  Person and that
     such Debt (or  portion  thereof)  is not  secured by a Lien on any asset of
     such Person.

          "PAYING  AGENT" means any Person  authorized by the Company to pay the
     principal of (and,  premium,  if any) or interest on the Notes on behalf of
     the Company.

          "PERMITTED  INVESTMENT"  means any Investment of the type specified in
     clauses (iv) or (vi) of the definition of Restricted  Payment which is made
     directly or  indirectly  by the Company  and its  Restricted  Subsidiaries;
     provided that (i) at the time such  Investment  is made,  the Company could
     Incur at least $1 of Debt under Section 3.3(a); (ii) at the


                                       14

<PAGE>



     time such Investment is made, no Event of Default or event that,  after the
     giving of notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default,
     shall have  occurred and be  continuing;  (iii) after giving  effect to the
     Investment,   the  aggregate  Investments  made  by  the  Company  and  its
     Restricted  Subsidiaries in the applicable  Person and in any other Persons
     that have a direct or indirect  interest in the same Power Supply  Business
     or Unrelated  Business  does not exceed 40% of the Net Worth of the Company
     as of the end of its most recently ended fiscal quarter; (iv) the Person in
     which the Investment is made is engaged only in the businesses described in
     Section  3.1;  and (v) the  Company  directly  or  through  its  Restricted
     Subsidiaries  either  (x)  controls,  under  an  operating  and  management
     agreement or  otherwise,  the day to day  management  and  operation of any
     Power  Supply  Business  or  Unrelated  Business of the Person in which the
     Investment is made or (y) has significant influence over the management and
     operation  of any such Power  Supply  Business  or  Unrelated  Business  in
     connection  with  such  management  or  operation.  To the  extent  that an
     Investment  is  not a  Permitted  Investment  only  because  the  aggregate
     investment  limitation  in  clause  (iii)  above  is  not  satisfied,  such
     Investment shall be treated as a Permitted  Investment to the extent of the
     limitation  and  any  excess  Investment  shall  be  subject  to the  other
     restrictions of Section 3.8.

          "PERMITTED  PAYMENTS"  means with respect to the Company or any of its
     Restricted Subsidiaries (i) any dividend on shares of Capital Stock payable
     (or to the extent  paid)  solely in shares of  Capital  Stock  (other  than
     Redeemable  Stock) or in  options,  warrants  or other  rights to  purchase
     Capital Stock (other than Redeemable Stock) and any distribution of Capital
     Stock (other than  Redeemable  Capital Stock) in respect of the exercise of
     any right to convert or exchange any instrument (whether Debt or equity and
     including  Redeemable  Stock);  (ii) any  dividend  or  other  distribution
     payable  to the  Company  by any of  its  Restricted  Subsidiaries  or by a
     Restricted   Subsidiary  to  another  Restricted   Subsidiary;   (iii)  the
     repurchase or other  acquisition  or retirement  for value of any shares of
     the  Company's  Capital  Stock,  or any  option,  warrant or other right to
     purchase shares of the Company's  Capital Stock with additional  shares of,
     or out of the  proceeds of a  substantially  contemporaneous  issuance  of,
     Capital Stock other than Redeemable Stock (unless the redemption provisions
     of such Redeemable Stock prohibit the redemption  thereof prior to the date
     on which the  Capital  Stock to be  acquired  or  retired  was by its terms
     required to be redeemed);  (iv) any defeasance,  redemption,  repurchase or
     other acquisition for value of any Debt which by its terms ranks pari passu
     with,  or  subordinate  in right of payment to the Notes with the  proceeds
     from the issuance of (x) Debt which is also pari passu with the Notes or


                                       15

<PAGE>



     subordinate  to the Notes at least to the  extent  and in the manner as the
     Debt  to be  defeased,  redeemed,  repurchased  or  otherwise  acquired  is
     subordinate in right of payment to, the Notes;  provided that such new pari
     passu or subordinated  Debt provides for no payments of principal by way of
     sinking fund, mandatory  redemption or otherwise (including  defeasance) by
     the Company  (including,  without  limitation,  at the option of the holder
     thereof  other than an option  given to a holder  pursuant  to a "change of
     control" or  "limitation on asset sale" covenant which is no more favorable
     to the holders of such Debt than the provisions contained in the Debt being
     replaced or, if none,  Sections 3.6 and 3.10) prior to the maturity of Debt
     being replaced and the proceeds of such new pari passu or subordinated Debt
     are  utilized  for such  purpose  within 45 days of issuance or (y) Capital
     Stock (other than Redeemable  Stock);  (v) in respect of any actual payment
     on account of an  Investment  which is not fixed in amount at the time when
     made,  the amount  determined  by the Board of Directors to be a Restricted
     Payment on the date such Investment was originally deemed to have been made
     (the  "ORIGINAL  RESTRICTED  PAYMENT  CHARGE")  plus an amount equal to the
     interest on a  hypothetical  investment in a principal  amount equal to the
     Original  Restricted Payment Charge assuming interest at the rate of 7% per
     annum compounded annually for a period beginning on the date the Investment
     was  originally  deemed to have been made and  ending  with  respect to any
     portion of the Original Restricted Payment Charge actually paid on the date
     of actual payment,  less any actual payments  previously made on account of
     such Investment;  provided that the Permitted Payment under this clause (v)
     shall in no event exceed the payment  actually made;  (vi) the  declaration
     and  payment of  dividends  to  holders,  or any  payment on account of the
     purchase, redemption,  retirement or acquisition for value, of any class or
     series of Redeemable Stock; or (vii) a Permitted Investment.

          "PERSON"  means  an  individual,  a  corporation,  a  partnership,  an
     association,  a trust or any other  entity  or  organization,  including  a
     government  or  political  subdivision  or  an  agency  or  instrumentality
     thereof.

          "POWER  SUPPLY  BUSINESS"  means an electric  power or thermal  energy
     generation  or  cogeneration  facility or related  facilities,  or electric
     power  transmission,  distribution,  fuel  supply  or  fuel  transportation
     facilities,  or any combination  thereof,  all subject to related  security
     interests under related project financing  arrangements,  together with its
     or their related power supply, thermal energy and fuel contracts as well as
     other contractual arrangements with customers, suppliers and contractors.


                                       16

<PAGE>



          "PREFERRED  STOCK"  means,  with  respect to any  Person,  any and all
     shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated,
     whether  voting or  non-voting)  of preferred or  preference  stock of such
     Person which is outstanding or issued on or after the Closing Date.

          "PROPERTY" of any Person means all types of real, personal,  tangible,
     intangible or mixed  property  owned by such Person whether or not included
     in the most recent consolidated balance sheet of such Person under GAAP.

          "QUALIFIED  CAPITAL STOCK" means any Capital Stock of a Person that is
     not Redeemable Stock.

          "REDEEMABLE  STOCK" means any class or series of Capital  Stock of any
     Person that by its terms or otherwise is (i) required to be redeemed  prior
     to the Stated  Maturity of the Notes,  (ii) redeemable at the option of the
     holder of such  class or series of  Capital  Stock at any time prior to the
     Stated Maturity of the Notes or (iii)  convertible into or exchangeable for
     (unless  solely at the option of the Company)  Capital Stock referred to in
     clause (i) or (ii) above or Debt having a scheduled  maturity  prior to the
     Stated  Maturity of the Notes;  provided  that any Capital Stock that would
     not constitute  Redeemable Stock but for provisions  thereof giving holders
     thereof  the right to require  the  Company to  repurchase  or redeem  such
     Capital  Stock  upon the  occurrence  of an "ASSET  SALE" or a  "CHANGE  OF
     CONTROL"  occurring  prior to the Stated  Maturity  of the Notes  shall not
     constitute  Redeemable  Stock if the "ASSET  SALE" or  "CHANGE OF  CONTROL"
     provision  applicable  to such  Capital  Stock is no more  favorable to the
     holders of such Capital Stock than the provisions contained in Sections 3.6
     and 3.10,  and such Capital  Stock  specifically  provides that the Company
     will not  repurchase  or redeem any such  Capital  Stock  pursuant  to such
     provisions  prior  to the  Company's  repurchase  of Notes  required  to be
     repurchased by the Company under Sections 3.6 and 3.10.

          "REFERENCE  PERIOD" means the four fiscal quarters for which financial
     information is available preceding the date of a transaction giving rise to
     the need to make a financial calculation.

          "RESPONSIBLE  OFFICER" when used with respect to the Trustee means any
     officer of the Trustee  assigned by the Trustee to administer its corporate
     trust matters.

          "RESTRICTED  PAYMENT"  means,  with  respect  to any  Person,  (i) any
     dividend or other distribution on any shares of such Person's Capital


                                       17

<PAGE>



     Stock; (ii) any payment on account of the purchase, redemption,  retirement
     or  acquisition  for  value  of such  Person's  Capital  Stock;  (iii)  any
     defeasance,  redemption,  repurchase or other acquisition or retirement for
     value  prior to  scheduled  maturity of any Debt  subordinated  in right of
     payment to the Notes and having a maturity  date after the  maturity of the
     Notes; (iv) any Investment in a Restricted  Subsidiary after the occurrence
     of an  event  of  default,  as  defined  in  any  indenture  or  instrument
     evidencing  or under which such  Restricted  Subsidiary  has at the Closing
     Date or shall  thereafter have  outstanding  any Debt,  shall happen and be
     continuing;  (v) any  Investment in an  Unrestricted  Subsidiary;  (vi) any
     Investment  made in an Affiliate  (other than a Person that  constitutes an
     Affiliate  solely because of the Company's,  or a Restricted  Subsidiary of
     the  Company's,  control of such Person) and (vii) the  conversion  of such
     Person's  Capital  Stock  into  Debt  of  such  Person  or  its  Restricted
     Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding the foregoing, "RESTRICTED PAYMENT" shall not
     include any Permitted Payment.

          "RESTRICTED   SUBSIDIARY"   means  any   Subsidiary   other   than  an
     Unrestricted Subsidiary.

          "SENIOR  DEBT"  means  the  principal  of (and  premium,  if any)  and
     interest on all Debt of the Company  whether  created,  incurred or assumed
     before,  on or after the date of the issuance of the  Securities;  provided
     that  Senior  Debt  shall  not  include  (i) the  Company's  9 3/4%  Senior
     Subordinated  Notes due 2000 which rank pari passu to the Securities,  (ii)
     Debt of the Company to any  Affiliate,  (iii) Debt that,  when incurred and
     without  respect to any election under Section  1111(b) of Title 11, United
     States Code,  was without  recourse to the Company,  (iv) any other Debt of
     the Company which by the terms of the instrument creating or evidencing the
     same are specifically designated as not being senior in right of payment to
     the Securities and (v) Redeemable Stock of the Company.

          "SIGNIFICANT  SUBSIDIARY"  of a  Person  means,  as of any  date,  any
     Restricted  Subsidiary  which has two or more of the following  attributes:
     (i) it  contributes  20% or more of such Person's  Excess Cash Flow for its
     most recently  completed  fiscal quarter or (ii) it contributes 15% or more
     of Net Income before tax of such Person and its  Consolidated  Subsidiaries
     for such  Person's  most  recently  completed  fiscal  quarter  or (iii) it
     constitutes 20% or more of Consolidated  Total Assets of such Person at the
     end of such Person's most recently completed fiscal quarter.

          "STATED  MATURITY"  means,  with  respect to any debt  security or any
     installment of interest  thereon,  the date specified in such debt security
     as


                                       18

<PAGE>



     the fixed date on which any  principal  of such debt  security  or any such
     installment of interest is due and payable.

          "SUBSIDIARY"  means,  with respect to any Person,  any  corporation or
     other  entity of which a majority of the Capital  Stock or other  ownership
     interests  having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of
     directors or other  persons  performing  similar  functions are at the time
     directly or indirectly owned by such Person.

          "SUBSIDIARY  GUARANTORS"  means (i) prior to the first day, if any, on
     which the  Company's  long-term  debt is rated BBB- or higher by Standard &
     Poor's Corporation and Baa3 or higher by Moody's Investors Services,  Inc.,
     AES Oklahoma and AES Hawaii,  and (ii) on and after such first day, if any,
     AES Hawaii.

          "TRADE  PAYABLES"  means,  with  respect to any Person,  any  accounts
     payable or any other indebtedness or monetary obligation to trade creditors
     created,  assumed or  Guaranteed  by such  Person or any of its  Restricted
     Subsidiaries  arising in the ordinary course of business in connection with
     the acquisition of goods or services.

          "UNRELATED  BUSINESS"  means any business not of the same general type
     now conducted by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries.

          "UNRESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY" means (i) any Subsidiary of the Company that
     at the time of determination shall be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary
     by the  Board  of  Directors  in the  manner  provided  below  and (ii) any
     Subsidiary  of an  Unrestricted  Subsidiary.  The  Board of  Directors  may
     designate any Restricted  Subsidiary (including any newly acquired or newly
     formed  Subsidiary of the Company) to be an Unrestricted  Subsidiary unless
     such Subsidiary owns any Capital Stock of, or owns or holds any Lien on any
     property  of,  the  Company  or any  Restricted  Subsidiary  that  is not a
     Subsidiary  of the  Subsidiary to be so  designated,  provided that (A) any
     Guarantee by the Company or any  Restricted  Subsidiary  of any Debt of the
     Subsidiary being so designated shall be deemed an "INCURRENCE" of such Debt
     and an "INVESTMENT" by the Company or such Restricted  Subsidiary (or both,
     if  applicable)  at the  time  of  such  designation;  (B)  either  (I) the
     Subsidiary to be so  designated  has total assets of $1,000 or less or (II)
     if such Subsidiary has assets greater than $1,000,  such designation  would
     be permitted  under Section 3.8 and (C) if  applicable,  the  Incurrence of
     Debt and the Investment  referred to in clause (A) of this proviso would be
     permitted  under Sections 3.4 and 3.8. The Board of Directors may designate
     any


                                       19

<PAGE>



     Unrestricted  Subsidiary  to  be a  Restricted  Subsidiary;  provided  that
     immediately  after giving effect to such designation (x) all Liens and Debt
     of  such  Unrestricted   Subsidiary  outstanding   immediately  after  such
     designation  would,  if Incurred at such time,  have been  permitted  to be
     incurred for all purposes of this  Indenture and (y) no Default or Event of
     Default shall have occurred and be continuing.  Any such designation by the
     Board of Directors  shall be  evidenced  to the Trustee by promptly  filing
     with the  Trustee  a copy of the  Board  Resolution  giving  effect to such
     designation and an Officers'  Certificate  certifying that such designation
     complied with the foregoing provisions.

          "U.S.  GOVERNMENT  OBLIGATIONS"  means securities which are (i) direct
     obligations  of the U.S. for the payment of which its full faith and credit
     is pledged or (ii) obligations of a Person  controlled or supervised by and
     acting as an agency or  instrumentality of the U.S. the payment of which is
     unconditionally  guaranteed  as a full faith and credit  obligation  by the
     U.S.,  which,  in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option
     of the issuer thereof,  and shall also include a depository  receipt issued
     by a bank or trust  company  as  custodian  with  respect  to any such U.S.
     Government Obligations or a specific payment of interest on or principal of
     any such U.S. Government  Obligation held by such custodian for the account
     of the holder of a depository receipt, provided that (except as required by
     law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount
     payable to the holder of such  depository  receipt from any amount received
     by the  custodian  in  respect  of the U.S.  Government  Obligation  or the
     specific  payment  of  interest  on or  principal  of the  U.S.  Government
     Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.

          "VOTING STOCK" means, with respect to any Person, Capital Stock of any
     class or kind  ordinarily  having  the  power to vote for the  election  of
     directors of such Person.

          "WHOLLY-OWNED  SUBSIDIARY"  means,  with  respect to any  Person,  any
     Restricted  Subsidiary  of such  Person if all the  Capital  Stock or other
     ownership  interests in such Restricted  Subsidiary  having ordinary voting
     power to elect the  entire  board of  directors  or  entire  group of other
     persons performing similar functions (other than any director's  qualifying
     shares or Investments by foreign  nationals  mandated by applicable law) is
     owned directly or indirectly by such Person."

     SECTION 3. Amendment of Section 3 of First Supplemental Indenture.  Section
3.1 through Section 3.11 of the First  Supplemental  Indenture is hereby amended
to read in its entirety as follows:


                                       20

<PAGE>



          "Section 3. In addition to all  covenants  described  in the  Original
     Indenture, the Company covenants and agrees with the Trustee as follows:

          Section 3.1 Limitation on Business.

          The Company (a) shall  continue,  and shall  cause each  Material  AES
     Entity to  continue,  to engage in business of the same general type as now
     conducted  by the Company  and its  Restricted  Subsidiaries  and (b) shall
     continue,  and shall cause each Material AES Entity to continue, to operate
     its and their  respective  businesses on a basis  substantially  consistent
     with the policies and  standards of the Company or such Material AES Entity
     as in effect on the Closing Date.

          Section  3.2  Limitation  on  Restricted  Subsidiary  Investments  and
     Mergers.

          The Company shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary with any direct
     or indirect  interest in a Power Supply Business to make any Investment in,
     or to consolidate or merge with, any other Person with a direct or indirect
     interest in any other Power Supply Business or any Unrelated  Business.  In
     addition,  the Company will not permit any Restricted  Subsidiary  with any
     direct  or  indirect  interest  in  any  Unrelated  Business  to  make  any
     Investment  in, or to  consolidate  or merge with,  any other Person with a
     direct or  indirect  interest  in any Power  Supply  Business  or any other
     Unrelated Business.  The Company's  obligation to comply with this covenant
     shall terminate if and when the Notes become Investment Grade.

          The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to any Intermediate Holding
     Company;  provided that (i) each such Intermediate Holding Company's direct
     and indirect  interest in any Power Supply  Business or Unrelated  Business
     shall be limited to the ownership of Capital Stock or Debt obligations of a
     Person with a direct or indirect  interest in such Power Supply Business or
     Unrelated  Business;  (ii) no  Intermediate  Holding  Company  shall incur,
     assume,  create or suffer to exist any Debt  (including  any  Guarantee  of
     Debt) other than Debt to the Company or Debt permitted under clauses (iii),
     (viii) and (xi) of Section  3.4(b);  and (iii) no Lien shall exist upon any
     assets  of such  Intermediate  Holding  Company  whether  now or  hereafter
     acquired,  except  for  Liens  upon  the  Capital  Stock  of  a  Restricted
     Subsidiary  of an  Intermediate  Holding  Company  securing  Debt  of  such
     Restricted Subsidiary and Liens securing Debt permitted under clauses (iii)
     and (xi) of Section 3.4(b).


                                       21

<PAGE>



          Section 3.3 Limitation on Debt.

               (a) The Company shall not Incur any Debt,  including  Acquisition
          Debt,  unless after giving  effect to the  Incurrence of such Debt and
          the receipt  and  application  of the  proceeds  therefrom,  the Fixed
          Charge  Ratio  of the  Company  would  be  greater  than  2 to 1.  The
          Company's  obligation to comply with this  covenant will  terminate if
          and when the Notes become Investment Grade.

               (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may Incur each and
          all of the following:

               (i) Debt under or in respect of the Bank Credit  Agreement  in an
          aggregate  principal  amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed
          $600 million;

               (ii) Debt  issued in exchange  for, or the  proceeds of which are
          used to refinance,  outstanding  Notes or other Debt of the Company in
          an amount (or, if such new Debt  provides  for an amount less than the
          principal  amount  thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of
          acceleration  thereof, with an original issue price) not to exceed the
          amount so exchanged or refinanced (plus accrued interest,  premium, if
          any, and fees and expenses  related to such exchange or  refinancing);
          provided  that (A) the date of any  scheduled  payment of principal by
          way of sinking  fund,  mandatory  redemption  or otherwise  (including
          defeasance) on any Debt so refinanced or exchanged otherwise due after
          the final  scheduled  Maturity Date of the Notes shall not occur prior
          to such Maturity Date as a result of such exchange or refinancing  and
          (B) new Debt the  proceeds of which are used to exchange or  refinance
          the Notes or other Debt of the Company that is  subordinated  in right
          of payment to the Notes shall only be permitted under this clause (ii)
          if (x) in case the Notes are exchanged or refinanced in part, such new
          Debt,  by its terms or by the  terms of any  agreement  or  instrument
          pursuant to which such Debt is issued,  is  expressly  made pari passu
          with, or subordinate in right of payment to, the remaining  Notes, (y)
          in case the Debt to be  exchanged or  refinanced  is  subordinated  in
          right of payment to the Notes,  such new Debt,  by its terms or by the
          terms of any  agreement or  instrument  pursuant to which such Debt is
          issued,  is  expressly  made  subordinate  in right of  payment to the
          Notes,  at  least to the  extent  that  the  Debt to be  exchanged  or
          refinanced is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes and (z) in
          case the Notes are  exchanged or  refinanced in part or the Debt to be
          exchanged or  refinanced  is  subordinated  in right of payment to the
          Notes,  as of the date the new Debt is  Incurred,  the Average Life of
          the new Debt shall be equal to or


                                       22

<PAGE>



          greater  than the Average Life of the Notes or Debt to be exchanged or
          refinanced;

               (iii)   Debt  of  the   Company   to  any  of  its   Consolidated
          Subsidiaries,  except that any transfer of such Debt by a Consolidated
          Subsidiary  (other than to another  Consolidated  Subsidiary)  will be
          deemed  to be an  Incurrence  of  Debt;  provided  that  such  Debt is
          expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes; and

               (iv) Debt in an  aggregate  principal  amount  not to exceed  $50
          million at any one time outstanding.

               (c) For purposes of  determining  any  particular  amount of Debt
          under this Section 3.3,  Guarantees of, or obligations with respect to
          letters  of  credit   supporting,   Debt  otherwise  included  in  the
          determination  of such  particular  amount shall not be included.  For
          purposes of determining  compliance  with this Section 3.3, (A) in the
          event that an item of Debt meets the  criteria of more than one of the
          types of Debt described in the above clauses, the Company, in its sole
          discretion,  shall  classify such item of Debt and only be required to
          include  the amount and type of such Debt in one of such  clauses  and
          (B)  the  amount  of Debt  issued  at a price  that is less  than  the
          principal amount thereof shall be equal to the amount of the liability
          in respect thereof determined in conformity with GAAP.

               Section 3.4 Limitation on Restricted Subsidiary Debt.

               (a) The Company  shall not permit any  Restricted  Subsidiary  to
          Incur,  directly or indirectly,  any Debt, including Acquisition Debt.
          The Company's  obligation to comply with this covenant will  terminate
          if and when the Notes become Investment Grade.

               (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing,  each and all of the following
          Debt may be Incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary:

               (i) Debt outstanding as of the Closing Date;

               (ii) Debt Incurred for any purpose  (including without limitation
          the  purposes  set forth in clause  (iii)  below) to the extent of the
          amount thereof that is also Debt of the Company and is permitted under
          Section 3.3;

               (iii) Debt  Incurred  to finance  the  development,  acquisition,
          construction,   maintenance,   working  capital  requirements  in  the
          ordinary


                                       23

<PAGE>



          course of business  consistent  with past  practice or  operation of a
          Power Supply  Business or  Unrelated  Business in which the Company or
          any Restricted Subsidiary has a direct or indirect interest;  provided
          that (a) such Debt shall be permitted  under this clause (iii) only to
          the  extent of the amount  thereof  which (x) is  Non-Recourse  to the
          Company and (y) is Non-Recourse to any other Restricted  Subsidiary of
          the Company other than Restricted  Subsidiaries which represented less
          than 33% of the  Consolidated  EBITDA of the Company for the Reference
          Period, and (b) upon the commencement of commercial operations of such
          Power Supply  Business or, in the case of an acquisition of such Power
          Supply  Business  or  Unrelated  Business,   upon  the  date  of  such
          acquisition,   the  Company   directly   or  through  its   Restricted
          Subsidiaries  either (x) controls,  under an operating and  management
          agreement or otherwise, the day to day management and operation of the
          Power  Supply  Business or  Unrelated  Business so financed or (y) has
          significant  influence over the management and operation of such Power
          Supply Business or Unrelated Business;

               (iv) Debt  issued in exchange  for, or the  proceeds of which are
          used to  refinance,  outstanding  Debt of such  Restricted  Subsidiary
          otherwise  permitted under the Indenture in an amount (or, if such new
          Debt provides for an amount less than the principal  amount thereof to
          be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration thereof, with an
          original  issue  price)  not to  exceed  the  amount so  exchanged  or
          refinanced  (plus  accrued  interest,  premium,  if any,  and fees and
          expenses  related to such exchange or  refinancing  plus any principal
          amounts  previously  repaid);  provided that (a) the new Debt shall be
          Non-Recourse  to the  Company  to the  same  extent  as the Debt to be
          exchanged  or  refinanced,  (b) if such  Restricted  Subsidiary  has a
          direct or indirect  interest in any Power Supply Business or Unrelated
          Business,  the new Debt shall be Non- Recourse to any other Restricted
          Subsidiary of the Company  other than  Restricted  Subsidiaries  which
          represented  less than 33% of the  Consolidated  EBITDA of the Company
          for the Reference  Period,  (c) the date of any  scheduled  payment of
          principal by way of sinking  fund,  mandatory  redemption or otherwise
          (including   defeasance)  on  any  Debt  so  refinanced  or  exchanged
          otherwise  due after the final  scheduled  Maturity  Date of the Notes
          shall  not  occur  prior to such  Maturity  Date as a  result  of such
          exchange or refinancing and (d) if the new Debt  refinances  principal
          amounts  previously  repaid, (x) such new Debt shall be permitted only
          if on the date such new Debt is Incurred,  the Company  could incur at
          least $1 of Debt under  Section  3.3(a) and (y) the proceeds from such
          new Debt are not to be used to make any Restricted Payments;


                                       24

<PAGE>



               (v)  Guarantees  of Debt of the  Company  under  the Bank  Credit
          Agreement;

               (vi) Debt Incurred to support the  performance  obligations  of a
          Restricted Subsidiary engaged in providing construction  management or
          operating services to a Power Supply Business;  provided that (a) such
          Debt shall be  permitted  under this clause (vi) only to the extent of
          the amount  thereof which is  Non-Recourse  to the Company and is Non-
          Recourse to any other Restricted  Subsidiary of the Company other than
          Restricted  Subsidiaries  which  represented  less  than  33%  of  the
          Consolidated  EBITDA of the Company for the Reference Period,  and (b)
          upon the  commencement  of  commercial  operation of such Power Supply
          Business  or in the  case  of an  acquisition  of  such  Power  Supply
          Business,  upon the date of such acquisition,  the Company directly or
          through its  Restricted  Subsidiaries  either (x)  controls,  under an
          operating  and  management  agreement  or  otherwise,  the  day to day
          management  and  operation  of such Power  Supply  Business or (y) has
          significant  influence over the management and operation of such Power
          Supply Business;

               (vii) Debt in an aggregate amount for all Restricted Subsidiaries
          at any one time  outstanding of not more than $50 million  Incurred to
          finance the on-going operation,  but not any expansion or improvement,
          of a Power  Supply  Business  or  Unrelated  Business  in  which  such
          Restricted Subsidiary has a direct or indirect interest; provided that
          such Debt  shall be  permitted  under  this  clause  (vii) only to the
          extent it is Non-Recourse  to the Company and to any other  Restricted
          Subsidiary of the Company  other than  Restricted  Subsidiaries  which
          represented  less than 33% of the  Consolidated  EBITDA of the Company
          for the Reference Period;

               (viii) Debt of any  Restricted  Subsidiary of the Company owed to
          (A) the Company or (B) any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;

               (ix) Debt in respect of  Currency  Agreements  or  Interest  Rate
          Agreements;

               (x) Debt that is Non-Recourse to the Company and Non- Recourse to
          any other  Restricted  Subsidiary of the Company other than Restricted
          Subsidiaries  which  represented  less  than  33% of the  Consolidated
          EBITDA of the Company  for the  Reference  Period,  only to the extent
          that the  proceeds  of such Debt are  received  by the  Company  or an
          Intermediate  Holding  Company as a result of such proceeds being used
          to pay  dividends or make  distributions  on the Capital Stock of such
          Restricted Subsidiary and any other Restricted Subsidiary in the chain
          of


                                       25

<PAGE>



          ownership between the Company or such Intermediate Holding Company and
          such Restricted Subsidiary;

               (xi)   Acquisition   Debt  and  Debt   incurred  to  finance  the
          acquisition of a Power Supply Business; provided that such Acquisition
          Debt and other Debt is  Non-Recourse to the Company or any Person that
          was a Restricted  Subsidiary of the Company  immediately prior to such
          Incurrence;  and  provided  further that where any Debt is incurred to
          finance the  acquisition of more than one Power Supply  Business,  all
          such  acquisitions  shall have occurred within 180 days of each other;
          and

               (xii)  Debt  of  the  type  described  in  clause  (iii)  of  the
          definition  thereof the  Incurrence  of which  causes a  corresponding
          reduction in any debt service or other  similar cash reserve  required
          to be  maintained  in  connection  with  any  Debt of such  Restricted
          Subsidiary permitted by clause (iii) above and (to the extent that the
          same  constitutes a refinancing  of Debt  permitted  under such clause
          (iii)),  clause (iv) above,  in each case, only to the extent that the
          proceeds from such reserve reduction are received by the Company or an
          Intermediate  Holding  Company as a result of such proceeds being used
          to pay  dividends or make  distributions  on the Capital Stock of such
          Restricted Subsidiary and any other Restricted Subsidiary in the chain
          of ownership between the Company or such Intermediate  Holding Company
          and such Restricted Subsidiary.

               (c) For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.9,
          (A) in the event that an item of Debt meets the  criteria of more than
          one of the types of Debt described in the above clauses,  the Company,
          in its sole  discretion,  shall classify such item of Debt and only be
          required  to  include  the amount and type of such Debt in one of such
          clauses and (B) the amount of Debt issued at a price that is less than
          the  principal  amount  thereof  shall be equal to the  amount  of the
          liability in respect thereof determined in conformity with GAAP.

               Section 3.5 Limitation on Additional Tiers of Senior Subordinated
          Debt.

               The  Company  shall not Incur or suffer to exist any Debt,  other
          than Debt  evidenced  by the Notes,  that is  subordinate  in right of
          payment to any Senior Debt unless such Debt, by its terms or the terms
          of the  instrument  creating or evidencing  it, is pari passu with, or
          subordinate in right of payment to, the Notes;  provided that any Debt
          of  the  Company  or  any  of its  Restricted  Subsidiaries  which  is
          outstanding  on the Closing Date shall be excluded  from the operation
          of this covenant.


                                       26
<PAGE>


          Section 3.6 Change of Control.

          (a) Upon a Change of  Control,  each  Holder of the Notes  shall have,
     subject to Article 11 of the Original Indenture,  the right to require that
     the Company  repurchase  such Holder's Notes at a repurchase  price in cash
     equal to 101% of the  principal  amount  thereof  plus  accrued  and unpaid
     interest,  if any, to the date of  repurchase  in  accordance  with Section
     3.6(b) hereof.

          (b) Within 30 days following any Change of Control,  the Company shall
     mail a  notice  to each  Holder  of the  Notes  at  their  last  registered
     addresses with a copy to the Trustee stating:

          (1) that a Change of Control has occurred and that such Holder has the
     right to  require  the  Company  to  repurchase  such  Holder's  Notes at a
     repurchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus
     accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase (the "Change
     of Control Offer");

          (2) the  circumstances  and relevant  facts  regarding  such Change of
     Control (including information with respect to pro forma historical income,
     cash  flow  and  capitalization  after  giving  effect  to such  Change  of
     Control);

          (3) the  repurchase  date (which  shall be not earlier than 30 days or
     later than 60 days from the date such  notice is mailed)  (the  "Repurchase
     Date");

          (4) that any Note not tendered will continue to accrue interest;

          (5) that any Note  accepted  for  payment  pursuant  to the  Change of
     Control Offer shall cease to accrue interest after the Repurchase Date;

          (6) that  Holders  electing  to have a Note  purchased  pursuant  to a
     Change of Control  Offer will be required to surrender  the Note,  with the
     form  entitled  "Option of Holder to Elect  Purchase" on the reverse of the
     Note completed,  to the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice
     prior to the close of business on the Repurchase Date;

          (7) that  Holders will be entitled to withdraw  their  election if the
     Paying  Agent  receives,  not later than the close of business on the third
     Business Day (or such shorter periods as may be required by applicable law)
     preceding the Repurchase Date, a facsimile transmission or letter

                                       27

<PAGE>



     setting  forth the name of the Holder,  the  principal  amount of Notes the
     Holder  delivered  for  purchase,  and a  statement  that  such  Holder  is
     withdrawing his election to have such Notes purchased; and

          (8) that  Holders  which elect to have their Notes  purchased  only in
     part  will  be  issued  new  Notes  in a  principal  amount  equal  to  the
     unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered.

          (c) On the Repurchase Date, the Company shall:

          (i) accept for payment Notes or portions thereof tendered  pursuant to
     the Change of Control Offer;

          (ii) deposit by 10:00 a.m., New York City time, with the Trustee money
     sufficient  to pay the purchase  price of all Notes or portions  thereof so
     tendered; and

          (iii)  deliver  or  cause  to be  delivered  to the  Trustee  Notes so
     accepted  together with an Officers'  Certificate  identifying the Notes or
     portions thereof tendered to the Company.

          The  Trustee  shall  promptly  mail to the  Holders  of the  Notes  so
     accepted  payment in an amount  equal to the purchase  price,  and promptly
     authenticate  and make available for delivery to such Holders a new Note in
     a  principal   amount  equal  to  any  unpurchased   portion  of  the  Note
     surrendered.  The Company will publicly  announce the results of the Change
     of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Repurchase Date.

          The Company  shall  comply with all  applicable  tender  offer  rules,
     including  without  limitation,  Rule  14e-1  under the  Exchange  Act,  in
     connection with a Change of Control Offer.

                                       28

<PAGE>


          Section 3.7 Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates.

          The  Company  shall not,  and shall not  permit any of its  Restricted
     Subsidiaries   to,  directly  or  indirectly  enter  into  any  transaction
     (including,  without limitation,  the sale, purchase or lease of any assets
     or  properties  or the  rendering  of  any  services)  involving  aggregate
     consideration  in excess of $5 million  with any  Affiliate  (other  than a
     Person that  constitutes an Affiliate  solely because of the Company's or a
     Subsidiary  of  the  Company's  control  of  such  Person  except  for  any
     Unrestricted  Subsidiary)  or holder of 5% or more of any class of  Capital
     Stock of the Company except for transactions (including, subject to Section
     3.8,  any loans or  advances  by or to, or  Guarantee  on  behalf  of,  any
     Affiliate  or any such  holder)  made in good  faith the terms of which are
     fair and reasonable to the Company or such  Restricted  Subsidiary,  as the
     case may be,  and are at least as  favorable  as the terms  which  could be
     obtained by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary,  as the case may be,
     in a comparable  transaction made on an arm's-length basis with Persons who
     are not such a holder  or  Affiliate;  provided  that any such  transaction
     shall be  conclusively  deemed to be on terms which are fair and reasonable
     to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and on terms which are
     at  least  as  favorable  as  the  terms  which  could  be  obtained  on an
     arm's-length  basis with  Persons who are not such a holder or Affiliate if
     such  transaction  is  approved by a majority  of the  Company's  directors
     (including a majority of the Company's independent directors); and provided
     further,  that with respect to the purchase or disposition of assets of the
     Company or any of its  Restricted  Subsidiaries  having a net book value in
     excess of $15 million,  in addition to approval of its Board of  Directors,
     the Company  shall  obtain a written  opinion of an  Independent  Financial
     Advisor stating that the terms of such  transaction are fair to the Company
     or its Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, from a financial point of
     view;  and  provided   further  that  the  fairness,   reasonableness   and
     arm's-length  nature  of the  terms of any  transaction  which is part of a
     series of related  transactions may be determined on the basis of the terms
     of the series of related  transactions  taken as a whole.  This Section 3.7
     shall not  apply to (a)  transactions  between  the  Company  or any of its
     Restricted  Subsidiaries  and any  employee  of the  Company  or any of its
     Restricted  Subsidiaries that are approved by the Board of Directors or any
     committee of the Board of Directors consisting of the Company's independent
     directors,  (b) the payment of  reasonable  and  customary  regular fees to
     directors of the Company or a Restricted  Subsidiary,  (c) any  transaction
     between the Company and any of its Consolidated Subsidiaries or between any
     of its  Consolidated  Subsidiaries,  (d)  any  Permitted  Payment  and  any
     Restricted Payment not otherwise prohibited by Section 3.8 or (e) the

                                       29

<PAGE>



     provision of general  corporate  administrative,  operating and  management
     services,   including,   without  limitation,   procurement,   construction
     engineering,  construction  administration,  legal, accounting,  financial,
     money management, risk management,  personnel,  administration and business
     planning services, in each case, in the ordinary course.

          Section 3.8 Limitation on Restricted Payments.

          The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted  Subsidiary
     to,  directly or indirectly,  make any  Restricted  Payment if after giving
     effect to such Restricted Payment:

          (a) an Event of Default or event  that,  after the giving of notice or
     lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred
     and be continuing;

          (b) the  Company  could  not Incur at least $1 of Debt  under  Section
     3.3(a); or

          (c) the aggregate  amount  expended by the Company and its  Restricted
     Subsidiaries  for all  Restricted  Payments  (the  amount of any  single or
     related  series of Restricted  Payments so expended or  distributed,  if in
     excess of $15  million  and other than in cash,  to be  determined  in good
     faith by the Board of Directors,  as evidenced by a Board resolution) after
     April 1, 1997 shall exceed the sum of:

          (1)  50%  of the  Net  Income  of the  Company  and  its  Consolidated
     Subsidiaries for the period (taken as one accounting  period)  beginning on
     April 1, 1997 and  ending on the last day of the fiscal  quarter  for which
     financial  information is available  immediately  prior to the date of such
     calculation; provided that if Net Income for such period is less than zero,
     then minus 100% of such net loss; plus

          (2) the  aggregate  net proceeds  (including  the fair market value of
     proceeds  other  than  cash,  as  determined  in good faith by the Board of
     Directors,  as evidenced by a Board  Resolution if the fair market value of
     such  non-cash  proceeds is in excess of $15  million)  received by (A) the
     Company from and after April 1, 1997 from the issuance and sale (other than
     to a Restricted  Subsidiary)  of its Capital  Stock  (excluding  Redeemable
     Stock, but including  Capital Stock other than Redeemable Stock issued upon
     conversion  of, or in exchange for,  Redeemable  Stock or securities  other
     than its Capital Stock),  and warrants,  options and rights to purchase its
     Capital Stock (other than Redeemable Stock), but excluding

                                       30

<PAGE>


     the net proceeds from the  issuance,  sale,  exchange,  conversion or other
     disposition of its Capital Stock  convertible  (unless solely at the option
     of the Company)  into (x) any security  other than its Capital Stock or (y)
     its  Redeemable  Stock or (B) a Finance  Subsidiary of the Company from and
     after April 1, 1997 from the  issuance  and sale (other than to the Company
     or a Restricted Subsidiary) of its Qualified Capital Stock; plus

          (3) to the extent not included in clause (1) above,  the net reduction
     in  Investments  of the type  specified in clauses (iv) through (vi) of the
     definition of  Restricted  Payment  resulting  from payments of interest on
     Debt,  dividends,  repayments of loans or advances,  or other  transfers of
     assets to the  Company or other  Person that made the  original  Investment
     from the Person in which such  Investment  was made or  resulting  from the
     sale or  disposition of the Investment or other return of the amount of the
     Investment or from the  redesignation of any  Unrestricted  Subsidiary as a
     Restricted  Subsidiary;  provided  that such  payment,  for purposes of the
     calculation  to be made  pursuant to this clause (3),  shall not exceed the
     amount of the original Investment; plus

          (4) any amount previously  included as a Restricted Payment on account
     of an  obligation  by the Company or any  Restricted  Subsidiary  to make a
     Restricted  Payment  which has not actually been made by the Company or any
     Restricted  Subsidiary  and which is no longer  required  to be paid by the
     Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; plus

          (5) $502 million;

     provided that the foregoing clause (c) shall not prevent the payment of any
     dividend  within 60 days after the date of its declaration if such dividend
     could have been made on the date of its  declaration  without  violation of
     the provisions of this Section 3.8.

          For  purposes of clause  (c)(2)  above,  the  aggregate  net  proceeds
     received by the Company (x) from the issuance of its Capital Stock upon the
     conversion of, or exchange for, securities  evidencing Debt of the Company,
     shall be calculated  on the  assumption  that the gross  proceeds from such
     issuance are equal to the aggregate principal amount (or, if discount Debt,
     the accreted  principal  amount) of the Debt  evidenced by such  securities
     converted or  exchanged  and (y) upon the  conversion  or exchange of other
     securities  of the Company  shall be equal to the aggregate net proceeds of
     the  original  sale of the  securities  so  converted  or exchanged if such
     proceeds of such original sale were not previously

                                       31

<PAGE>



     included in any  calculation  for the purposes of clause  (c)(2) above plus
     any additional sums payable upon conversion or exchange.

          The Company's  obligation to comply with this covenant shall terminate
     if and when the Notes become Investment Grade.

          If an  Investment  which the Company or any  Restricted  Subsidiary is
     obligated  to make  either  in part  from  time to time or in  whole in the
     future is fixed in amount by the agreement  setting forth such  obligation,
     for purposes of determining whether such Investment is a Restricted Payment
     permitted under this Section 3.8 or is a Permitted Payment,  the Investment
     shall be deemed to have been made only once, in the amount so fixed, at the
     time the obligation  first arises (and not when payments in respect thereof
     are later  made).  If an  Investment  which the  Company or any  Restricted
     Subsidiary  is  obligated  to make  either  in part from time to time or in
     whole in the future is not fixed in amount by the  agreement  setting forth
     such obligation,  for purposes of determining  whether such Investment is a
     Restricted  Payment  permitted  under this  Section  3.8 or is a  Permitted
     Payment,  the Investment  shall be deemed to have been made at the time the
     obligation  first arises in an amount to be determined in good faith by the
     Board of  Directors,  as  evidenced by a Board  Resolution,  and any actual
     payments in respect of such  Investment  shall be deemed to be  Investments
     made on the date of payment thereof.  Subject to the terms of clause (v) of
     the  definition  of  Permitted  Payments,  such  later  Investments  may be
     Permitted Payments.

          Section 3.9  Limitation  on Dividend  and other  Payment  Restrictions
     Affecting Subsidiaries.

          The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted  Subsidiary
     to,  create or otherwise  cause or suffer to exist or become  effective any
     consensual  encumbrance  or  restriction  of any kind on the ability of any
     Restricted  Subsidiary to (i) pay dividends or make any other distributions
     permitted  by  applicable  law on any  Capital  Stock  of  such  Restricted
     Subsidiary  owned by the Company or any other Restricted  Subsidiary,  (ii)
     make  payments  in  respect  of any Debt owed to the  Company  or any other
     Restricted  Subsidiary,  (iii) make loans or advances to the Company or any
     other  Restricted  Subsidiary  or (iv)  transfer any of its Property to the
     Company or any other  Restricted  Subsidiary.  The Company's  obligation to
     comply  with this  covenant  will  terminate  if and when the Notes  become
     Investment Grade.

                                       32

<PAGE>


          This Section 3.9 shall not restrict or prohibit  any  encumbrances  or
     restrictions  existing:  (i) in connection  with the Incurrence of any Debt
     permitted under clauses (iii),  (vi),  (vii), (x) or (xi) of Section 3.4(b)
     or with respect to any portion thereof that is also Debt of the Company and
     permitted   under  Section  3.3;   provided  that  such   encumbrances   or
     restrictions  are  required in order to effect such  financing  and are not
     materially  more  restrictive,  taken as a  whole,  on the  ability  of the
     applicable  Restricted  Subsidiary  to make  the  payments,  distributions,
     loans, advances or transfers referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) of the
     preceding  paragraph than encumbrances and restrictions,  taken as a whole,
     customarily accepted (or, in the absence of any industry custom, reasonably
     acceptable)  in  substantially  non-recourse  project  financing,  (ii)  in
     connection  with the execution and delivery of an electric power or thermal
     energy  purchase  contract  to  which  such  Restricted  Subsidiary  is the
     supplying  party  or  other   contracts  with   customers,   suppliers  and
     contractors to which such  Restricted  Subsidiary is a party and where such
     Restricted   Subsidiary  is  engaged  in  the  development,   construction,
     acquisition  or operation of a Power Supply  Business;  provided  that such
     encumbrances or restrictions are required in order to effect such contracts
     and are not materially more  restrictive,  taken as a whole, on the ability
     of  the   applicable   Restricted   Subsidiary   to  make   the   payments,
     distributions,  loans,  advances  or  transfers  referred to in clauses (i)
     through (iv) in the preceding paragraph than encumbrances and restrictions,
     taken as a whole,  customarily accepted (or, in the absence of any industry
     custom,  reasonably  acceptable)  in  substantially   non-recourse  project
     financing,  (iii) in connection  with the  Incurrence of any Debt permitted
     under clause (iv) of Section  3.4(b),  provided that such  encumbrances  or
     restrictions  taken as a whole are not materially  more  restrictive on the
     ability  of the  applicable  Restricted  Subsidiary  to make the  payments,
     distributions,  loans,  advances  or  transfers  referred to in clauses (i)
     through (iv) in the preceding paragraph than those that are then in effect,
     taken as a whole,  in connection  with the Debt so exchanged or refinanced,
     (iv)  in  connection  with  the  Bank  Credit  Agreement  and  the  project
     financing,  electric power and thermal  energy  purchase  arrangements  and
     other contracts with customers,  suppliers and contractors in effect on the
     Closing Date, including extensions,  refinancings, renewals or replacements
     thereof,  (v) pursuant to customary  non-assignment  provisions  in leases,
     (vi) pursuant to  restrictions  imposed  pursuant to any stock  purchase or
     asset  purchase  agreement  pending the  consummation  of the  transactions
     contemplated  thereby,  (vii)  in  connection  with any  Acquisition  Debt,
     provided  that  such   encumbrance  or  restriction  was  not  incurred  in
     contemplation  of the  obligor  becoming  a  Restricted  Subsidiary  of the
     Company,  which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person,
     or the Property

                                       33

<PAGE>


     or assets of any Person,  other than the Person, or the Property or assets,
     acquired, (viii) customary restrictions on transfers of Property subject to
     a Lien which could not materially adversely affect the Company's ability to
     satisfy  its  obligations  under  the  Indenture  and  the  Notes  or  (ix)
     provisions  contained in agreements or  instruments  relating to Debt which
     prohibit  the  transfer  of all or  substantially  all of the assets of the
     obligor  thereunder  unless the transferee  shall assume the obligations of
     the obligor  under such  agreement or  instrument,  in each case;  provided
     that, in the case of clause (iv) above, such encumbrances and restrictions,
     taken  as a  whole,  in any  such  extensions,  refinancings,  renewals  or
     replacements  are not  materially  more  restrictive  on the ability of the
     applicable  Restricted  Subsidiary  to make  the  payments,  distributions,
     loans, advances or transfers referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) in the
     preceding  paragraph than those  encumbrances  or  restrictions  taken as a
     whole in effect immediately before such extension,  refinancing, renewal or
     replacement.  This Section 3.9 shall not prevent the Company from  granting
     any Liens not expressly prohibited hereby.

          Section 3.10 Limitation on Asset Dispositions.

          (a) The  Company  shall not make,  and  shall  not  permit  any of its
     Restricted  Subsidiaries to make, any Asset Disposition  unless the Company
     (or the Restricted  Subsidiary,  as the case may be) receives consideration
     at the time of each  such  Asset  Disposition  at  least  equal to the fair
     market  value of the shares or assets sold or  otherwise  disposed of (such
     amounts in excess of $50 million  determined  in good faith by the Board of
     Directors, as evidenced by a Board Resolution) and either (i) not less than
     75% of the  consideration  received  by the  Company  (or  such  Restricted
     Subsidiary,  as the  case  may be) is in the  form of cash or  property  or
     assets  used or useful in a Power  Supply  Business  or Capital  Stock of a
     Person primarily engaged in a Power Supply Business, provided that any note
     or other obligation received by the Company (or such Restricted Subsidiary,
     as the case may be) that is  converted  into cash  within  180 days of such
     Asset  Disposition  and any  liabilities (as shown on the Company's or such
     Restricted  Subsidiary's  most recent  balance sheet) of the Company or any
     Restricted Subsidiary that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets
     shall be deemed to be cash for purposes of this clause (i), and (ii) first,
     the Net Cash Proceeds of such Asset  Disposition are applied within 90 days
     from the later of the date of such Asset  Disposition or the receipt of Net
     Cash Proceeds related thereto,  to the payment of the principal of, premium
     and  interest  on  any  Senior  Debt  of the  Company  (including  to  cash
     collateralize  letters of credit) and, in connection with any such payment,
     any related loan commitment, standby

                                       34



<PAGE>



     facility or the like shall be permanently reduced in an amount equal to the
     principal amount so repaid and second, to the extent such Net Cash Proceeds
     are not  required by the  lenders,  or the terms,  of the Senior Debt to be
     applied in  accordance  with the  foregoing  or, if after  being so applied
     there remain Net Cash Proceeds,  then at the Company's  election,  such Net
     Cash  Proceeds are either (x) invested in the business or businesses of the
     Company or any of its Restricted  Subsidiaries consistent with Section 3.1;
     provided that such investment is made within 365 days from the later of the
     date of such Asset  Disposition  or the  receipt  of the Net Cash  Proceeds
     related  thereto or (y)  applied to the  payment of any Senior  Debt of the
     Company or Debt of any Restricted Subsidiary or any Consolidated Subsidiary
     (other  than Debt owed to the  Company or another  Restricted  Subsidiary),
     and, in  connection  with any such  payment,  any related loan  commitment,
     standby  facility  or the like  shall be  permanently  reduced in an amount
     equal to the  principal  amount  so  repaid;  provided  that  such Net Cash
     Proceeds are so applied  within three  months after the  expiration  of the
     365-day  period  referred  to in clause (x) above or (z)  applied to make a
     tender offer (the "Offer") to purchase  Notes and other Debt of the Company
     from time to time outstanding with similar provisions requiring the Company
     to make an offer to purchase or to redeem such Debt with the proceeds  from
     assets sales,  pro rata in proportion to the respective  principal  amounts
     (or  accreted  values in the case of Debt  issued  with an  original  issue
     discount) of the Notes and such other Debt then  outstanding  at a purchase
     price of 100% of their  principal  amount (or accreted value in the case of
     Debt  issued  with an  original  issue  discount),  plus  accrued  interest
     (subject to  proration in the event of  oversubscription  in the manner set
     forth below).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any or all
     of the Net Cash Proceeds of any Foreign Asset Disposition are prohibited or
     delayed by applicable  local law from being  repatriated  to the U.S.,  the
     Company (or such  Restricted  Subsidiary,  as the case may be) shall not be
     required  to apply the  portion of such Net Cash  Proceeds  so  affected in
     accordance  with  clause  (ii)  above  (other  than  to  repay  Debt of the
     Restricted   Subsidiary   making  such  Asset  Disposition  or  Debt  of  a
     Consolidated  Subsidiary of the Company,  in each case as  contemplated  by
     clause  (ii)  above  and  to  the  extent  the   prohibition  or  delay  on
     repatriation  is not applicable to such repayment and such repayment is not
     in violation of the terms of any Senior Debt) (the Company hereby  agreeing
     to cause the applicable  Restricted Subsidiary to promptly take all actions
     required by the applicable local law to permit such repatriation); provided
     that once such  repatriation  of any such  affected  Net Cash  Proceeds  is
     permitted  under  the  applicable  local  law,  such  repatriation  will be
     immediately effected and such repatriated Net Cash Proceeds will be applied
     in the manner set forth in this Section 3.10. To the extent that  dividends
     or

                                       35

<PAGE>


     distributions  of any or all of the Net Cash  Proceeds of any Foreign Asset
     Disposition  would result in a tax liability  greater than that which would
     be  incurred  if  such  Net  Cash   Proceeds  were  not  so  dividended  or
     distributed,  the Net Cash  Proceeds  so  affected  may be  retained by the
     applicable  Restricted Subsidiary for so long as such adverse tax liability
     would continue to be incurred.

          Notwithstanding anything in this covenant to the contrary, the Company
     and any Restricted Subsidiary may make the following Asset Dispositions:

          (i)  a   disposition   resulting   from  the  bona  fide  exercise  by
     governmental authority of its claimed or actual power of eminent domain;

          (ii) a realization upon a security interest;

          (iii) any Permitted  Payment or  Restricted  Payment that is permitted
     hereunder; or

          (iv) any sale, transfer, conveyance, lease or other disposition of the
     Capital Stock or Property of a Restricted  Subsidiary pursuant to the terms
     of any power sales agreement or steam sales agreement or other agreement or
     contract  related to the output or product of, or services  rendered  by, a
     Power  Supply  Business  as to  which  such  Restricted  Subsidiary  is the
     supplying party;  provided that to the extent the Company or any Restricted
     Subsidiary  receives any cash  consideration  in connection with such Asset
     Disposition,  the Net Cash  Proceeds from such Asset  Disposition  shall be
     applied in accordance with clause (ii) of this Section 3.10.

          (b) If the aggregate  purchase  price of Notes and other Debt tendered
     pursuant to an Offer made  pursuant to clause  (ii)(z)  clause (a) above is
     less than the Net Cash  Proceeds  allotted to the purchase of the Notes and
     other Debt, the Company may use the remaining Net Cash Proceeds for general
     corporate  purposes.  The  Company  will not be required to comply with the
     provisions  of clause (ii) in the first  paragraph  of this Section 3.10 if
     the Net Cash Proceeds from one or more Asset  Dispositions  occurring on or
     after the date of the Indenture are less than $40 million in any one fiscal
     year.  Any lesser  amounts so carried  forward  and  cumulated  need not be
     segregated or reserved and may be used for general corporate purposes.

                                       36

<PAGE>


          (c) (i)  Promptly,  and in any  event  within  30 days  from the Asset
     Disposition  and the  receipt  of the Net Cash  Proceeds  as to  which  the
     Company  must make an Offer,  the Company  shall be obligated to deliver to
     the  Trustee  and send,  by  first-class  mail to each  Holder of Notes,  a
     written notice stating that:

          (A) an Asset Disposition has occurred and that such Holders may tender
     all or any  portion  of their  Notes  pursuant  to the  Offer  in  integral
     multiples of $1,000 principal amount, at the applicable purchase price;

          (B) any Note not  tendered or accepted  for payment  will  continue to
     accrue interest;

          (C) any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Offer shall cease to
     accrue interest after the Purchase Date (as defined below); and

          (D) holders of Notes will be entitled  to withdraw  their  election in
     the manner described in clause (iii) of this Section 3.10(c).

          The notice  shall  specify a  purchase  date not less than 30 days nor
     more than 60 days  after the date of such  notice  (the  "Purchase  Date"),
     shall  include all  instructions  and  materials  necessary  to enable each
     holders of Notes to tender  Notes  pursuant to the Offer and shall  contain
     information  concerning  the  business of the Company  which the Company in
     good faith  believes  will enable such holder to make an informed  decision
     (which at a minimum will include (1) the most recently  filed Annual Report
     on Form 10-K (including audited consolidated  financial  statements) of the
     Company,  the most recent  subsequently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
     and any Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed  subsequent to such
     Quarterly  Report,  other  than  Current  Reports  describing  other  asset
     dispositions   otherwise   described   in  the   offering   materials   (or
     corresponding  successor  reports  or  reports  otherwise  required  to  be
     delivered  to holder of Notes if the  Company is no longer  filing  reports
     pursuant to the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934),  (2) a  description  of
     material  developments in the Company's business  subsequent to the date of
     the latest of such  Reports,  and (3) if  material,  appropriate  pro forma
     financial information).

          (ii) Not later than the date upon which written  notice of an Offer is
     delivered to the Trustee as provided  above,  the Company  shall deliver to
     the Trustee an Officers' Certificate as to (A) the amount of the Offer (the
     "Offer Amount"), (B) the allocation of the Net Cash Proceeds

                                       37

<PAGE>


     pursuant to which such Offer is being made and (C) the  compliance  of such
     allocation  with the  provisions of this Section  3.10.  Not later than one
     Business Day prior to the Purchase Date, the Company shall also irrevocably
     deposit  with the  Trustee or with the Paying  Agent (or, if the Company is
     acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust) in immediately
     available  funds an amount equal to the Offer Amount to be held for payment
     in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3.10. Upon the expiration
     of the period for which the Offer  remains open (the "Offer  Period"),  the
     Company  shall  deliver to the Trustee the Notes or portions  thereof which
     have been properly  tendered to and are to be accepted by the Company.  The
     Trustee or the Paying  Agent (if any),  or the Company if acting as its own
     Paying Agent,  shall, on the Purchase Date, mail or deliver payment to each
     tendering Holder in the amount of the purchase price. In the event that the
     aggregate  purchase  price of the Notes  delivered  by the  Company  to the
     Trustee or the Paying Agent (if the Company is not acting as its own Paying
     Agent) is less than the Offer Amount,  the Trustee or the Paying Agent,  as
     the case may be, shall deliver the excess to the Company  immediately after
     the expiration of the Offer Period.

          (iii) Any holder of Notes electing to have his Notes purchased will be
     required to surrender such Notes,  with an appropriate form duly completed,
     to the  Trustee  at the  address  specified  in the  notice by the close of
     business at least one Business Day prior to the Purchase  Date.  Holders of
     Notes will be entitled to withdraw  their election if the Trustee or Paying
     Agent  (if any)  receives  not  later  than the  close of  business  on the
     Business Day prior to the Purchase Date a facsimile  transmission or letter
     setting  forth the name of the Holder and a  statement  that such Holder is
     withdrawing  his election to have all or a portion of his Notes  purchased.
     If at the expiration of the Offer Period the aggregate  principal amount of
     Notes surrendered by holders of Notes exceeds the Offer Amount, the Company
     shall  select  the Notes to be  purchased  on a pro rata  basis  (with such
     adjustments as may be deemed  appropriate by the Company so that only Notes
     in  denominations  of  $1,000  or  integral  multiples  thereof,  shall  be
     purchased).  Holders whose Notes are purchased  only in part will be issued
     new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes
     surrendered.

          (iv) At the time the Company  delivers  Notes to the Trustee which are
     to be accepted  for  purchase,  the Company  will also deliver an Officers'
     Certificate  stating  that such  Notes are to be  accepted  by the  Company
     pursuant to and in  accordance  with the terms of this Section 3.10. A Note
     shall be deemed to have been accepted for purchase at the

                                       38

<PAGE>



     time the Trustee, directly or through an agent, or the Company if acting as
     its own  Paying  Agent,  mails  or makes  available  for  delivery  payment
     therefor to the surrendering Holder.

          (d) In the event the Company is unable to purchase  Notes from Holders
     thereof in an Offer because such purchase is prohibited by any provision of
     applicable law, the Company need not make an Offer.  The Company shall then
     be  obligated  to use such Net Cash  Proceeds  in  accordance  with  clause
     (i)(B)(x) or (y) of this Section 3.10(c).

          (e) Whenever Net Cash Proceeds are received by the Company,  and prior
     to the allocation of such Net Cash Proceeds  pursuant to this Section 3.10,
     such Net Cash  Proceeds  shall be set aside by the  Company  in a  separate
     account pending allocation.

          The Company  will  comply  with all  applicable  tender  offer  rules,
     including  without  limitation  Rule  14e-1  under  the  Exchange  Act,  in
     connection with an Offer under the provisions of this covenant."

          SECTION 4.  Amendment  of Section 6.1 of the Original  Indenture.  (a)
     Clause (c) of Section 6.1 of the Original  Indenture  is hereby  amended by
     (i)  deleting  the word "30" in such clause (c) and  inserting in its place
     the word "60" and (ii) deleting the words "all series affected thereby" and
     inserting in its place the words "of such series".

          (b) Clause  (d) of Section  6.1 of the  Original  Indenture  is hereby
     amended by (i)  inserting  the word "(i)"  before the word  "relief",  (ii)
     deleting  the words "or  appointing"  and  inserting in its place the words
     "(ii) appointment of" and (iii) deleting the words "any substantial part of
     its  property or  ordering"  and  inserting  in its place the words "all or
     substantially all of the property and assets of the Company or (iii)".

          SECTION 5.  Amendment  of Section 6.2 of the Original  Indenture.  The
     second paragraph of clause (b) of Section 6.2 of the Original  Indenture is
     hereby amended by deleting the following words:

                  "all the then outstanding  Securities of such series that have
                  been accelerated (voting as a single class), by written notice
                  to the Company and to the Trustee, may waive all defaults with
                  respect  to all  such  series  (or  with  respect  to all  the
                  Securities, as the case may be) and rescind"

     and inserting in its place the following words:

                                       39

<PAGE>


                  "all the then  outstanding  Securities  of any series that has
                  been  accelerated  (voting  as a separate  class),  by written
                  notice  to the  Company  and to the  Trustee,  may  waive  all
                  defaults with respect to such series and rescind"

          SECTION 6. Amendment of Section 4 of the First Supplemental Indenture.
     Section 4 of the First Supplemental  Indenture is hereby amended to read in
     its entirety as follows:

          "In addition to the Events of Default  described in Section 6.1 of the
     Original  Indenture,  an Event of Default  shall occur with  respect to the
     Notes if:

          (a) an event of default,  as defined in any  indenture  or  instrument
     evidencing or under which the Company or any Significant  Subsidiary has at
     the date of this Indenture or shall  hereafter have  outstanding  any Debt,
     shall happen and be continuing and either

          (i) such default results from the failure to pay the principal of such
     Debt in excess of $50 million at final maturity of such Debt or

          (ii) as a result of such default, the maturity of such Debt shall have
     been  accelerated so that the same shall be or become due and payable prior
     to the date on which the same would  otherwise have become due and payable,
     and such acceleration shall not be rescinded or annulled within 60 days and
     the principal  amount of such Debt,  together with the principal  amount of
     any other Debt of the Company or any Significant  Subsidiary in default, or
     the maturity of which has been accelerated, aggregates $50 million or more;
     provided that such default shall not be an Event of Default if such Debt is
     Debt of a Significant Subsidiary, is Non-Recourse to the Company in respect
     of the amounts not paid or due upon  acceleration and the Company could, at
     the time of default,  incur at least $1 of Debt under Section  3.3(a);  and
     provided,  further, however that, subject to the provisions of Sections 7.1
     and 7.2 of the Original  Indenture,  the Trustee  shall not be charged with
     knowledge of any such default unless written notice thereof shall have been
     given to the  Trustee  by the  Company,  by the  holder  or an agent of the
     holder of any such Debt,  by the trustee then acting under any indenture or
     other  instrument  under which such default shall have occurred,  or by the
     Holders of not less than 25% in the aggregate principal amount of the Notes
     at the time outstanding;

          (b) one or more  judgments  or  orders  shall  be  entered  by a court
     against the Company or any Significant  Subsidiary for the payment of money
     in an

                                       40

<PAGE>


     amount  which,  individually  or  in  the  aggregate  exceeds  $50  million
     (excluding the amount thereof  covered by insurance or by a bond written by
     third parties but treating any deductibles, self insurance or retentions as
     not so covered by  insurance)  and which  judgments  or orders shall not be
     discharged or waived,  and shall remain  outstanding and there shall be any
     period of 60 consecutive  days following entry of such judgment or order in
     excess of $50 million or the judgment or order which  causes the  aggregate
     amount to exceed $50 million  during  which a stay of  enforcement  of such
     judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be
     in effect; provided, that such a judgment or order shall not be an Event of
     Default if such judgment or order is against a Significant  Subsidiary  and
     does not require any payment by the Company and the Company  could,  at the
     expiration of the applicable 60 day period, incur at least $1 of Debt under
     Section 3.3;

          (c) a court having  jurisdiction  in the  premises  enters a decree or
     order for (i) relief in respect of any of the Material  Subsidiaries of the
     Company in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
     or other  similar law now or hereafter  in effect,  (ii)  appointment  of a
     receiver,  liquidator,   assignee,  custodian,  trustee,  sequestrator,  or
     similar official of the Company or any of the Material  Subsidiaries of the
     Company or for all or  substantially  all of the property and assets of any
     of the  Material  Subsidiaries  of the  Company or (iii) the  winding up or
     liquidation  of the  affairs  of any of the  Material  Subsidiaries  of the
     Company and such decree or order shall remain  unstayed and in effect for a
     period of 60 consecutive days; or

          (d) any of the Material  Subsidiaries  of the Company (i)  commences a
     voluntary  case  under  any  applicable  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  or other
     similar  law now or  hereafter  in effect,  or  consents to the entry of an
     order for relief in an  involuntary  case under any such law, (ii) consents
     to the  appointment  of or taking  possession  by a  receiver,  liquidator,
     assignee, custodian,  trustee,  sequestrator, or similar official of any of
     the Material Subsidiaries of the Company or for all or substantially all of
     the property and assets of any of the Material  Subsidiaries of the Company
     or (iii) effects any general assignment for the benefit of creditors."

          SECTION 7. Amendment of Section 5.1 of Original Indenture. Section 5.1
     of the  Original  Indenture  is hereby  amended to read in its  entirety as
     follows:

         "SECTION 5.1.  Merger, Consolidation, Etc.

          The  Company  shall  not  consolidate  with,  merge  with or into,  or
     transfer  all or  substantially  all  of its  assets  (as  an  entirety  or
     substantially  an  entirety  in one  transaction  or a  series  of  related
     transactions),  to  any  Person  unless:  (i)  the  Company  shall  be  the
     continuing Person, or the Person (if other than the

                                       41

<PAGE>


     Company) formed by such  consolidation  or into which the Company is merged
     or to which properties and assets of the Company are transferred shall be a
     solvent  corporation  organized  and existing  under the laws of the United
     States or any State thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly
     assume in writing all  obligations  of the Company under the Securities and
     this Indenture; (ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction no
     Event of Default or event or condition  which  through the giving of notice
     of lapse of time or both  would  become  an Event  of  Default  shall  have
     occurred and be continuing; and (iii) the Company or such Person shall have
     delivered  to the  Trustee  an  Officers'  Certificate  and an  Opinion  of
     Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and, if a
     supplemental  indenture is required in  connection  with such  transaction,
     such supplemental  indenture,  comply with this provision of this Indenture
     and  that all  conditions  precedent  in this  Indenture  relating  to such
     transaction have been satisfied."

          SECTION 8.  Amendment  of Section 5 of First  Supplemental  Indenture.
     Section 5 of First Supplemental  Indenture is hereby amended to read in its
     entirety as follows:

         "SECTION 5.

          The Company  covenants and agrees with the Trustee that in addition to
     the  provisions  of Section  5.1 of the  Original  Indenture,  it shall not
     consolidate  with, merge with or into, or transfer all or substantially all
     of  its  assets  (as  an  entirety  or  substantially  an  entirety  in one
     transaction  or a series of related  transactions),  to any  Person  unless
     immediately  after giving effect to such  transaction on a pro forma basis,
     the Company or the  surviving  entity would be able to incur at least $1 of
     Debt under Section  3.3(a).  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  the preceding
     sentence shall not prohibit a transaction,  the principal  purpose of which
     is (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors as evidenced by a
     Board Resolution) to change the state of incorporation of the Company,  and
     such  transaction  does not have as one of its  purposes the evasion of the
     limitations  imposed  by  the  covenant  contained  in  Section  5.1 of the
     Original Indenture or the immediately preceding sentence."

          SECTION 9. Amendment of Section 8 of Original  Indenture.  Section 8.5
     through Section 8.6 of the Original  Indenture is hereby amended to read in
     its entirety as follows:

          "SECTION 8.5. Defeasance and Discharge of Indenture.

          The Company shall be deemed to have paid and shall be discharged  from
     any and all obligations in respect of the Securities of any series,

                                       42

<PAGE>


     on the 123rd day after the  deposit  referred  to in clause  (A) hereof has
     been  made,  and the  provisions  of this  Indenture  shall no longer be in
     effect with respect to the  Securities of such series (and the Trustee,  at
     the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments  acknowledging
     the  same),  except as to:  (a)  rights of  registration  of  transfer  and
     exchange, and the Company's right of optional redemption,  (b) substitution
     of apparently mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities, (c)
     rights of holders to receive  payments of  principal  thereof and  interest
     thereon,  upon  the  original  stated  due  dates  therefor  (but  not upon
     acceleration),  (d) the rights,  obligations  and immunities of the Trustee
     hereunder  and (e) the  rights  of the  Securityholders  of such  series as
     beneficiaries  hereof with respect to the  property so  deposited  with the
     Trustee  payable  to all  or  any of  them;  provided  that  the  following
     conditions shall have been satisfied:

               (A) with reference to this provision the Company has deposited or
          caused  to be  irrevocably  deposited  with the  Trustee  (or  another
          trustee satisfying the requirements of Sections 7.8 and 7.10) as trust
          funds in trust,  specifically  pledged as security  for, and dedicated
          solely  to,  the  benefit of the  Holders  of the  Securities  of such
          series,  (i) money in an amount, or (ii) U.S.  Government  Obligations
          which through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof
          in  accordance  with their  terms will  provide not later than one day
          before  the due date of any  payment  referred  to in this  clause (A)
          money in an amount, or (iii) a combination thereof, sufficient, in the
          opinion  of  a  nationally   recognized  firm  of  independent  public
          accountants  expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to
          the  Trustee,  to  pay  and  discharge  without  consideration  of the
          reinvestment of such interest and after payment of all federal,  state
          and local taxes or other charges and  assessments  in respect  thereof
          payable by the Trustee (x) the principal of, premium, if any, and each
          installment of interest on the  outstanding  Securities of such series
          on the due dates thereof or earlier redemption  (irrevocably  provided
          for under arrangements  satisfactory to the Trustee),  as the case may
          be and (y) any mandatory  sinking fund payments or analogous  payments
          applicable  to the  Securities of such series on the day on which such
          payments  are  due  and  payable  in  accordance  with  the  terms  of
          Securities  of such  series  and the  Indenture  with  respect  to the
          Securities of such series;

               (B) the  Company has  delivered  to the Trustee (i) either (x) an
          Opinion of Counsel to the effect that  Holders of  Securities  of such
          series will not recognize income,  gain or loss for federal income tax
          purposes as a result of the  Company's  exercise  of its option  under
          this Section 8.5 and will be subject to federal income tax on the same
          amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been
          the case if such deposit,  defeasance  and discharge had not occurred,
          which Opinion of Counsel

                                       43

<PAGE>


          must be based  upon a ruling of the  Internal  Revenue  Service to the
          same  effect  or a change  in  applicable  federal  income  tax law or
          related treasury regulations after the date of this Indenture or (y) a
          ruling  directed to the Trustee  received  from the  Internal  Revenue
          Service to the same  effect as the  aforementioned  Opinion of Counsel
          and (ii) an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the  creation of the
          defeasance  trust does not violate the Investment  Company Act of 1940
          and after the passage of 123 days  following  the  deposit,  the trust
          fund will not be  subject  to the  effect of  Section  547 of the U.S.
          Bankruptcy Code or Section 15 of the New York Debtor and Creditor Law;

               (C)  immediately  after  giving  effect to such  deposit on a pro
          forma  basis,  no Event of Default,  or event that after the giving of
          notice  or lapse of time or both  would  become  an Event of  Default,
          shall have occurred and be  continuing  (other than a Default or Event
          of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such
          deposit)  on the date of such  deposit or during the period  ending on
          the 123rd day after the date of such  deposit,  and such deposit shall
          not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under,
          any other  agreement or  instrument to which the Company is a party or
          by which the Company is bound;

               (D) the Company is not prohibited from making payments in respect
          of the Securities by Article 11 hereof; and

               (E) if at such time the Securities of such series are listed on a
          national securities exchange, the Company has delivered to the Trustee
          an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Securities of such series
          will not be  delisted  as a result  of such  deposit,  defeasance  and
          discharge.

          SECTION 8.6 Defeasance of Certain Obligations.

          The Company may omit to comply with any term,  provision  or condition
     set forth in, and this  Indenture  will no longer be in effect with respect
     to, any  covenant  in Article 5 or any  covenants  established  pursuant to
     Section 2.3 in any indenture supplemental hereto and clauses (c) and (e) of
     Section 6.1 shall not be deemed to be an Event of Default, if

               (A) with reference to this Section 8.6, the Company has deposited
          or caused to be  irrevocably  deposited  with the  Trustee (or another
          trustee  satisfying the requirements of Section 7.8) as trust funds in
          trust,  specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to,
          the  benefit of the Holders of the  Securities  of such series and the
          Indenture

                                       44

<PAGE>


          with respect to the Securities of such series,  (i) money in an amount
          or (ii) U.S.  Government  Obligations  which  through  the  payment of
          interest and  principal in respect  thereof in  accordance  with their
          terms will provide not later than one day before the due dates thereof
          or  earlier  redemption  (irrevocably  provided  for under  agreements
          satisfactory  to the  Trustee),  as the  case may be,  of any  payment
          referred  to in  this  clause  (A)  money  in an  amount,  or  (iii) a
          combination  thereof,  sufficient,  in  the  opinion  of a  nationally
          recognized  firm of  independent  public  accountants  expressed  in a
          written  certification  thereof  delivered to the Trustee,  to pay and
          discharge  without  consideration of the reinvestment of such interest
          and after  payment  of all  federal,  state  and local  taxes or other
          charges and  assessments in respect thereof payable by the Trustee the
          principal of, premium, if any, and each installment of interest on the
          outstanding  Securities on the due date thereof or earlier  redemption
          (irrevocably  provided  for  under  arrangements  satisfactory  to the
          Trustee),  as the  case  may be and (y)  any  mandatory  sinking  fund
          payments or analogous  payments  applicable to the  Securities of such
          series  on the day on  which  such  payments  are due and  payable  in
          accordance  with  the  terms  of  Securities  of such  series  and the
          Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series;

               (B) the  Company has  delivered  to the Trustee (i) an Opinion of
          Counsel to the effect that Holders of  Securities  of such series will
          not recognize income,  gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as
          a result of the  Company's  exercise of its option  under this Section
          8.6 and will be subject to federal  income tax on the same  amount and
          in the same  manner  and at the same times as would have been the case
          if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred and (ii) an Opinion of
          Counsel to the effect that the creation of the  defeasance  trust does
          not violate the  Investment  Company Act of 1940 and after the passage
          of 123 days following the deposit,  the trust fund will not be subject
          to the effect of Section 547 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or Section 15
          of the New York Debtor and Creditor Law;

               (C)  immediately  after  giving  effect to such  deposit on a pro
          forma  basis,  no Event of Default,  or event that after the giving of
          notice  or lapse of time or both  would  become  an Event of  Default,
          shall have occurred and be  continuing  (other than a Default or Event
          of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such
          deposit)  on the date of such  deposit or during the period  ending on
          the 123rd day after the date of such  deposit,  and such deposit shall
          not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under,
          any other agreement or

                                       45

<PAGE>


          instrument  to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is
          bound;

               (D) the Company is not prohibited from making payments in respect
          of the Securities by Article 11 hereof; and

               (E) if at such time the Securities of such series are listed on a
          national securities exchange, the Company has delivered to the Trustee
          an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Securities of such series
          will not be  delisted  as a result  of such  deposit,  defeasance  and
          discharge."

          SECTION 10. Amendment of Original Indenture.  This Second Supplemental
     Indenture  shall  form a part of the  Original  Indenture  as  supplemented
     hereby shall be bound hereby.  The Original  Indenture as  supplemented  by
     this Second  Supplemental  Indenture is hereby in all respects ratified and
     confirmed.

          SECTION 11.  Acceptance  by Trustee.  The Trustee,  for itself and its
     successor or  successors,  accepts the trust of the  Original  Indenture as
     amended by this Second  Supplemental  Indenture,  and agrees to perform the
     same,  but only  upon the terms and  conditions  set forth in the  Original
     Indenture,  including  the terms and  provisions  defining and limiting the
     liabilities and responsibilities of the Trustee, which terms and provisions
     shall in like manner define and limit its liabilities and  responsibilities
     in the  performance  of the trust created by the Original  Indenture,  and,
     without  limiting the generality of the foregoing,  the recitals  contained
     herein shall be taken as the  statements  of the  Company,  and the Trustee
     assumes no  responsibility  for their  correctness.  The  Trustee  makes no
     representations   as  to  the  validity  or   sufficiency  of  this  Second
     Supplemental  Indenture  other than as to the validity of its execution and
     delivery by the Trustee.

          SECTION 12.  Counterparts.  This Second 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.

                                       46

<PAGE>


          IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the  parties  hereto  have  caused  this  First
     Supplemental  Indenture  to be duly  executed,  all as of the day and  year
     first written above.

                                              THE AES CORPORATION
                                               as the Company

                                              By /s/ Barry J. Sharp
                                             ----------------------
                                               Name: Barry J. Sharp
                                               Title: Vice President and Chief
                                                       Financial Office



                                              THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK
                                               OF CHICAGO
                                               as Trustee


                                              By /s/ Mary R. Fonti
                                             ---------------------
                                               Name: Mary R. Fonti
                                               Title: Assistant Vice President

                                       47



                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1

                      [LETTERHEAD OF DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL]

                                NOVEMBER 19, 1997

The AES Corporation
1001 North 19th Street
Arlington, Virginia 22209

Ladies and Gentlemen:

   
         We have acted as counsel in connection with the Registration  Statement
on Form S-3 (the  "REGISTRATION  STATEMENT")  filed by the AES Corporation  (the
"Company")  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange   Commission  pursuant  to  the
Securities  Act of 1933,  as amended,  for the  registration  of the sale by the
Company from time to time of up to $1,500,000,000  aggregate principal amount of
senior debt securities, senior subordinated debt securities, junior subordinated
debt   securities  and  junior   subordinated   debt   securities  (the  "JUNIOR
SUBORDINATED DEBT TRUST  SECURITIES")  issued directly or to a Trust referred to
below  (collectively,  the "DEBT SECURITIES") of the Company,  common stock, par
value  $0.01 per share,  (the  "COMMON  STOCK")  of the  Company  and  preferred
securities  (the  "PREFERRED  SECURITIES") of AES Trust III AES Trust IV and AES
Trust V, each a statutory business trust created under the Business Trust Act of
the State of Delaware  (each,  a "TRUST" and,  collectively,  the  "TRUSTS") and
guarantees of the Preferred  Securities  by the Company (the  "GUARANTEES")  and
stock  purchase   contracts  to  purchase  Common  Stock  (the  "STOCK  PURCHASE
CONTRACTS") and stock purchase  units,  each  representing  ownership of a Stock
Purchase  Contract and Debt Securities or debt obligations of third parties (the
"STOCK PURCHASE UNITS"). The senior Debt Securities are to be issued pursuant to
an indenture  (the "SENIOR  DEBT  INDENTURE")  between the Company and the First
National Bank of Chicago,  as trustee.  The senior  subordinated Debt Securities
are to be issued  pursuant to an Indenture dated as of July 1, 1996 (the "SENIOR
SUBORDINATED DEBT INDENTURE") between the Company and The First National Bank of
CHICAGO,  as trustee.  The junior  subordinated Debt Securities are to be issued
pursuant to an Indenture (the "JUNIOR  SUBORDINATED DEBT INDENTURE") between the
Company  and The  First  National  Bank  of  Chicago,  as  trustee.  The  Junior
Subordinated  Debt Trust  Securities  are to be issued  pursuant to an indenture
(the "JUNIOR  SUBORDINATED  DEBT TRUST  INDENTURE")  between the Company the The
First National Bank of Chicago as trustee. The First National Bank of Chicago in
its capacity as trustee under the Senior Indenture, the Subordinated
    

<PAGE>

                                       2


Indenture,  the  Junior  Subordinated  Indenture  is  referred  to herein as the
"TRUSTEE" and the Senior Indenture,  Subordinated Indenture, Junior Subordinated
Indenture  and the Junior  Subordinated  Debt Trust  Indenture  are  referred to
herein collectively as the "INDENTURES."

         We have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified
to our  satisfaction,  of such  documents,  corporate  records,  certificates of
public  officials  and other  instruments  as we have deemed  necessary  for the
purposes of rendering this opinion.

         On the basis of the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

         1.    When the Indentures and any supplemental  Indenture to be entered
     into in  connection  with the issuance of any Debt  Security have been duly
     authorized,  executed and  delivered  by the Trustee and the  Company,  the
     specific terms of a particular  Debt Security have been duly authorized and
     established  in  accordance  with the  applicable  Indenture  and such Debt
     Security  has been duly  authorized,  executed,  authenticated,  issued and
     delivered in accordance  with the  applicable  Indenture and the applicable
     underwriting or other agreement, such Debt Security will constitute a valid
     and binding  obligation of the Company,  enforceable in accordance with its
     terms,  except  as  (a)  the  enforceability  thereof  may  be  limited  by
     bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,  fraudulent transfer, moratorium or
     similar laws now are  hereinafter  in effect  relating to or affecting  the
     enforcement  of creditors'  rights  generally and (b) the  availability  of
     equitable  remedies  may be  limited  by  equitable  principles  of general
     applicability  (regardless of whether  considered in a proceeding at law or
     in equity).

         2.    Upon  designation   of   the  relative  rights,  preferences  and
     limitations  of any series of Preferred  Stock by the Board of Directors of
     the Company and the proper  filing with the Secretary of State of the State
     of  Delaware of a  Certificate  of  Designation  relating to such series of
     Preferred Stock, all necessary  corporate action on the part of the Company
     will have been taken to  authorize  the issuance and sale of such series of
     Preferred Stock proposed to be sold by the Company, and when such shares of
     Preferred  Stock are issued and delivered in accordance with the applicable
     underwriting  or other  agreement,  such shares of Preferred  Stock will be
     validly issued,  fully paid and  non-assessable,  enforceable in accordance
     with their terms,  except as (a) the enforceability  thereof may be limited
     by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,  fraudulent transfer, moratorium
     or similar laws now or hereinafter  in effect  relating to or effecting the
     enforcement  of creditors'  rights  generally and (b) the  availability  of
     equitable

<PAGE>

                                       3

     remedies may be limited by equitable  principles  of general  applicability
     (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).

         3.    When  necessary  corporate  action on the part of the Company has
     been taken to  authorize  the  issuance  and sale of such  shares of Common
     Stock  proposed to be sold by the  Company,  and when such shares of Common
     Stock  are  issued  and  delivered  in  accordance   with  the   applicable
     underwriting  or other  agreement,  such  shares  of Common  Stock  will be
     validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

         4.    When the Guarantees  have  been  duly  authorized by the Company,
     the applicable Guarantee Agreement has been duly executed and delivered and
     the  Preferred  Securities  have  been duly  issued  and  delivered  by the
     applicable  Trust as  contemplated  by the  Registration  Statement and any
     prospectus  supplement  relating  thereto,  the Guarantees  will constitute
     valid and binding  obligations  of the Company,  enforceable  in accordance
     with their terms,  except as (a) the enforceability  thereof may be limited
     by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,  fraudulent transfer, moratorium
     or similar laws now or hereinafter  in effect  relating to or affecting the
     enforcement  of creditors'  rights  generally and (b) the  availability  of
     equitable  remedies  may be  limited  by  equitable  principles  of general
     applicability  (regardless of whether  considered in a proceeding at law or
     in equity).

         5.    When the  Stock  Purchase Units and Stock Purchase Contracts have
     been duly  authorized  by the Company,  the  applicable  Purchase  Contract
     Agreement and Pledge  Agreement have been duly executed and delivered,  the
     Stock Purchase Units and Stock Purchase Contracts will constitute valid and
     binding  obligations of the Company,  enforceable in accordance  with their
     terms,  except  as  (a)  the  enforceability  thereof  may  be  limited  by
     bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,  fraudulent transfer, moratorium or
     similar laws now or  hereinafter  in effect  relating to or  affecting  the
     enforcement  of creditors'  rights  generally and (b) the  availability  of
     equitable  remedies  may be  limited  by  equitable  principles  of general
     applicability  (regardless of whether  considered in a proceeding at law or
     in equity).

         In connection with the opinions  expressed above, we have assumed that,
at or prior to the time of the delivery of any such  security,  (i) the Board of
Directors  shall  have  duly  established  the terms of such  security  and duly
authorized the issuance and sale of such security and such  authorization  shall
not have been modified or rescinded;  (ii) the Registration Statement shall have
been declared effective and such effectiveness shall not


<PAGE>

                                       4

have been  terminated or rescinded;  and (iii) there shall not have occurred any
change in law affecting the validity or enforceability of such security. We have
also assumed that none of the terms of any security to be established subsequent
to the date hereof,  nor the issuance  and  delivery of such  security,  nor the
compliance  by the  Company  with the terms of such  security  will  violate any
applicable  law or will result in a violation of any provision of any instrument
or agreement then binding upon the Company,  or any  restriction  imposed by any
court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company.

         We are  members  of the Bar of the State of New York and the  foregoing
opinion is limited to the laws of the State of New York, the federal laws of the
Unites  States  of  America  and the  General  Corporation  Law of the  State of
Delaware.

         We hereby  consent to the  filing of this  opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement. In addition, we consent to the reference to us under the
caption "Legal Matters" in the prospectus.

         This  opinion is rendered  solely to you in  connection  with the above
matter.  This  opinion  may not be relied  upon by you for any other  purpose or
relied  upon by or  furnished  to any other  person  without  our prior  written
consent.

                                            Very truly yours,



                                            /s/ Davis Polk & Wardwell


                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.2


                     [RICHARDS, LAYTON & FINGER LETTERHEAD]



                                November 19, 1997







AES Trust III
AES Trust IV
AES Trust V
c/o The AES Corporation
1001 North 19th Street
Arlington, Virginia  22209

                  Re:      AES Trust III, AES Trust IV and AES Trust V

Ladies and Gentlemen:

                  We  have  acted  as  special  Delaware  counsel  for  The  AES
Corporation,  a Delaware corporation ("AES"), AES Trust III, a Delaware business
trust ("Trust III"),  AES Trust IV, a Delaware  business trust ("Trust IV"), and
AES Trust V, a Delaware business trust ("Trust V")(Trust III, Trust IV and Trust
V are  hereinafter  collectively  referred  to as  the  "Trusts"  and  sometimes
hereinafter  individually  referred to as a  "Trust"),  in  connection  with the
matters set forth herein.  At your request,  this opinion is being  furnished to
you.

                  For purposes of giving the opinions hereinafter set forth, our
examination  of documents  has been limited to the  examination  of originals or
copies of the following:

                  (a) The  Certificate  of  Trust  of  Trust  III,  dated  as of
November  13,  1996,  as filed with the office of the  Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware (the "Secretary of State") on November 14, 1996;


<PAGE>

AES Trust III
AES Trust IV
AES Trust V
November 19, 1997
Page 2


                  (b) The Certificate of Trust of Trust IV, dated as of November
5, 1997, as filed with the Secretary of State on November 5, 1997;

                  (c) The  Certificate of Trust of Trust V, dated as of November
5, 1997, as filed with the Secretary of State on November 5, 1997;

                  (d) The  Declaration  of  Trust  of  Trust  III,  dated  as of
November 13, 1996, between AES and the trustees of Trust III named therein;

                  (e) The Declaration of Trust of Trust IV, dated as of November
5, 1997, between AES and the trustees of Trust IV named therein;

                  (f) The  Declaration of Trust of Trust V, dated as of November
5, 1997, between AES and the trustees of Trust V named therein;

                  (g) The Registration Statement (the "Registration  Statement")
on Form S-3, including a preliminary prospectus (the "Prospectus"),  relating to
the  Preferred  Securities  of  the  Trusts  representing   preferred  undivided
beneficial  interests in the assets of the Trusts (each, a "Preferred  Security"
and collectively, the "Preferred Securities"),  filed by AES and the Trusts with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about November 19, 1997;

                  (h) A form of Amended and  Restated  Declaration  of Trust for
each of the Trusts,  to be entered  into  between AES, the trustees of the Trust
named therein,  and the holders,  from time to time, of the undivided beneficial
interests  in  the  assets  of  the  Trust  (including  the  exhibits   thereto)
(collectively,  the "Declarations" and individually, a "Declaration"),  attached
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement; and

                  (i) A  Certificate  of Good  Standing  for each of the Trusts,
dated November 19, 1997, obtained from the Secretary of State.

                  Initially  capitalized  terms used  herein  and not  otherwise
defined are used as defined in the Declarations.

                  For  purposes  of this  opinion,  we  have  not  reviewed  any
documents  other than the documents  listed in paragraphs (a) through (i) above.
In  particular,  we have not  reviewed any  document  (other than the  documents
listed  in  paragraphs  (a)  through  (i)  above)  that  is  referred  to  in or
incorporated  by reference  into the  documents  reviewed by us. We have assumed
that there exists no provision in any document that we have not reviewed that is
inconsistent  with the opinions stated herein.  We have conducted no independent
factual  investigation  of our  own but

<PAGE>

AES Trust III
AES Trust IV
AES Trust V
November 19, 1997
Page 3


rather have relied  solely upon the  foregoing  documents,  the  statements  and
information  set forth  therein and the  additional  matters  recited or assumed
herein,  all of which we have  assumed to be true,  complete and accurate in all
material respects.

                  With respect to all documents  examined by us, we have assumed
(i) the  authenticity of all documents  submitted to us as authentic  originals,
(ii) the  conformity  with the  originals  of all  documents  submitted to us as
copies or forms, and (iii) the genuineness of all signatures.

                  For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed (i) that each of
the Declarations constitutes the entire agreement among the parties thereto with
respect to the subject matter  thereof,  including with respect to the creation,
operation and termination of the applicable Trust, and that the Declarations and
the  Certificates  of  Trust  are in full  force  and  effect  and have not been
amended,  (ii)  except to the extent  provided  in  paragraph  1 below,  the due
organization  or due formation,  as the case may be, and valid existence in good
standing  of each party to the  documents  examined  by us under the laws of the
jurisdiction  governing its organization or formation,  (iii) the legal capacity
of natural  persons who are parties to the  documents  examined by us, (iv) that
each of the parties to the documents  examined by us has the power and authority
to execute and deliver,  and to perform its obligations  under,  such documents,
(v) the due authorization,  execution and delivery by all parties thereto of all
documents  examined  by us,  (vi) the receipt by each Person to whom a Preferred
Security is to be issued by the Trusts  (collectively,  the "Preferred  Security
Holders") of a Preferred  Security  Certificate for such Preferred  Security and
the payment for such Preferred Security, in accordance with the Declarations and
the Registration  Statement,  and (vii) that the Preferred Securities are issued
and sold to the Preferred  Security  Holders in accordance with the Declarations
and the Registration  Statement.  We have not participated in the preparation of
the Registration Statement and assume no responsibility for its contents.

                  This  opinion is limited to the laws of the State of  Delaware
(excluding  the  securities  laws of the  State  of  Delaware),  and we have not
considered  and  express  no  opinion  on the  laws of any  other  jurisdiction,
including federal laws and rules and regulations  relating thereto. Our opinions
are  rendered  only with  respect to Delaware  laws and rules,  regulations  and
orders thereunder which are currently in effect.

                  Based upon the  foregoing,  and upon our  examination  of such
questions  of law and  statutes of the State of  Delaware as we have  considered
necessary  or  appropriate,  and  subject  to the  assumptions,  qualifications,
limitations and exceptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:


<PAGE>

AES Trust III
AES Trust IV
AES Trust V
November 19, 1997
Page 4



                  1. Each of the  Trusts  has been duly  created  and is validly
existing in good standing as a business trust under the Business Trust Act.

                  2. The Preferred Securities of each Trust will represent valid
and, subject to the  qualifications  set forth in paragraph 3 below,  fully paid
and nonassessable undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the applicable
Trust.

                  3. The Preferred Security Holders, as beneficial owners of the
applicable Trust, will be entitled to the same limitation of personal  liability
extended to stockholders of private  corporations for profit organized under the
General  Corporation  Law of the State of Delaware.  We note that the  Preferred
Security Holders may be obligated pursuant to the applicable Declaration, to (i)
provide  indemnity and security in connection with and pay taxes or governmental
charges  arising  from  transfers  of Preferred  Security  Certificates  and the
issuance of replacement Preferred Security  Certificates,  (ii) provide security
and  indemnity in  connection  with  requests of or  directions  to the Property
Trustee to exercise its rights and remedies  under the  applicable  Declaration,
and  (iii)  undertake  as a party  litigant  to pay  costs  in any  suit for the
enforcement of any right or remedy under the  applicable  Declaration or against
the Property Trustee, to the extent provided in the applicable Declaration.

                  We consent to the filing of this opinion  with the  Securities
and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Registration  Statement.  We hereby
consent  to the  use of our  name  under  the  heading  "Legal  Matters"  in the
Prospectus.  In giving the foregoing  consents,  we do not thereby admit that we
come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of
the  Securities  Act of 1933, as amended,  or the rules and  regulations  of the
Securities and Exchange Commission  thereunder.  Except as stated above, without
our prior  written  consent,  this opinion may not be furnished or quoted to, or
relied upon by, any other person for any purpose.

                                                   Very truly yours,



                                                   /s/ Richards, Layton & Finger


CDK



                                                                    EXHIBIT 12.1

                              THE AES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


STATEMENT RE: CALCULATIONS OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(In millions, unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Nine Months
                                                                                     Ended
                                          Year Ended December 31,                 September 30,
                                          1992     1993     1994     1995    1996     1997
                                         -----    -----    -----    -----   ----- --------------
<S>                                      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>  
Actual:
COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS:

Income from continuing operations        $  65    $  89    $ 142    $ 164   $ 185    $ 182
before income taxes

Adjustment for undistributed equity
earnings, net of distributions              (3)     (11)      (6)       3     (20)     (39)

Interest expense                            97      125      122      122     138      148

Depreciation of previously capitalized
interest                                     4        4        4        4       4        4

Net amortization of issuance costs           3        3        4        5       6        6
                                         -----    -----    -----    -----   -----    -----
Earnings                                 $ 166    $ 210    $ 266    $ 298   $ 313    $ 301
                                         =====    =====    =====    =====   =====    =====
COMPUTATION OF FIXED CHARGES:

Interest expensed and capitalized
amounts (including construction
related fixed charges)                   $ 118    $ 127    $ 124    $ 132   $ 165    $ 202

Net amortization of issuance costs
(including capitalized amounts)              3        3        4        5       6        6
                                         -----    -----    -----    -----   -----    -----

Fixed charges                            $ 121    $ 130    $ 128    $ 137   $ 171    $ 208
                                         =====    =====    =====    =====   =====    =====

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges       1.37x    1.62x    2.08x    2.18x   1.83x    1.45x
</TABLE>






                                                                    Exhibit 23.1

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We  consent  to the  incorporation  by  reference  in this  Amendment  No.  1 to
Registration  Statement No. 333-39857 of The AES Corporation of our report dated
January 30, 1997,  except for the  penultimate  paragraph of Note 6, as to which
the date is March 13, 1997, the pre-penultimate paragraph of Note 6, as to which
the date is August 8, 1997,  the  subsequent  event  paragraph  of Note 7, as to
which the date is July 15,  1997,  and Note 13, as to which the date is  October
27, 1997,  appearing in the Current  Report on Form 8-K of The AES  Corporation,
dated  November  6,  1997,  and of our  report  on  the  consolidated  financial
statement  schedules  dated January 30, 1997,  appearing in the Annual Report on
Form 10-K of The AES  Corporation,  for the year ended  December 31, 1996 and to
the reference to us under the headings  "Experts" in each  Prospectus,  which is
part of such Registration Statement.


  /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
- ------------------------------
Washington, D.C.
November 19, 1997





                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1



                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

The undersigned  (other than Dennis W. Bakke and Barry J. Sharp),  acting in the
capacity or capacities  stated  opposite their  respective  names below,  hereby
constitute and appoint  DENNIS W. BAKKE,  BARRY J. SHARP and WILLIAM R. LURASCHI
and each of them severally,  the  attorneys-in-fact of the undersigned with full
power to them and each of them to sign for and in the name of the undersigned in
the capacities  indicated below the Registration  Statement on Form S-3 relating
to the  securities of this Company,  including  Senior Debt  Securities,  Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities,  Junior  Subordinated  Debt Securities,  Preferred
Securities,  Guarantees of Preferred Securities, Stock Purchase Contracts, Stock
Purchase Units,  Preferred Stock,  and Common Stock of the Company,  and any and
all  exhibits,  amendments  and  supplements  thereto,  and any other  documents
necessary,  appropriate  or desirable in connection  therewith,  and to file the
same and to do and perform each and every act and thing  necessary,  appropriate
or  desirable  in  connection  therewith.  Each of DENNIS W.  BAKKE and BARRY J.
SHARP,  each acting in the  capacity  stated  opposite  his name  below,  hereby
constitutes and appoints WILLIAM R. LURASCHI as his  attorney-in-fact  with full
power to him to sign for and in his name in the  capacity  indicated  below  the
Registration  Statement  on Form S-3 and any and all  exhibits,  amendments  and
supplements thereto, and any other documents necessary, appropriate or desirable
in  connection  therewith,  and to file the same and to do and perform  each and
every act and thing necessary, appropriate or desirable in connection therewith.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                       POSITION WITH AES                     DATE
- ---------------------------   ----------------------------------------   -----------------
<S>                           <C>                                                     <C>                    
  /s/ Roger W. Sant           Chairman of the Board and Director                       November 7, 1997      
- -------------------------                                                                                     
Roger W. Sant                                                                                                 
                                                                                                              
  /s/ Dennis W. Bakke         President, Chief Executive Officer and                   November 7, 1997      
- -------------------------     Director (Principal Executive Officer)                                          
Dennis W. Bakke                                                                                               
                                                                                                              
  /s/ Vicki-Ann Assevero                   Director                                    November  7, 1997     
- -------------------------                                                                                     
Vicki-Ann Assevero                                                                                            
                                                                                                              
  /s/ Dr. Alice F. Emerson                 Director                                    November  7, 1997     
- -------------------------                                                                                     
Dr. Alice F. Emerson                                                                                          
                                                                                                              
  /s/ Robert F. Hemphill, Jr.              Director                                    November  7, 1997     
- -------------------------                                                                                     
Robert F. Hemphill, Jr.                                                                                       
                                                                                                              
  /s/ Frank Jungers                        Director                                    November  7, 1997     
- -------------------------                                                                                     
Frank Jungers                                                                                                 
                                                                                                              
  /s/ Dr. Henry R. Linden                  Director                                    November  7, 1997     
- -------------------------                                                                                     
Dr. Henry R. Linden                                                                                           
                                                                                                              
  /s/ John H. McArthur                     Director                                    November  7, 1997     
- -------------------------
John H. McArthur
</TABLE>


<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                       <C>                                         <C>                    
                                                                                                              
  /s/ Hazel O'Leary                        Director                                    November 7, 1997      
- -------------------------                                                                                     
Hazel O'Leary                                                                                                 
                                                                                                              
  /s/ Thomas I. Unterberg                  Director                                    November 7, 1997      
- -------------------------                                                                                     
Thomas I. Unterberg                                                                                           
                                                                                                              
  /s/ Robert H. Waterman, Jr.              Director                                    November 7, 1997      
- -------------------------                                                                                     
Robert H. Waterman, Jr.                                                                                       
                                                                                                              
  /s/ Barry J. Sharp              Vice President and Chief Financial Officer           November 7, 1997       
- -------------------------         (Principal Financial and Accounting                                   
Barry J. Sharp                    Officer)                                                              

</TABLE>


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM T-1
                                    --------

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                      UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                  OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
                   OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(B)(2)
                                                             --
                              -------------------

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
               (EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

    A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION                             36-0899825
                                                           (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
                                                         (IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS                    60670-0126
       (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)


                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
                      ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
                          CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
             ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
            (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

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

                               THE AES CORPORATION
               (EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


              DELAWARE                                   54-1163725
   (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                    (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
   INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                   IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)


         1001 NORTH 19TH STREET
         ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA                              22209
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)



                             SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES
                         (TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)



<PAGE>

ITEM 1.       GENERAL INFORMATION.  FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
              INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:

              (A)  NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH  EXAMINING  OR
              SUPERVISING   AUTHORITY   TO   WHICH  IT  IS
              SUBJECT.

              Comptroller of Currency,  Washington,  D.C.,
              Federal   Deposit   Insurance   Corporation,
              Washington,  D.C., The Board of Governors of
              the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.

              (B)  WHETHER IT IS  AUTHORIZED  TO  EXERCISE
              CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

              The  trustee  is   authorized   to  exercise
              corporate trust powers.

ITEM 2.       AFFILIATIONS   WITH  THE  OBLIGOR.   IF  THE
              OBLIGOR  IS AN  AFFILIATE  OF  THE  TRUSTEE,
              DESCRIBE EACH SUCH AFFILIATION.

              No such affiliation exists with the trustee.


ITEM 16.      LIST OF  EXHIBITS.  LIST BELOW ALL  EXHIBITS
              FILED  AS  A  PART  OF  THIS   STATEMENT  OF
              ELIGIBILITY.

              1.  A copy of the articles of association of
                  the trustee now in effect.*

              2.  A copy of the  certificates of authority
                  of the trustee to commence business.*

              3.  A  copy  of  the  authorization  of  the
                  trustee  to  exercise   corporate  trust
                  powers.*

              4.  A copy of the  existing  by-laws  of the
                  trustee.*

              5.  Not Applicable.

              6.  The consent of the  trustee  required by
                  Section 321(b) of the Act.


                             2

<PAGE>

              7.  A copy of the latest report of condition
                  of the trustee published pursuant to law
                  or the  requirements  of its supervising
                  or examining authority.

              8.  Not Applicable.

              9.  Not Applicable.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the
trustee,  The First  National Bank of Chicago,  a national  banking  association
organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America,  has duly
caused  this  Statement  of  Eligibility  to be  signed  on  its  behalf  by the
undersigned,  thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Chicago and State of
Illinois, on the 7th day of November, 1997.


                                    THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
                                    TRUSTEE

                                    BY  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL





* EXHIBITS  1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE  HEREIN  INCORPORATED  BY  REFERENCE  TO  EXHIBITS
BEARING  IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK
OF CHICAGO,  FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT ON FORM S-3 OF
SUNAMERICA INC. FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 25,
1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).


                                        3

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 6



                       THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
                          BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT



                                November 7, 1997




Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C.  20549

Gentlemen:

In connection with the qualification of an indenture between The AES Corporation
and The First  National Bank of Chicago,  the  undersigned,  in accordance  with
Section 321(b) of the Trust  Indenture Act of 1939, as amended,  hereby consents
that the reports of  examinations of the  undersigned,  made by Federal or State
authorities  authorized  to make such  examinations,  may be  furnished  by such
authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.


                           VERY TRULY YOURS,

                           THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO

                           BY:  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                ---------------------------------
                                RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL



                                        4

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                      <C>                                    <C>        <C>               <C>
Legal Title of Bank:     The First National Bank of Chicago     Call Date: 06/30/97  ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                 One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                             Page RC-1
City, State  Zip:        Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:    0/3/6/1/8
</TABLE>

CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL
AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR JUNE 30, 1997

All  schedules  are to be reported in  thousands  of dollars.  Unless  otherwise
indicated,  report the amount  outstanding  as of the last  business  day of the
quarter.

SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN                C400
                                                                                        THOUSANDS         RCFD    BIL MIL THOU
                                                                                   -----------------      ----    ------------
<S>                                                                              <C>                     <C>    <C>             <C> 
ASSETS
1.  Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule RC-A):
    a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1)....................                         0081   4,415,563       1.a.
    b. Interest-bearing balances(2).............................................                         0071   7,049,275       1.b.
2.  Securities
    a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A)................                         1754           0       2.a.
    b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D).............                         1773   4,455,173       2.b.
3 . Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to
    resell                                                                                               1350   4,604,233       3.
4.  Loans and lease financing receivables:
    a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income (from Schedule
    RC-C)....................................................................... RCFD 2122 24,185,099                           4.a.
    b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses................................ RCFD 3123    423,419                           4.b.
    c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve.................................... RCFD 3128          0                           4.c.
    d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and
       reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c).....................................                         2125  23,761,680       4.d.
5.  Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D).........................................                         3545   6,930,216       5.
6.  Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)....................                         2145     705,704       6.
7.  Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M)................................                         2150       7,960       7.
8.  Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
    companies (from Schedule RC-M)..............................................                         2130      64,504       8.
9.  Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding................                         2155     562,251       9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M)......................................                         2143     283,716      10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F)...........................................                         2160   1,997,778      11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11)....................................                         2170  54,837,423      12.
</TABLE>


- --------------
(1)  Includes  cash items in process of  collection  and  unposted  debits.
(2)  Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.

                                        5

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                        <C>                                         <C>         <C>              <C>
Legal Title of Bank:       The First National Bank of Chicago          Call Date:  06/30/97 ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                   One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                               Page RC-2
City, State  Zip:          Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:      0/3/6/1/8

SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
                                                                       DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
                                                                           Thousands                         BIL MIL THOU
                                                                       -----------------                     ------------
<S>                                                                    <C>                      <C>          <C>             <C> 
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
    a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
       from Schedule RC-E, part 1)...................................                           RCON 2200    21,852,164      13.a
       (1) Noninterest-bearing(1)....................................  RCON 6631  9,474,510                                  13.a.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCON 6636 12,377,654                                  13.a.2
    b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
       IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II)............................                           RCFN 2200    13,756,280      13.b.
       (1) Noninterest bearing.......................................  RCFN 6631     330,030                                 13.b.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCFN 6636  13,426,250                                 13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase:...................................................                           RCFD 2800     3,827,159      14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury                                                 RCON 2840        40,307      15.a
    b. Trading Liabilities(from Schedule RC-D).......................                           RCFD 3548     4,985,577      15.b
16. Other borrowed money:
    a. With original maturity of one year or less....................                           RCFD 2332     2,337,018      16.a
    b. With original  maturity of than one year through three years..                                A547       265,393      16.b
    c.  With a remaining maturity of more than three years ..........                                A548       322,175      16.c
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding..........                           RCFD 2920       562,251      18
19. Subordinated notes and debentures (2)............................                           RCFD 3200     1,700,000      19
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G)...........................                           RCFD 2930       929,875      20
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20)...................                           RCFD 2948    50,618,199      21
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus....................                           RCFD 3838             0      23
24. Common stock.....................................................                           RCFD 3230       200,858      24
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock).........                           RCFD 3839     2,948,616      25
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves........................                           RCFD 3632     1,059,214      26.a.
    b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
       securities....................................................                           RCFD 8434        12,788      26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments..............                           RCFD 3284        (2,252)     27
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27)................                           RCFD 3210     4,219,224      28
29. Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28)....                           RCFD 3300    54,837,423      29

Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1.  Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement
    below that best describes the most comprehensive level of 
    auditing work performed for the bank by independent external                                          Number
    Number auditors as of any date during 1996.......................  RCFD 6724                         [  N/A  ]           M.1.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                <C>                                                        
1 =  Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance         4 =   Directors' examination of the bank performed by other
     with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified           external auditors (may be required by state chartering
     public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank           authority)
2 =  Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company        5 =   Review of the bank's financial statements by external
     conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing            auditors
     standards by a certified public accounting firm which         6 =   Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external
     submits a report on the consolidated holding company                auditors
     (but not on the bank separately)                              7 =   Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)
3 =  Directors' examination of the bank conducted in               8 =   No external audit work
     accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
     by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by
     state chartering authority)
</TABLE>

- ------------
(1) Includes  total demand  deposits  and  noninterest-bearing  time and savings
deposits.
(2) Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.

                                        6




                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM T-1
                                    --------

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                      UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                  OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
                   OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(B)(2)
                                                             --
                              -------------------

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
               (EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

    A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION                             36-0899825
                                                           (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
                                                         (IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS                    60670-0126
       (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)


                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
                      ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
                          CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
             ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
            (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

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

                               THE AES CORPORATION
               (EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


              DELAWARE                                   54-1163725
   (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                    (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
   INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                   IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)


         1001 NORTH 19TH STREET
         ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA                              22209
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)



                       SENIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
                         (TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)



<PAGE>

ITEM 1.       GENERAL INFORMATION.  FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
              INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:

              (A)  NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH  EXAMINING  OR
              SUPERVISING   AUTHORITY   TO   WHICH  IT  IS
              SUBJECT.

              Comptroller of Currency,  Washington,  D.C.,
              Federal   Deposit   Insurance   Corporation,
              Washington,  D.C., The Board of Governors of
              the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.

              (B)  WHETHER IT IS  AUTHORIZED  TO  EXERCISE
              CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

              The  trustee  is   authorized   to  exercise
              corporate trust powers.

ITEM 2.       AFFILIATIONS   WITH  THE  OBLIGOR.   IF  THE
              OBLIGOR  IS AN  AFFILIATE  OF  THE  TRUSTEE,
              DESCRIBE EACH SUCH AFFILIATION.

              No such affiliation exists with the trustee.


ITEM 16.      LIST OF  EXHIBITS.  LIST BELOW ALL  EXHIBITS
              FILED  AS  A  PART  OF  THIS   STATEMENT  OF
              ELIGIBILITY.

              1.  A copy of the articles of association of
                  the trustee now in effect.*

              2.  A copy of the  certificates of authority
                  of the trustee to commence business.*

              3.  A  copy  of  the  authorization  of  the
                  trustee  to  exercise   corporate  trust
                  powers.*

              4.  A copy of the  existing  by-laws  of the
                  trustee.*

              5.  Not Applicable.

              6.  The consent of the  trustee  required by
                  Section 321(b) of the Act.


                             2

<PAGE>

              7.  A copy of the latest report of condition
                  of the trustee published pursuant to law
                  or the  requirements  of its supervising
                  or examining authority.

              8.  Not Applicable.

              9.  Not Applicable.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the
trustee,  The First  National Bank of Chicago,  a national  banking  association
organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America,  has duly
caused  this  Statement  of  Eligibility  to be  signed  on  its  behalf  by the
undersigned,  thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Chicago and State of
Illinois, on the 7th day of November, 1997.


                                    THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
                                    TRUSTEE

                                    BY  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL





* EXHIBITS  1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE  HEREIN  INCORPORATED  BY  REFERENCE  TO  EXHIBITS
BEARING  IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK
OF CHICAGO,  FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT ON FORM S-3 OF
SUNAMERICA INC. FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 25,
1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).


                                        3

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 6



                       THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
                          BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT



                                November 7, 1997




Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C.  20549

Gentlemen:

In connection with the qualification of an indenture between The AES Corporation
and The First  National Bank of Chicago,  the  undersigned,  in accordance  with
Section 321(b) of the Trust  Indenture Act of 1939, as amended,  hereby consents
that the reports of  examinations of the  undersigned,  made by Federal or State
authorities  authorized  to make such  examinations,  may be  furnished  by such
authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.


                           VERY TRULY YOURS,

                           THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO

                           BY:  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                ---------------------------------
                                RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL



                                        4

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                      <C>                                    <C>        <C>               <C>
Legal Title of Bank:     The First National Bank of Chicago     Call Date: 06/30/97  ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                 One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                             Page RC-1
City, State  Zip:        Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:    0/3/6/1/8
</TABLE>

CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL
AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR JUNE 30, 1997

All  schedules  are to be reported in  thousands  of dollars.  Unless  otherwise
indicated,  report the amount  outstanding  as of the last  business  day of the
quarter.

SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN                C400
                                                                                        THOUSANDS         RCFD    BIL MIL THOU
                                                                                   -----------------      ----    ------------
<S>                                                                              <C>                     <C>    <C>             <C> 
ASSETS
1.  Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule RC-A):
    a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1)....................                         0081   4,415,563       1.a.
    b. Interest-bearing balances(2).............................................                         0071   7,049,275       1.b.
2.  Securities
    a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A)................                         1754           0       2.a.
    b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D).............                         1773   4,455,173       2.b.
3 . Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to
    resell                                                                                               1350   4,604,233       3.
4.  Loans and lease financing receivables:
    a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income (from Schedule
    RC-C)....................................................................... RCFD 2122 24,185,099                           4.a.
    b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses................................ RCFD 3123    423,419                           4.b.
    c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve.................................... RCFD 3128          0                           4.c.
    d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and
       reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c).....................................                         2125  23,761,680       4.d.
5.  Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D).........................................                         3545   6,930,216       5.
6.  Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)....................                         2145     705,704       6.
7.  Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M)................................                         2150       7,960       7.
8.  Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
    companies (from Schedule RC-M)..............................................                         2130      64,504       8.
9.  Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding................                         2155     562,251       9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M)......................................                         2143     283,716      10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F)...........................................                         2160   1,997,778      11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11)....................................                         2170  54,837,423      12.
</TABLE>


- --------------
(1)  Includes  cash items in process of  collection  and  unposted  debits.
(2)  Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.

                                        5

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                        <C>                                         <C>         <C>              <C>
Legal Title of Bank:       The First National Bank of Chicago          Call Date:  06/30/97 ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                   One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                                    Page RC-2
City, State  Zip:          Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:      0/3/6/1/8

SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
                                                                       DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
                                                                           Thousands                         BIL MIL THOU
                                                                       -----------------                     ------------
<S>                                                                    <C>                      <C>          <C>             <C> 
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
    a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
       from Schedule RC-E, part 1)...................................                           RCON 2200    21,852,164      13.a
       (1) Noninterest-bearing(1)....................................  RCON 6631  9,474,510                                  13.a.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCON 6636 12,377,654                                  13.a.2
    b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
       IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II)............................                           RCFN 2200    13,756,280      13.b.
       (1) Noninterest bearing.......................................  RCFN 6631     330,030                                 13.b.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCFN 6636  13,426,250                                 13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase:...................................................                           RCFD 2800     3,827,159      14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury                                                 RCON 2840        40,307      15.a
    b. Trading Liabilities(from Schedule RC-D).......................                           RCFD 3548     4,985,577      15.b
16. Other borrowed money:
    a. With original maturity of one year or less....................                           RCFD 2332     2,337,018      16.a
    b. With original  maturity of than one year through three years..                                A547       265,393      16.b
    c.  With a remaining maturity of more than three years ..........                                A548       322,175      16.c
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding..........                           RCFD 2920       562,251      18
19. Subordinated notes and debentures (2)............................                           RCFD 3200     1,700,000      19
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G)...........................                           RCFD 2930       929,875      20
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20)...................                           RCFD 2948    50,618,199      21
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus....................                           RCFD 3838             0      23
24. Common stock.....................................................                           RCFD 3230       200,858      24
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock).........                           RCFD 3839     2,948,616      25
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves........................                           RCFD 3632     1,059,214      26.a.
    b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
       securities....................................................                           RCFD 8434        12,788      26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments..............                           RCFD 3284        (2,252)     27
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27)................                           RCFD 3210     4,219,224      28
29. Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28)....                           RCFD 3300    54,837,423      29

Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1.  Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement
    below that best describes the most comprehensive level of 
    auditing work performed for the bank by independent external                                          Number
    Number auditors as of any date during 1996.......................  RCFD 6724                         [  N/A  ]           M.1.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                <C>                                                        
1 =  Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance         4 =   Directors' examination of the bank performed by other
     with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified           external auditors (may be required by state chartering
     public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank           authority)
2 =  Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company        5 =   Review of the bank's financial statements by external
     conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing            auditors
     standards by a certified public accounting firm which         6 =   Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external
     submits a report on the consolidated holding company                auditors
     (but not on the bank separately)                              7 =   Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)
3 =  Directors' examination of the bank conducted in               8 =   No external audit work
     accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
     by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by
     state chartering authority)
</TABLE>

- ------------
(1) Includes  total demand  deposits  and  noninterest-bearing  time and savings
deposits.
(2) Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.

                                        6


                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM T-1
                                    --------

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                      UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                  OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
                   OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(B)(2)
                                                             --
                              -------------------

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
               (EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

    A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION                             36-0899825
                                                           (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
                                                         (IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS                    60670-0126
       (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)


                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
                      ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
                          CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
             ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
            (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

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

                               THE AES CORPORATION
               (EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


              DELAWARE                                   54-1163725
   (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                    (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
   INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                   IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)


         1001 NORTH 19TH STREET
         ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA                              22209
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)



                       JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
                         (TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)



<PAGE>

ITEM 1.       GENERAL INFORMATION.  FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
              INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:

              (A)  NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH  EXAMINING  OR
              SUPERVISING   AUTHORITY   TO   WHICH  IT  IS
              SUBJECT.

              Comptroller of Currency,  Washington,  D.C.,
              Federal   Deposit   Insurance   Corporation,
              Washington,  D.C., The Board of Governors of
              the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.

              (B)  WHETHER IT IS  AUTHORIZED  TO  EXERCISE
              CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

              The  trustee  is   authorized   to  exercise
              corporate trust powers.

ITEM 2.       AFFILIATIONS   WITH  THE  OBLIGOR.   IF  THE
              OBLIGOR  IS AN  AFFILIATE  OF  THE  TRUSTEE,
              DESCRIBE EACH SUCH AFFILIATION.

              No such affiliation exists with the trustee.


ITEM 16.      LIST OF  EXHIBITS.  LIST BELOW ALL  EXHIBITS
              FILED  AS  A  PART  OF  THIS   STATEMENT  OF
              ELIGIBILITY.

              1.  A copy of the articles of association of
                  the trustee now in effect.*

              2.  A copy of the  certificates of authority
                  of the trustee to commence business.*

              3.  A  copy  of  the  authorization  of  the
                  trustee  to  exercise   corporate  trust
                  powers.*

              4.  A copy of the  existing  by-laws  of the
                  trustee.*

              5.  Not Applicable.

              6.  The consent of the  trustee  required by
                  Section 321(b) of the Act.


                             2

<PAGE>

              7.  A copy of the latest report of condition
                  of the trustee published pursuant to law
                  or the  requirements  of its supervising
                  or examining authority.

              8.  Not Applicable.

              9.  Not Applicable.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the
trustee,  The First  National Bank of Chicago,  a national  banking  association
organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America,  has duly
caused  this  Statement  of  Eligibility  to be  signed  on  its  behalf  by the
undersigned,  thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Chicago and State of
Illinois, on the 7th day of November, 1997.


                                    THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
                                    TRUSTEE

                                    BY  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL





* EXHIBITS  1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE  HEREIN  INCORPORATED  BY  REFERENCE  TO  EXHIBITS
BEARING  IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK
OF CHICAGO,  FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT ON FORM S-3 OF
SUNAMERICA INC. FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 25,
1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).


                                        3

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 6



                       THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
                          BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT



                                November 7, 1997




Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C.  20549

Gentlemen:

In connection with the qualification of an indenture between The AES Corporation
and The First  National Bank of Chicago,  the  undersigned,  in accordance  with
Section 321(b) of the Trust  Indenture Act of 1939, as amended,  hereby consents
that the reports of  examinations of the  undersigned,  made by Federal or State
authorities  authorized  to make such  examinations,  may be  furnished  by such
authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.


                           VERY TRULY YOURS,

                           THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO

                           BY:  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                ---------------------------------
                                RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL



                                        4

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                      <C>                                    <C>        <C>               <C>
Legal Title of Bank:     The First National Bank of Chicago     Call Date: 06/30/97  ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                 One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                             Page RC-1
City, State  Zip:        Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:    0/3/6/1/8
</TABLE>

CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL
AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR JUNE 30, 1997

All  schedules  are to be reported in  thousands  of dollars.  Unless  otherwise
indicated,  report the amount  outstanding  as of the last  business  day of the
quarter.

SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN                C400
                                                                                        THOUSANDS         RCFD    BIL MIL THOU
                                                                                   -----------------      ----    ------------
<S>                                                                              <C>                     <C>    <C>             <C> 
ASSETS
1.  Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule RC-A):
    a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1)....................                         0081   4,415,563       1.a.
    b. Interest-bearing balances(2).............................................                         0071   7,049,275       1.b.
2.  Securities
    a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A)................                         1754           0       2.a.
    b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D).............                         1773   4,455,173       2.b.
3 . Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to
    resell                                                                                               1350   4,604,233       3.
4.  Loans and lease financing receivables:
    a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income (from Schedule
    RC-C)....................................................................... RCFD 2122 24,185,099                           4.a.
    b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses................................ RCFD 3123    423,419                           4.b.
    c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve.................................... RCFD 3128          0                           4.c.
    d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and
       reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c).....................................                         2125  23,761,680       4.d.
5.  Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D).........................................                         3545   6,930,216       5.
6.  Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)....................                         2145     705,704       6.
7.  Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M)................................                         2150       7,960       7.
8.  Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
    companies (from Schedule RC-M)..............................................                         2130      64,504       8.
9.  Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding................                         2155     562,251       9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M)......................................                         2143     283,716      10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F)...........................................                         2160   1,997,778      11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11)....................................                         2170  54,837,423      12.
</TABLE>


- --------------
(1)  Includes  cash items in process of  collection  and  unposted  debits.
(2)  Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.

                                        5

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                        <C>                                         <C>         <C>              <C>
Legal Title of Bank:       The First National Bank of Chicago          Call Date:  06/30/97 ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                   One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                                    Page RC-2
City, State  Zip:          Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:      0/3/6/1/8

SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
                                                                       DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
                                                                           Thousands                         BIL MIL THOU
                                                                       -----------------                     ------------
<S>                                                                    <C>                      <C>          <C>             <C> 
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
    a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
       from Schedule RC-E, part 1)...................................                           RCON 2200    21,852,164      13.a
       (1) Noninterest-bearing(1)....................................  RCON 6631  9,474,510                                  13.a.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCON 6636 12,377,654                                  13.a.2
    b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
       IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II)............................                           RCFN 2200    13,756,280      13.b.
       (1) Noninterest bearing.......................................  RCFN 6631     330,030                                 13.b.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCFN 6636  13,426,250                                 13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase:...................................................                           RCFD 2800     3,827,159      14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury                                                 RCON 2840        40,307      15.a
    b. Trading Liabilities(from Schedule RC-D).......................                           RCFD 3548     4,985,577      15.b
16. Other borrowed money:
    a. With original maturity of one year or less....................                           RCFD 2332     2,337,018      16.a
    b. With original  maturity of than one year through three years..                                A547       265,393      16.b
    c.  With a remaining maturity of more than three years ..........                                A548       322,175      16.c
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding..........                           RCFD 2920       562,251      18
19. Subordinated notes and debentures (2)............................                           RCFD 3200     1,700,000      19
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G)...........................                           RCFD 2930       929,875      20
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20)...................                           RCFD 2948    50,618,199      21
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus....................                           RCFD 3838             0      23
24. Common stock.....................................................                           RCFD 3230       200,858      24
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock).........                           RCFD 3839     2,948,616      25
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves........................                           RCFD 3632     1,059,214      26.a.
    b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
       securities....................................................                           RCFD 8434        12,788      26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments..............                           RCFD 3284        (2,252)     27
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27)................                           RCFD 3210     4,219,224      28
29. Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28)....                           RCFD 3300    54,837,423      29

Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1.  Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement
    below that best describes the most comprehensive level of 
    auditing work performed for the bank by independent external                                          Number
    Number auditors as of any date during 1996.......................  RCFD 6724                        [   N/A  ]           M.1.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                <C>                                                        
1 =  Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance         4. =  Directors' examination of the bank performed by other
     with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified           external auditors (may be required by state chartering
     public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank           authority)
2 =  Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company        5 =   Review of the bank's financial statements by external
     conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing            auditors
     standards by a certified public accounting firm which         6 =   Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external
     submits a report on the consolidated holding company                auditors
     (but not on the bank separately)                              7 =   Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)
3 =  Directors' examination of the bank conducted in               8 =   No external audit work
     accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
     by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by
     state chartering authority)
</TABLE>

- ------------
(1) Includes  total demand  deposits  and  noninterest-bearing  time and savings
deposits.
(2) Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.

                                        6

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM T-1
                                    --------

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                      UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                  OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
                   OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(B)(2)
                                                             --
                              -------------------

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
               (EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

    A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION                             36-0899825
                                                           (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
                                                         (IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS                    60670-0126
       (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)


                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
                      ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
                          CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
             ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
            (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

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

                               THE AES CORPORATION
               (EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


              DELAWARE                                   54-1163725
   (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                    (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
   INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                   IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)


         1001 NORTH 19TH STREET
         ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA                              22209
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)



                       JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
                         (TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)



<PAGE>

ITEM 1.       GENERAL INFORMATION.  FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
              INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:

              (A)  NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH  EXAMINING  OR
              SUPERVISING   AUTHORITY   TO   WHICH  IT  IS
              SUBJECT.

              Comptroller of Currency,  Washington,  D.C.,
              Federal   Deposit   Insurance   Corporation,
              Washington,  D.C., The Board of Governors of
              the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.

              (B)  WHETHER IT IS  AUTHORIZED  TO  EXERCISE
              CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

              The  trustee  is   authorized   to  exercise
              corporate trust powers.

ITEM 2.       AFFILIATIONS   WITH  THE  OBLIGOR.   IF  THE
              OBLIGOR  IS AN  AFFILIATE  OF  THE  TRUSTEE,
              DESCRIBE EACH SUCH AFFILIATION.

              No such affiliation exists with the trustee.


ITEM 16.      LIST OF  EXHIBITS.  LIST BELOW ALL  EXHIBITS
              FILED  AS  A  PART  OF  THIS   STATEMENT  OF
              ELIGIBILITY.

              1.  A copy of the articles of association of
                  the trustee now in effect.*

              2.  A copy of the  certificates of authority
                  of the trustee to commence business.*

              3.  A  copy  of  the  authorization  of  the
                  trustee  to  exercise   corporate  trust
                  powers.*

              4.  A copy of the  existing  by-laws  of the
                  trustee.*

              5.  Not Applicable.

              6.  The consent of the  trustee  required by
                  Section 321(b) of the Act.


                             2

<PAGE>

              7.  A copy of the latest report of condition
                  of the trustee published pursuant to law
                  or the  requirements  of its supervising
                  or examining authority.

              8.  Not Applicable.

              9.  Not Applicable.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the
trustee,  The First  National Bank of Chicago,  a national  banking  association
organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America,  has duly
caused  this  Statement  of  Eligibility  to be  signed  on  its  behalf  by the
undersigned,  thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Chicago and State of
Illinois, on the 7th day of November, 1997.


                                    THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
                                    TRUSTEE

                                    BY  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL





* EXHIBITS  1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE  HEREIN  INCORPORATED  BY  REFERENCE  TO  EXHIBITS
BEARING  IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK
OF CHICAGO,  FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT ON FORM S-3 OF
SUNAMERICA INC. FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 25,
1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).


                                        3

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 6



                       THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
                          BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT



                                November 7, 1997




Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C.  20549

Gentlemen:

In connection with the qualification of an indenture between The AES Corporation
and The First  National Bank of Chicago,  the  undersigned,  in accordance  with
Section 321(b) of the Trust  Indenture Act of 1939, as amended,  hereby consents
that the reports of  examinations of the  undersigned,  made by Federal or State
authorities  authorized  to make such  examinations,  may be  furnished  by such
authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.


                           VERY TRULY YOURS,

                           THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO

                           BY:  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                ---------------------------------
                                RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL



                                        4

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                      <C>                                    <C>        <C>               <C>
Legal Title of Bank:     The First National Bank of Chicago     Call Date: 06/30/97  ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                 One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                             Page RC-1
City, State  Zip:        Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:    0/3/6/1/8
</TABLE>

CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL
AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR JUNE 30, 1997

All  schedules  are to be reported in  thousands  of dollars.  Unless  otherwise
indicated,  report the amount  outstanding  as of the last  business  day of the
quarter.

SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN                C400
                                                                                        THOUSANDS         RCFD    BIL MIL THOU
                                                                                   -----------------      ----    ------------
<S>                                                                              <C>                     <C>    <C>             <C> 
ASSETS
1.  Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule RC-A):
    a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1)....................                         0081   4,415,563       1.a.
    b. Interest-bearing balances(2).............................................                         0071   7,049,275       1.b.
2.  Securities
    a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A)................                         1754           0       2.a.
    b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D).............                         1773   4,455,173       2.b.
3 . Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to
    resell                                                                                               1350   4,604,233       3.
4.  Loans and lease financing receivables:
    a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income (from Schedule
    RC-C)....................................................................... RCFD 2122 24,185,099                           4.a.
    b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses................................ RCFD 3123    423,419                           4.b.
    c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve.................................... RCFD 3128          0                           4.c.
    d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and
       reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c).....................................                         2125  23,761,680       4.d.
5.  Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D).........................................                         3545   6,930,216       5.
6.  Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)....................                         2145     705,704       6.
7.  Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M)................................                         2150       7,960       7.
8.  Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
    companies (from Schedule RC-M)..............................................                         2130      64,504       8.
9.  Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding................                         2155     562,251       9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M)......................................                         2143     283,716      10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F)...........................................                         2160   1,997,778      11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11)....................................                         2170  54,837,423      12.
</TABLE>


- --------------
(1)  Includes  cash items in process of  collection  and  unposted  debits.
(2)  Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.

                                        5

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                        <C>                                         <C>         <C>              <C>
Legal Title of Bank:       The First National Bank of Chicago          Call Date:  06/30/97 ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                   One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                                    Page RC-2
City, State  Zip:          Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:      0/3/6/1/8

SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
                                                                       DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
                                                                           Thousands                         BIL MIL THOU
                                                                       -----------------                     ------------
<S>                                                                    <C>                      <C>          <C>             <C> 
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
    a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
       from Schedule RC-E, part 1)...................................                           RCON 2200    21,852,164      13.a
       (1) Noninterest-bearing(1)....................................  RCON 6631  9,474,510                                  13.a.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCON 6636 12,377,654                                  13.a.2
    b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
       IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II)............................                           RCFN 2200    13,756,280      13.b.
       (1) Noninterest bearing.......................................  RCFN 6631     330,030                                 13.b.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCFN 6636  13,426,250                                 13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase:...................................................                           RCFD 2800     3,827,159      14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury                                                 RCON 2840        40,307      15.a
    b. Trading Liabilities(from Schedule RC-D).......................                           RCFD 3548     4,985,577      15.b
16. Other borrowed money:
    a. With original maturity of one year or less....................                           RCFD 2332     2,337,018      16.a
    b. With original  maturity of than one year through three years..                                A547       265,393      16.b
    c.  With a remaining maturity of more than three years ..........                                A548       322,175      16.c
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding..........                           RCFD 2920       562,251      18
19. Subordinated notes and debentures (2)............................                           RCFD 3200     1,700,000      19
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G)...........................                           RCFD 2930       929,875      20
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20)...................                           RCFD 2948    50,618,199      21
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus....................                           RCFD 3838             0      23
24. Common stock.....................................................                           RCFD 3230       200,858      24
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock).........                           RCFD 3839     2,948,616      25
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves........................                           RCFD 3632     1,059,214      26.a.
    b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
       securities....................................................                           RCFD 8434        12,788      26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments..............                           RCFD 3284        (2,252)     27
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27)................                           RCFD 3210     4,219,224      28
29. Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28)....                           RCFD 3300    54,837,423      29

Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1.  Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement
    below that best describes the most comprehensive level of 
    auditing work performed for the bank by independent external                                          Number
    Number auditors as of any date during 1996.......................  RCFD 6724                         [  N/A  ]           M.1.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                <C>                                                        
1 =  Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance         4 =   Directors' examination of the bank performed by other
     with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified           external auditors (may be required by state chartering
     public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank           authority)
2 =  Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company        5 =   Review of the bank's financial statements by external
     conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing            auditors
     standards by a certified public accounting firm which         6 =   Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external
     submits a report on the consolidated holding company                auditors
     (but not on the bank separately)                              7 =   Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)
3 =  Directors' examination of the bank conducted in               8 =   No external audit work
     accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
     by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by
     state chartering authority)
</TABLE>

- ------------
(1) Includes  total demand  deposits  and  noninterest-bearing  time and savings
deposits.
(2) Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.

                                        6



                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM T-1
                                    --------

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                      UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                  OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
                   OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(B)(2)
                                                             --
                              -------------------

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
               (EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

    A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION                             36-0899825
                                                           (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
                                                         (IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS                    60670-0126
       (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)


                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
                      ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
                          CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
             ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
            (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

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

                               THE AES TRUST III
               (EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


              DELAWARE                                TO BE APPLIED FOR
   (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                    (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
   INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                   IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)


         1001 NORTH 19TH STREET
         ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA                              22209
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)



                              PREFERRED SECURITIES
                         (TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)



<PAGE>

ITEM 1.       GENERAL INFORMATION.  FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
              INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:

              (A)  NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH  EXAMINING  OR
              SUPERVISING   AUTHORITY   TO   WHICH  IT  IS
              SUBJECT.

              Comptroller of Currency,  Washington,  D.C.,
              Federal   Deposit   Insurance   Corporation,
              Washington,  D.C., The Board of Governors of
              the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.

              (B)  WHETHER IT IS  AUTHORIZED  TO  EXERCISE
              CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

              The  trustee  is   authorized   to  exercise
              corporate trust powers.

ITEM 2.       AFFILIATIONS   WITH  THE  OBLIGOR.   IF  THE
              OBLIGOR  IS AN  AFFILIATE  OF  THE  TRUSTEE,
              DESCRIBE EACH SUCH AFFILIATION.

              No such affiliation exists with the trustee.


ITEM 16.      LIST OF  EXHIBITS.  LIST BELOW ALL  EXHIBITS
              FILED  AS  A  PART  OF  THIS   STATEMENT  OF
              ELIGIBILITY.

              1.  A copy of the articles of association of
                  the trustee now in effect.*

              2.  A copy of the  certificates of authority
                  of the trustee to commence business.*

              3.  A  copy  of  the  authorization  of  the
                  trustee  to  exercise   corporate  trust
                  powers.*

              4.  A copy of the  existing  by-laws  of the
                  trustee.*

              5.  Not Applicable.

              6.  The consent of the  trustee  required by
                  Section 321(b) of the Act.


                             2

<PAGE>

              7.  A copy of the latest report of condition
                  of the trustee published pursuant to law
                  or the  requirements  of its supervising
                  or examining authority.

              8.  Not Applicable.

              9.  Not Applicable.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the
trustee,  The First  National Bank of Chicago,  a national  banking  association
organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America,  has duly
caused  this  Statement  of  Eligibility  to be  signed  on  its  behalf  by the
undersigned,  thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Chicago and State of
Illinois, on the 7th day of November, 1997.


                                    THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
                                    TRUSTEE

                                    BY  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL





* EXHIBITS  1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE  HEREIN  INCORPORATED  BY  REFERENCE  TO  EXHIBITS
BEARING  IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK
OF CHICAGO,  FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT ON FORM S-3 OF
SUNAMERICA INC. FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 25,
1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).


                                        3

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 6



                       THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
                          BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT



                                November 7, 1997




Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C.  20549

Gentlemen:

In connection with the qualification of The Amended and Restated  Declaration of
Trust of AES Trust III, and The First National Bank of Chicago, the undersigned,
in  accordance  with  Section  321(b) of the  Trust  Indenture  Act of 1939,  as
amended,  hereby consents that the reports of  examinations of the  undersigned,
made by Federal or State authorities  authorized to make such examinations,  may
be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange  Commission upon
its request therefor.


                           VERY TRULY YOURS,

                           THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO

                           BY:  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                ---------------------------------
                                RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL



                                        4

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                      <C>                                    <C>        <C>               <C>
Legal Title of Bank:     The First National Bank of Chicago     Call Date: 06/30/97  ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                 One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                             Page RC-1
City, State  Zip:        Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:    0/3/6/1/8
</TABLE>

CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL
AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR JUNE 30, 1997

All  schedules  are to be reported in  thousands  of dollars.  Unless  otherwise
indicated,  report the amount  outstanding  as of the last  business  day of the
quarter.

SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN                C400
                                                                                        THOUSANDS         RCFD    BIL MIL THOU
                                                                                   -----------------      ----    ------------
<S>                                                                              <C>                     <C>    <C>             <C> 
ASSETS
1.  Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule RC-A):
    a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1)....................                         0081   4,415,563       1.a.
    b. Interest-bearing balances(2).............................................                         0071   7,049,275       1.b.
2.  Securities
    a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A)................                         1754           0       2.a.
    b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D).............                         1773   4,455,173       2.b.
3 . Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to
    resell                                                                                               1350   4,604,233       3.
4.  Loans and lease financing receivables:
    a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income (from Schedule
    RC-C)....................................................................... RCFD 2122 24,185,099                           4.a.
    b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses................................ RCFD 3123    423,419                           4.b.
    c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve.................................... RCFD 3128          0                           4.c.
    d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and
       reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c).....................................                         2125  23,761,680       4.d.
5.  Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D).........................................                         3545   6,930,216       5.
6.  Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)....................                         2145     705,704       6.
7.  Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M)................................                         2150       7,960       7.
8.  Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
    companies (from Schedule RC-M)..............................................                         2130      64,504       8.
9.  Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding................                         2155     562,251       9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M)......................................                         2143     283,716      10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F)...........................................                         2160   1,997,778      11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11)....................................                         2170  54,837,423      12.
</TABLE>


- --------------
(1)  Includes  cash items in process of  collection  and  unposted  debits.
(2)  Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.

                                        5

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                        <C>                                         <C>         <C>              <C>
Legal Title of Bank:       The First National Bank of Chicago          Call Date:  06/30/97 ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                   One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                                    Page RC-2
City, State  Zip:          Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:      0/3/6/1/8

SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
                                                                       DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
                                                                           Thousands                         BIL MIL THOU
                                                                       -----------------                     ------------
<S>                                                                    <C>                      <C>          <C>             <C> 
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
    a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
       from Schedule RC-E, part 1)...................................                           RCON 2200    21,852,164      13.a
       (1) Noninterest-bearing(1)....................................  RCON 6631  9,474,510                                  13.a.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCON 6636 12,377,654                                  13.a.2
    b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
       IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II)............................                           RCFN 2200    13,756,280      13.b.
       (1) Noninterest bearing.......................................  RCFN 6631     330,030                                 13.b.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCFN 6636  13,426,250                                 13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase:...................................................                           RCFD 2800     3,827,159      14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury                                                 RCON 2840        40,307      15.a
    b. Trading Liabilities(from Schedule RC-D).......................                           RCFD 3548     4,985,577      15.b
16. Other borrowed money:
    a. With original maturity of one year or less....................                           RCFD 2332     2,337,018      16.a
    b. With original  maturity of than one year through three years..                                A547       265,393      16.b
    c.  With a remaining maturity of more than three years ..........                                A548       322,175      16.c
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding..........                           RCFD 2920       562,251      18
19. Subordinated notes and debentures (2)............................                           RCFD 3200     1,700,000      19
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G)...........................                           RCFD 2930       929,875      20
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20)...................                           RCFD 2948    50,618,199      21
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus....................                           RCFD 3838             0      23
24. Common stock.....................................................                           RCFD 3230       200,858      24
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock).........                           RCFD 3839     2,948,616      25
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves........................                           RCFD 3632     1,059,214      26.a.
    b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
       securities....................................................                           RCFD 8434        12,788      26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments..............                           RCFD 3284        (2,252)     27
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27)................                           RCFD 3210     4,219,224      28
29. Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28)....                           RCFD 3300    54,837,423      29

Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1.  Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement
    below that best describes the most comprehensive level of 
    auditing work performed for the bank by independent external                                          Number
    Number auditors as of any date during 1996.......................  RCFD 6724                         [  N/A ]            M.1.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                <C>                                                        
1 =  Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance         4  =  Directors' examination of the bank performed by other
     with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified           external auditors (may be required by state chartering
     public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank           authority)
2 =  Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company        5 =   Review of the bank's financial statements by external
     conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing            auditors
     standards by a certified public accounting firm which         6 =   Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external
     submits a report on the consolidated holding company                auditors
     (but not on the bank separately)                              7 =   Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)
3 =  Directors' examination of the bank conducted in               8 =   No external audit work
     accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
     by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by
     state chartering authority)
</TABLE>

- ------------
(1) Includes  total demand  deposits  and  noninterest-bearing  time and savings
deposits.
(2) Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.

                                        6





                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM T-1
                                    --------

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                      UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                  OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
                   OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(B)(2)
                                                             --
                              -------------------

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
               (EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

    A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION                             36-0899825
                                                           (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
                                                         (IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS                    60670-0126
       (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)


                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
                      ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
                          CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
             ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
            (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

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

                               THE AES TRUST IV
               (EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


              DELAWARE                                TO BE APPLIED FOR
   (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                    (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
   INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                   IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)


         1001 NORTH 19TH STREET
         ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA                              22209
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)



                              PREFERRED SECURITIES
                         (TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)



<PAGE>

ITEM 1.       GENERAL INFORMATION.  FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
              INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:

              (A)  NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH  EXAMINING  OR
              SUPERVISING   AUTHORITY   TO   WHICH  IT  IS
              SUBJECT.

              Comptroller of Currency,  Washington,  D.C.,
              Federal   Deposit   Insurance   Corporation,
              Washington,  D.C., The Board of Governors of
              the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.

              (B)  WHETHER IT IS  AUTHORIZED  TO  EXERCISE
              CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

              The  trustee  is   authorized   to  exercise
              corporate trust powers.

ITEM 2.       AFFILIATIONS   WITH  THE  OBLIGOR.   IF  THE
              OBLIGOR  IS AN  AFFILIATE  OF  THE  TRUSTEE,
              DESCRIBE EACH SUCH AFFILIATION.

              No such affiliation exists with the trustee.


ITEM 16.      LIST OF  EXHIBITS.  LIST BELOW ALL  EXHIBITS
              FILED  AS  A  PART  OF  THIS   STATEMENT  OF
              ELIGIBILITY.

              1.  A copy of the articles of association of
                  the trustee now in effect.*

              2.  A copy of the  certificates of authority
                  of the trustee to commence business.*

              3.  A  copy  of  the  authorization  of  the
                  trustee  to  exercise   corporate  trust
                  powers.*

              4.  A copy of the  existing  by-laws  of the
                  trustee.*

              5.  Not Applicable.

              6.  The consent of the  trustee  required by
                  Section 321(b) of the Act.


                             2

<PAGE>

              7.  A copy of the latest report of condition
                  of the trustee published pursuant to law
                  or the  requirements  of its supervising
                  or examining authority.

              8.  Not Applicable.

              9.  Not Applicable.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the
trustee,  The First  National Bank of Chicago,  a national  banking  association
organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America,  has duly
caused  this  Statement  of  Eligibility  to be  signed  on  its  behalf  by the
undersigned,  thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Chicago and State of
Illinois, on the 7th day of November, 1997.


                                    THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
                                    TRUSTEE

                                    BY  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL





* EXHIBITS  1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE  HEREIN  INCORPORATED  BY  REFERENCE  TO  EXHIBITS
BEARING  IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK
OF CHICAGO,  FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT ON FORM S-3 OF
SUNAMERICA INC. FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 25,
1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).


                                        3

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 6



                       THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
                          BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT



                                November 7, 1997




Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C.  20549

Gentlemen:

In connection with the qualification of The Amended and Restated  Declaration of
Trust of AES Trust IV, the undersigned, in accordance with Section 321(b) of the
Trust  Indenture  Act of 1939, as amended,  hereby  consents that the reports of
examinations of the undersigned, made by Federal or State authorities authorized
to  make  such  examinations,  may  be  furnished  by  such  authorities  to the
Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.


                           VERY TRULY YOURS,

                           THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO

                           BY:  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                ---------------------------------
                                RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL



                                        4

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                      <C>                                    <C>        <C>               <C>
Legal Title of Bank:     The First National Bank of Chicago     Call Date: 06/30/97  ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                 One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                             Page RC-1
City, State  Zip:        Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:    0/3/6/1/8
</TABLE>

CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL
AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR JUNE 30, 1997

All  schedules  are to be reported in  thousands  of dollars.  Unless  otherwise
indicated,  report the amount  outstanding  as of the last  business  day of the
quarter.

SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN                C400
                                                                                        THOUSANDS         RCFD       ----
                                                                                                                  BIL MIL THOU
                                                                                   -----------------      ----    ------------
<S>                                                                              <C>                     <C>    <C>             <C> 
ASSETS
1.  Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule RC-A):
    a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1)....................                         0081   4,415,563       1.a.
    b. Interest-bearing balances(2).............................................                         0071   7,049,275       1.b.
2.  Securities
    a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A)................                         1754           0       2.a.
    b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D).............                         1773   4,455,173       2.b.
3 . Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to
    resell                                                                                               1350   4,604,233       3.
4.  Loans and lease financing receivables:
    a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income (from Schedule
    RC-C)....................................................................... RCFD 2122 24,185,099                           4.a.
    b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses................................ RCFD 3123    423,419                           4.b.
    c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve.................................... RCFD 3128          0                           4.c.
    d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and
       reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c).....................................                         2125  23,761,680       4.d.
5.  Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D).........................................                          3545  6,930,216       5.
6.  Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)....................                          2145    705,704       6.
7.  Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M)................................                          2150      7,960       7.
8.  Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
    companies (from Schedule RC-M)..............................................                          2130     64,504       8.
9.  Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding................                          2155    562,251       9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M)......................................                          2143    283,716      10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F)...........................................                          2160  1,997,778      11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11)....................................                          2170 54,837,423      12.
</TABLE>


- --------------
(1)  Includes  cash items in process of  collection  and  unposted  debits.
(2)  Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.

                                        5

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                        <C>                                         <C>         <C>              <C>
Legal Title of Bank:       The First National Bank of Chicago          Call Date:  06/30/97 ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                   One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                                    Page RC-2
City, State  Zip:          Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:      0/3/6/1/8

SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
                                                                       DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
                                                                           Thousands                         BIL MIL THOU
                                                                       -----------------                     ------------
<S>                                                                    <C>                      <C>          <C>             <C> 
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
    a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
       from Schedule RC-E, part 1)...................................                           RCON 2200    21,852,164      13.a
       (1) Noninterest-bearing(1)....................................  RCON 6631  9,474,510                                  13.a.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCON 6636 12,377,654                                  13.a.2
    b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
       IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II)............................                           RCFN 2200    13,756,280      13.b.
       (1) Noninterest bearing.......................................  RCFN 6631     330,030                                 13.b.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCFN 6636  13,426,250                                 13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase:...................................................                           RCFD 2800     3,827,159      14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury                                                 RCON 2840        40,307      15.a
    b. Trading Liabilities(from Schedule RC-D).......................                           RCFD 3548     4,985,577      15.b
16. Other borrowed money:
    a. With original maturity of one year or less....................                           RCFD 2332     2,337,018      16.a
    b. With original  maturity of than one year through three years..                                A547       265,393      16.b
    c.  With a remaining maturity of more than three years ..........                                A548       322,175      16.c
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding..........                           RCFD 2920       562,251      18
19. Subordinated notes and debentures (2)............................                           RCFD 3200     1,700,000      19
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G)...........................                           RCFD 2930       929,875      20
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20)...................                           RCFD 2948    50,618,199      21
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus....................                           RCFD 3838             0      23
24. Common stock.....................................................                           RCFD 3230       200,858      24
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock).........                           RCFD 3839     2,948,616      25
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves........................                           RCFD 3632     1,059,214      26.a.
    b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
       securities....................................................                           RCFD 8434        12,788      26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments..............                           RCFD 3284        (2,252)     27
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27)................                           RCFD 3210     4,219,224      28
29. Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28)....                           RCFD 3300    54,837,423      29

Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1.  Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement
    below that best describes the most comprehensive level of 
    auditing work performed for the bank by independent external                                          Number
    Number auditors as of any date during 1996.......................  RCFD 6724                         [  N/A  ]           M.1.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                <C>                                                        
1 =  Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance         4  =  Directors' examination of the bank performed by other
     with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified           external auditors (may be required by state chartering
     public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank           authority)
2 =  Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company        5 =   Review of the bank's financial statements by external
     conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing            auditors
     standards by a certified public accounting firm which         6 =   Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external
     submits a report on the consolidated holding company                auditors
     (but not on the bank separately)                              7 =   Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)
3 =  Directors' examination of the bank conducted in               8 =   No external audit work
     accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
     by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by
     state chartering authority)
</TABLE>

- ------------
(1) Includes  total demand  deposits  and  noninterest-bearing  time and savings
deposits.
(2) Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.

                                        6


                     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM T-1
                                    --------

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                      UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                  OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
                   OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(B)(2)
                                                             --
                              -------------------

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
               (EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

    A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION                             36-0899825
                                                           (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
                                                         (IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS                    60670-0126
       (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)


                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
                      ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
                          CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
             ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
            (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

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

                               THE AES TRUST V
               (EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


              DELAWARE                                TO BE APPLIED FOR
   (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                    (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
   INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                   IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)


         1001 NORTH 19TH STREET
         ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA                              22209
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)



                              PREFERRED SECURITIES
                         (TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)



<PAGE>

ITEM 1.       GENERAL INFORMATION.  FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
              INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:

              (A)  NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH  EXAMINING  OR
              SUPERVISING   AUTHORITY   TO   WHICH  IT  IS
              SUBJECT.

              Comptroller of Currency,  Washington,  D.C.,
              Federal   Deposit   Insurance   Corporation,
              Washington,  D.C., The Board of Governors of
              the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.

              (B)  WHETHER IT IS  AUTHORIZED  TO  EXERCISE
              CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

              The  trustee  is   authorized   to  exercise
              corporate trust powers.

ITEM 2.       AFFILIATIONS   WITH  THE  OBLIGOR.   IF  THE
              OBLIGOR  IS AN  AFFILIATE  OF  THE  TRUSTEE,
              DESCRIBE EACH SUCH AFFILIATION.

              No such affiliation exists with the trustee.


ITEM 16.      LIST OF  EXHIBITS.  LIST BELOW ALL  EXHIBITS
              FILED  AS  A  PART  OF  THIS   STATEMENT  OF
              ELIGIBILITY.

              1.  A copy of the articles of association of
                  the trustee now in effect.*

              2.  A copy of the  certificates of authority
                  of the trustee to commence business.*

              3.  A  copy  of  the  authorization  of  the
                  trustee  to  exercise   corporate  trust
                  powers.*

              4.  A copy of the  existing  by-laws  of the
                  trustee.*

              5.  Not Applicable.

              6.  The consent of the  trustee  required by
                  Section 321(b) of the Act.


                             2

<PAGE>

              7.  A copy of the latest report of condition
                  of the trustee published pursuant to law
                  or the  requirements  of its supervising
                  or examining authority.

              8.  Not Applicable.

              9.  Not Applicable.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the
trustee,  The First  National Bank of Chicago,  a national  banking  association
organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America,  has duly
caused  this  Statement  of  Eligibility  to be  signed  on  its  behalf  by the
undersigned,  thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Chicago and State of
Illinois, on the 7th day of November, 1997.


                                    THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
                                    TRUSTEE

                                    BY  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL





* EXHIBITS  1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE  HEREIN  INCORPORATED  BY  REFERENCE  TO  EXHIBITS
BEARING  IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK
OF CHICAGO,  FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT ON FORM S-3 OF
SUNAMERICA INC. FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 25,
1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).


                                        3

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 6



                       THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
                          BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT



                                November 7, 1997




Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C.  20549

Gentlemen:

In connection with the qualification of The Amended and Restated  Declaration of
Trust of AES Trust V, the undersigned,  in accordance with Section 321(b) of the
Trust  Indenture  Act of 1939, as amended,  hereby  consents that the reports of
examinations of the undersigned, made by Federal or State authorities authorized
to  make  such  examinations,  may  be  furnished  by  such  authorities  to the
Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.


                           VERY TRULY YOURS,

                           THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO

                           BY:  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                ---------------------------------
                                RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL



                                        4

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                      <C>                                    <C>        <C>               <C>
Legal Title of Bank:     The First National Bank of Chicago     Call Date: 06/30/97  ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                 One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                             Page RC-1
City, State  Zip:        Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:    0/3/6/1/8
</TABLE>

CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL
AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR JUNE 30, 1997

All  schedules  are to be reported in  thousands  of dollars.  Unless  otherwise
indicated,  report the amount  outstanding  as of the last  business  day of the
quarter.

SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN                C400
                                                                                        THOUSANDS         RCFD       ----
                                                                                                                  BIL MIL THOU
                                                                                   -----------------      ----    ------------
<S>                                                                              <C>                     <C>    <C>             <C> 
ASSETS
1.  Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule RC-A):
    a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1)....................                         0081   4,415,563       1.a.
    b. Interest-bearing balances(2).............................................                         0071   7,049,275       1.b.
2.  Securities
    a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A)................                         1754           0       2.a.
    b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D).............                         1773   4,455,173       2.b.
3 . Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to
    resell                                                                                               1350   4,604,233       3.
4.  Loans and lease financing receivables:
    a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income (from Schedule
    RC-C)....................................................................... RCFD 2122 24,185,099                           4.a.
    b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses................................ RCFD 3123    423,419                           4.b.
    c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve.................................... RCFD 3128          0                           4.c.
    d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and
       reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c).....................................                         2125  23,761,680       4.d.
5.  Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D).........................................                          3545  6,930,216       5.
6.  Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)....................                          2145    705,704       6.
7.  Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M)................................                          2150      7,960       7.
8.  Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
    companies (from Schedule RC-M)..............................................                          2130     64,504       8.
9.  Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding................                          2155    562,251       9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M)......................................                          2143    283,716      10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F)...........................................                          2160  1,997,778      11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11)....................................                          2170 54,837,423      12.
</TABLE>


- --------------
(1)  Includes  cash items in process of  collection  and  unposted  debits.
(2)  Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.

                                        5

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                        <C>                                         <C>         <C>              <C>
Legal Title of Bank:       The First National Bank of Chicago          Call Date:  06/30/97 ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                   One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                                    Page RC-2
City, State  Zip:          Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:      0/3/6/1/8

SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
                                                                       DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
                                                                           Thousands                         BIL MIL THOU
                                                                       -----------------                     ------------
<S>                                                                    <C>                      <C>          <C>             <C> 
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
    a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
       from Schedule RC-E, part 1)...................................                           RCON 2200    21,852,164      13.a
       (1) Noninterest-bearing(1)....................................  RCON 6631  9,474,510                                  13.a.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCON 6636 12,377,654                                  13.a.2
    b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
       IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II)............................                           RCFN 2200    13,756,280      13.b.
       (1) Noninterest bearing.......................................  RCFN 6631     330,030                                 13.b.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCFN 6636  13,426,250                                 13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase:...................................................                           RCFD 2800     3,827,159      14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury                                                 RCON 2840        40,307      15.a
    b. Trading Liabilities(from Schedule RC-D).......................                           RCFD 3548     4,985,577      15.b
16. Other borrowed money:
    a. With original maturity of one year or less....................                           RCFD 2332     2,337,018      16.a
    b. With original  maturity of than one year through three years..                                A547       265,393      16.b
    c.  With a remaining maturity of more than three years ..........                                A548       322,175      16.c
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding..........                           RCFD 2920       562,251      18
19. Subordinated notes and debentures (2)............................                           RCFD 3200     1,700,000      19
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G)...........................                           RCFD 2930       929,875      20
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20)...................                           RCFD 2948    50,618,199      21
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus....................                           RCFD 3838             0      23
24. Common stock.....................................................                           RCFD 3230       200,858      24
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock).........                           RCFD 3839     2,948,616      25
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves........................                           RCFD 3632     1,059,214      26.a.
    b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
       securities....................................................                           RCFD 8434        12,788      26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments..............                           RCFD 3284        (2,252)     27
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27)................                           RCFD 3210     4,219,224      28
29. Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28)....                           RCFD 3300    54,837,423      29

Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1.  Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement
    below that best describes the most comprehensive level of 
    auditing work performed for the bank by independent external                                          Number
    Number auditors as of any date during 1996.......................  RCFD 6724                         [  N/A  ]           M.1.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                <C>                                                        
1 =  Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance         4. =  Directors' examination of the bank performed by other
     with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified           external auditors (may be required by state chartering
     public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank           authority)
2 =  Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company        5 =   Review of the bank's financial statements by external
     conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing            auditors
     standards by a certified public accounting firm which         6 =   Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external
     submits a report on the consolidated holding company                auditors
     (but not on the bank separately)                              7 =   Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)
3 =  Directors' examination of the bank conducted in               8 =   No external audit work
     accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
     by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by
     state chartering authority)
</TABLE>

- ------------
(1) Includes  total demand  deposits  and  noninterest-bearing  time and savings
deposits.
(2) Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.

                                        6



                     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM T-1
                                    --------

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                      UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                  OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
                   OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(B)(2)
                                                             --
                              -------------------

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
               (EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

    A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION                             36-0899825
                                                           (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
                                                         (IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS                    60670-0126
       (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)


                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
                      ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
                          CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
             ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
            (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

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

                               THE AES CORPORATION
               (EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


              DELAWARE                                   54-1163725
   (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                    (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
   INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                   IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)


         1001 NORTH 19TH STREET
         ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA                              22209
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)



                       GUARANTEE OF PREFERRED SECURITIES OF
                               THE AES TRUST III
                         (TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)



<PAGE>

ITEM 1.       GENERAL INFORMATION.  FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
              INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:

              (A)  NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH  EXAMINING  OR
              SUPERVISING   AUTHORITY   TO   WHICH  IT  IS
              SUBJECT.

              Comptroller of Currency,  Washington,  D.C.,
              Federal   Deposit   Insurance   Corporation,
              Washington,  D.C., The Board of Governors of
              the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.

              (B)  WHETHER IT IS  AUTHORIZED  TO  EXERCISE
              CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

              The  trustee  is   authorized   to  exercise
              corporate trust powers.

ITEM 2.       AFFILIATIONS   WITH  THE  OBLIGOR.   IF  THE
              OBLIGOR  IS AN  AFFILIATE  OF  THE  TRUSTEE,
              DESCRIBE EACH SUCH AFFILIATION.

              No such affiliation exists with the trustee.


ITEM 16.      LIST OF  EXHIBITS.  LIST BELOW ALL  EXHIBITS
              FILED  AS  A  PART  OF  THIS   STATEMENT  OF
              ELIGIBILITY.

              1.  A copy of the articles of association of
                  the trustee now in effect.*

              2.  A copy of the  certificates of authority
                  of the trustee to commence business.*

              3.  A  copy  of  the  authorization  of  the
                  trustee  to  exercise   corporate  trust
                  powers.*

              4.  A copy of the  existing  by-laws  of the
                  trustee.*

              5.  Not Applicable.

              6.  The consent of the  trustee  required by
                  Section 321(b) of the Act.


                             2

<PAGE>

              7.  A copy of the latest report of condition
                  of the trustee published pursuant to law
                  or the  requirements  of its supervising
                  or examining authority.

              8.  Not Applicable.

              9.  Not Applicable.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the
trustee,  The First  National Bank of Chicago,  a national  banking  association
organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America,  has duly
caused  this  Statement  of  Eligibility  to be  signed  on  its  behalf  by the
undersigned,  thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Chicago and State of
Illinois, on the 7th day of November, 1997.


                                    THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
                                    TRUSTEE

                                    BY  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL





* EXHIBITS  1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE  HEREIN  INCORPORATED  BY  REFERENCE  TO  EXHIBITS
BEARING  IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK
OF CHICAGO,  FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT ON FORM S-3 OF
SUNAMERICA INC. FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 25,
1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).


                                        3

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 6



                       THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
                          BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT



                                November 7, 1997




Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C.  20549

Gentlemen:

In connection with the  qualification of a Guarantee  Agreement  between The AES
Corporation  and  The  First  National  Bank of  Chicago,  the  undersigned,  in
accordance  with Section 321(b) of the Trust  Indenture Act of 1939, as amended,
hereby  consents that the reports of examinations  of the  undersigned,  made by
Federal  or State  authorities  authorized  to make  such  examinations,  may be
furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its
request therefor.


                           VERY TRULY YOURS,

                           THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO

                           BY:  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                ---------------------------------
                                RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL



                                        4

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                      <C>                                    <C>        <C>               <C>
Legal Title of Bank:     The First National Bank of Chicago     Call Date: 06/30/97  ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                 One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                             Page RC-1
City, State  Zip:        Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:    0/3/6/1/8
</TABLE>

CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL
AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR JUNE 30, 1997

All  schedules  are to be reported in  thousands  of dollars.  Unless  otherwise
indicated,  report the amount  outstanding  as of the last  business  day of the
quarter.

SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN                C400
                                                                                        THOUSANDS         RCFD    ------------
                                                                                                                  BIL MIL THOU
                                                                                   -----------------      ----    ------------
<S>                                                                              <C>                     <C>    <C>             <C> 
ASSETS
1.  Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule RC-A):
    a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1)....................                         0081   4,415,563       1.a.
    b. Interest-bearing balances(2).............................................                         0071   7,049,275       1.b.
2.  Securities
    a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A)................                         1754           0       2.a.
    b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D).............                         1773   4,455,173       2.b.
3 . Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to
    resell                                                                                               1350   4,604,233       3.
4.  Loans and lease financing receivables:
    a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income (from Schedule
    RC-C)....................................................................... RCFD 2122 24,185,099                           4.a.
    b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses................................ RCFD 3123    423,419                           4.b.
    c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve.................................... RCFD 3128          0                           4.c.
    d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and
       reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c).....................................                         2125  23,761,680       4.d.
5.  Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D).........................................                         3545   6,930,216       5.
6.  Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)....................                         2145     705,704       6.
7.  Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M)................................                         2150       7,960       7.
8.  Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
    companies (from Schedule RC-M)..............................................                         2130      64,504       8.
9.  Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding................                         2155     562,251       9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M)......................................                         2143     283,716      10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F)...........................................                         2160   1,997,778      11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11)....................................                         2170  54,837,423      12.
</TABLE>


- --------------
(1)  Includes  cash items in process of  collection  and  unposted  debits.
(2)  Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.

                                        5

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                        <C>                                         <C>         <C>              <C>
Legal Title of Bank:       The First National Bank of Chicago          Call Date:  06/30/97 ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                   One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                                    Page RC-2
City, State  Zip:          Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:      0/3/6/1/8

SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
                                                                       DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
                                                                           Thousands                         BIL MIL THOU
                                                                       -----------------                     ------------
<S>                                                                    <C>                      <C>          <C>             <C> 
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
    a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
       from Schedule RC-E, part 1)...................................                           RCON 2200    21,852,164      13.a
       (1) Noninterest-bearing(1)....................................  RCON 6631  9,474,510                                  13.a.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCON 6636 12,377,654                                  13.a.2
    b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
       IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II)............................                           RCFN 2200    13,756,280      13.b.
       (1) Noninterest bearing.......................................  RCFN 6631     330,030                                 13.b.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCFN 6636  13,426,250                                 13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase:...................................................                           RCFD 2800     3,827,159      14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury                                                 RCON 2840        40,307      15.a
    b. Trading Liabilities(from Schedule RC-D).......................                           RCFD 3548     4,985,577      15.b
16. Other borrowed money:
    a. With original maturity of one year or less....................                           RCFD 2332     2,337,018      16.a
    b. With original  maturity of than one year through three years..                                A547       265,393      16.b
    c.  With a remaining maturity of more than three years ..........                                A548       322,175      16.c
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding..........                           RCFD 2920       562,251      18
19. Subordinated notes and debentures (2)............................                           RCFD 3200     1,700,000      19
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G)...........................                           RCFD 2930       929,875      20
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20)...................                           RCFD 2948    50,618,199      21
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus....................                           RCFD 3838             0      23
24. Common stock.....................................................                           RCFD 3230       200,858      24
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock).........                           RCFD 3839     2,948,616      25
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves........................                           RCFD 3632     1,059,214      26.a.
    b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
       securities....................................................                           RCFD 8434        12,788      26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments..............                           RCFD 3284        (2,252)     27
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27)................                           RCFD 3210     4,219,224      28
29. Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28)....                           RCFD 3300    54,837,423      29

Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1.  Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement
    below that best describes the most comprehensive level of 
    auditing work performed for the bank by independent external                                           Number
    Number auditors as of any date during 1996.......................  RCFD 6724                          [ N/A  ]          M.1.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                <C>                                                        
1 =  Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance         4. =  Directors' examination of the bank performed by other
     with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified           external auditors (may be required by state chartering
     public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank           authority)
2 =  Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company        5 =   Review of the bank's financial statements by external
     conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing            auditors
     standards by a certified public accounting firm which         6 =   Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external
     submits a report on the consolidated holding company                auditors
     (but not on the bank separately)                              7 =   Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)
3 =  Directors' examination of the bank conducted in               8 =   No external audit work
     accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
     by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by
     state chartering authority)
</TABLE>

- ------------
(1) Includes  total demand  deposits  and  noninterest-bearing  time and savings
deposits.
(2) Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.

                                        6



                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM T-1
                                    --------

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                      UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                  OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
                   OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(B)(2)
                                                             --
                              -------------------

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
               (EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

    A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION                             36-0899825
                                                           (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
                                                         (IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS                    60670-0126
       (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)


                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
                      ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
                          CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
             ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
            (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

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

                               THE AES CORPORATION
               (EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


              DELAWARE                                   54-1163725
   (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                    (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
   INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                   IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)


         1001 NORTH 19TH STREET
         ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA                              22209
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)



                   GUARANTEE OF PREFERRED PREFERRED SECURITIES
                                THE AES TRUST IV
                         (TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)



<PAGE>

ITEM 1.       GENERAL INFORMATION.  FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
              INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:

              (A)  NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH  EXAMINING  OR
              SUPERVISING   AUTHORITY   TO   WHICH  IT  IS
              SUBJECT.

              Comptroller of Currency,  Washington,  D.C.,
              Federal   Deposit   Insurance   Corporation,
              Washington,  D.C., The Board of Governors of
              the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.

              (B)  WHETHER IT IS  AUTHORIZED  TO  EXERCISE
              CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

              The  trustee  is   authorized   to  exercise
              corporate trust powers.

ITEM 2.       AFFILIATIONS   WITH  THE  OBLIGOR.   IF  THE
              OBLIGOR  IS AN  AFFILIATE  OF  THE  TRUSTEE,
              DESCRIBE EACH SUCH AFFILIATION.

              No such affiliation exists with the trustee.


ITEM 16.      LIST OF  EXHIBITS.  LIST BELOW ALL  EXHIBITS
              FILED  AS  A  PART  OF  THIS   STATEMENT  OF
              ELIGIBILITY.

              1.  A copy of the articles of association of
                  the trustee now in effect.*

              2.  A copy of the  certificates of authority
                  of the trustee to commence business.*

              3.  A  copy  of  the  authorization  of  the
                  trustee  to  exercise   corporate  trust
                  powers.*

              4.  A copy of the  existing  by-laws  of the
                  trustee.*

              5.  Not Applicable.

              6.  The consent of the  trustee  required by
                  Section 321(b) of the Act.


                             2

<PAGE>

              7.  A copy of the latest report of condition
                  of the trustee published pursuant to law
                  or the  requirements  of its supervising
                  or examining authority.

              8.  Not Applicable.

              9.  Not Applicable.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the
trustee,  The First  National Bank of Chicago,  a national  banking  association
organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America,  has duly
caused  this  Statement  of  Eligibility  to be  signed  on  its  behalf  by the
undersigned,  thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Chicago and State of
Illinois, on the 7th day of November, 1997.


                                    THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
                                    TRUSTEE

                                    BY  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL





* EXHIBITS  1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE  HEREIN  INCORPORATED  BY  REFERENCE  TO  EXHIBITS
BEARING  IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK
OF CHICAGO,  FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT ON FORM S-3 OF
SUNAMERICA INC. FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 25,
1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).


                                        3

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 6



                       THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
                          BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT



                                November 7, 1997




Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C.  20549

Gentlemen:

In connection with the  qualification of a Guarantee  Agreement  between The AES
Corporation  and  The  First  National  Bank of  Chicago,  the  undersigned,  in
accordance  with Section 321(b) of the Trust  Indenture Act of 1939, as amended,
hereby  consents that the reports of examinations  of the  undersigned,  made by
Federal  or State  authorities  authorized  to make  such  examinations,  may be
furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its
request therefor.


                           VERY TRULY YOURS,

                           THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO

                           BY:  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                ---------------------------------
                                RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL



                                        4

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                      <C>                                    <C>        <C>               <C>
Legal Title of Bank:     The First National Bank of Chicago     Call Date: 06/30/97  ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                 One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                             Page RC-1
City, State  Zip:        Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:    0/3/6/1/8
</TABLE>

CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL
AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR JUNE 30, 1997

All  schedules  are to be reported in  thousands  of dollars.  Unless  otherwise
indicated,  report the amount  outstanding  as of the last  business  day of the
quarter.

SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN                C400
                                                                                        THOUSANDS         RCFD    ------------
                                                                                                                  BIL MIL THOU
                                                                                   -----------------      ----    ------------
<S>                                                                              <C>                     <C>    <C>             <C> 
ASSETS
1.  Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule RC-A):
    a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1)....................                         0081   4,415,563       1.a.
    b. Interest-bearing balances(2).............................................                         0071   7,049,275       1.b.
2.  Securities
    a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A)................                         1754           0       2.a.
    b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D).............                         1773   4,455,173       2.b.
3 . Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to
    resell                                                                                               1350   4,604,233       3.
4.  Loans and lease financing receivables:
    a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income (from Schedule
    RC-C)....................................................................... RCFD 2122 24,185,099                           4.a.
    b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses................................ RCFD 3123    423,419                           4.b.
    c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve.................................... RCFD 3128          0                           4.c.
    d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and
       reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c).....................................                         2125  23,761,680       4.d.
5.  Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D).........................................                         3545   6,930,216       5.
6.  Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)....................                         2145     705,704       6.
7.  Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M)................................                         2150       7,960       7.
8.  Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
    companies (from Schedule RC-M)..............................................                         2130      64,504       8.
9.  Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding................                         2155     562,251       9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M)......................................                         2143     283,716      10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F)...........................................                         2160   1,997,778      11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11)....................................                         2170  54,837,423      12.
</TABLE>


- --------------
(1)  Includes  cash items in process of  collection  and  unposted  debits.
(2)  Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.

                                        5

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                        <C>                                         <C>         <C>              <C>
Legal Title of Bank:       The First National Bank of Chicago          Call Date:  06/30/97 ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                   One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                                    Page RC-2
City, State  Zip:          Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:      0/3/6/1/8

SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
                                                                       DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
                                                                           Thousands                         BIL MIL THOU
                                                                       -----------------                     ------------
<S>                                                                    <C>                      <C>          <C>             <C> 
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
    a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
       from Schedule RC-E, part 1)...................................                           RCON 2200    21,852,164      13.a
       (1) Noninterest-bearing(1)....................................  RCON 6631  9,474,510                                  13.a.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCON 6636 12,377,654                                  13.a.2
    b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
       IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II)............................                           RCFN 2200    13,756,280      13.b.
       (1) Noninterest bearing.......................................  RCFN 6631     330,030                                 13.b.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCFN 6636  13,426,250                                 13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase:...................................................                           RCFD 2800     3,827,159      14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury                                                 RCON 2840        40,307      15.a
    b. Trading Liabilities(from Schedule RC-D).......................                           RCFD 3548     4,985,577      15.b
16. Other borrowed money:
    a. With original maturity of one year or less....................                           RCFD 2332     2,337,018      16.a
    b. With original  maturity of than one year through three years..                                A547       265,393      16.b
    c.  With a remaining maturity of more than three years ..........                                A548       322,175      16.c
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding..........                           RCFD 2920       562,251      18
19. Subordinated notes and debentures (2)............................                           RCFD 3200     1,700,000      19
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G)...........................                           RCFD 2930       929,875      20
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20)...................                           RCFD 2948    50,618,199      21
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus....................                           RCFD 3838             0      23
24. Common stock.....................................................                           RCFD 3230       200,858      24
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock).........                           RCFD 3839     2,948,616      25
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves........................                           RCFD 3632     1,059,214      26.a.
    b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
       securities....................................................                           RCFD 8434        12,788      26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments..............                           RCFD 3284        (2,252)     27
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27)................                           RCFD 3210     4,219,224      28
29. Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28)....                           RCFD 3300    54,837,423      29

Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1.  Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement
    below that best describes the most comprehensive level of 
    auditing work performed for the bank by independent external                                          Number
    Number auditors as of any date during 1996.......................  RCFD 6724                         [  N/A  ]          M.1.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                <C>                                                        
1 =  Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance         4  =  Directors' examination of the bank performed by other
     with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified           external auditors (may be required by state chartering
     public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank           authority)
2 =  Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company        5 =   Review of the bank's financial statements by external
     conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing            auditors
     standards by a certified public accounting firm which         6 =   Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external
     submits a report on the consolidated holding company                auditors
     (but not on the bank separately)                              7 =   Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)
3 =  Directors' examination of the bank conducted in               8 =   No external audit work
     accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
     by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by
     state chartering authority)
</TABLE>

- ------------
(1) Includes  total demand  deposits  and  noninterest-bearing  time and savings
deposits.
(2) Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.

                                        6



                     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM T-1
                                    --------

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                      UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                  OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
                   OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(B)(2)
                                                             --
                              -------------------

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
               (EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

    A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION                             36-0899825
                                                           (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
                                                         (IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS                    60670-0126
       (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)


                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
                      ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
                          CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
             ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
            (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

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

                               THE AES CORPORATION
               (EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


              DELAWARE                                   54-1163725
   (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                    (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
   INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                   IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)


         1001 NORTH 19TH STREET
         ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA                              22209
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)



                       GUARANTEE OF PREFERRED SECURITIES OF
                                THE AES TRUST V
                         (TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)



<PAGE>

ITEM 1.       GENERAL INFORMATION.  FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
              INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:

              (A)  NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH  EXAMINING  OR
              SUPERVISING   AUTHORITY   TO   WHICH  IT  IS
              SUBJECT.

              Comptroller of Currency,  Washington,  D.C.,
              Federal   Deposit   Insurance   Corporation,
              Washington,  D.C., The Board of Governors of
              the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.

              (B)  WHETHER IT IS  AUTHORIZED  TO  EXERCISE
              CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

              The  trustee  is   authorized   to  exercise
              corporate trust powers.

ITEM 2.       AFFILIATIONS   WITH  THE  OBLIGOR.   IF  THE
              OBLIGOR  IS AN  AFFILIATE  OF  THE  TRUSTEE,
              DESCRIBE EACH SUCH AFFILIATION.

              No such affiliation exists with the trustee.


ITEM 16.      LIST OF  EXHIBITS.  LIST BELOW ALL  EXHIBITS
              FILED  AS  A  PART  OF  THIS   STATEMENT  OF
              ELIGIBILITY.

              1.  A copy of the articles of association of
                  the trustee now in effect.*

              2.  A copy of the  certificates of authority
                  of the trustee to commence business.*

              3.  A  copy  of  the  authorization  of  the
                  trustee  to  exercise   corporate  trust
                  powers.*

              4.  A copy of the  existing  by-laws  of the
                  trustee.*

              5.  Not Applicable.

              6.  The consent of the  trustee  required by
                  Section 321(b) of the Act.


                             2

<PAGE>

              7.  A copy of the latest report of condition
                  of the trustee published pursuant to law
                  or the  requirements  of its supervising
                  or examining authority.

              8.  Not Applicable.

              9.  Not Applicable.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the
trustee,  The First  National Bank of Chicago,  a national  banking  association
organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America,  has duly
caused  this  Statement  of  Eligibility  to be  signed  on  its  behalf  by the
undersigned,  thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Chicago and State of
Illinois, on the 7th day of November, 1997.


                                    THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
                                    TRUSTEE

                                    BY  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                        VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL





* EXHIBITS  1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE  HEREIN  INCORPORATED  BY  REFERENCE  TO  EXHIBITS
BEARING  IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK
OF CHICAGO,  FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT ON FORM S-3 OF
SUNAMERICA INC. FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 25,
1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).


                                        3

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 6



                       THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
                          BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT



                                November 7, 1997




Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C.  20549

Gentlemen:

In connection with the  qualification of a Guarantee  Agreement  between The AES
Corporation  and  The  First  National  Bank of  Chicago,  the  undersigned,  in
accordance  with Section 321(b) of the Trust  Indenture Act of 1939, as amended,
hereby  consents that the reports of examinations  of the  undersigned,  made by
Federal  or State  authorities  authorized  to make  such  examinations,  may be
furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its
request therefor.


                           VERY TRULY YOURS,

                           THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO

                           BY:  /S/ RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                ---------------------------------
                                RICHARD D. MANELLA
                                VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL



                                        4

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT 7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                      <C>                                    <C>        <C>               <C>
Legal Title of Bank:     The First National Bank of Chicago     Call Date: 06/30/97  ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                 One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                             Page RC-1
City, State  Zip:        Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:    0/3/6/1/8
</TABLE>

CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL
AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR JUNE 30, 1997

All  schedules  are to be reported in  thousands  of dollars.  Unless  otherwise
indicated,  report the amount  outstanding  as of the last  business  day of the
quarter.

SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN                C400
                                                                                        THOUSANDS         RCFD    ------------
                                                                                                                  BIL MIL THOU
                                                                                   -----------------      ----    ------------
<S>                                                                              <C>                     <C>    <C>             <C> 
ASSETS
1.  Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule RC-A):
    a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1)....................                         0081   4,415,563       1.a.
    b. Interest-bearing balances(2).............................................                         0071   7,049,275       1.b.
2.  Securities
    a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A)................                         1754           0       2.a.
    b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D).............                         1773   4,455,173       2.b.
3 . Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to
    resell                                                                                               1350   4,604,233       3.
4.  Loans and lease financing receivables:
    a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income (from Schedule
    RC-C)....................................................................... RCFD 2122 24,185,099                           4.a.
    b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses................................ RCFD 3123    423,419                           4.b.
    c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve.................................... RCFD 3128          0                           4.c.
    d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and
       reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c).....................................                         2125  23,761,680       4.d.
5.  Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D).........................................                         3545   6,930,216       5.
6.  Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)....................                         2145     705,704       6.
7.  Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M)................................                         2150       7,960       7.
8.  Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
    companies (from Schedule RC-M)..............................................                         2130      64,504       8.
9.  Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding................                         2155     562,251       9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M)......................................                         2143     283,716      10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F)...........................................                         2160   1,997,778      11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11)....................................                         2170  54,837,423      12.
</TABLE>


- --------------
(1)  Includes  cash items in process of  collection  and  unposted  debits.
(2)  Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.

                                        5

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                        <C>                                         <C>         <C>              <C>
Legal Title of Bank:       The First National Bank of Chicago          Call Date:  06/30/97 ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                   One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                                    Page RC-2
City, State  Zip:          Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:      0/3/6/1/8

SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
                                                                       DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
                                                                           Thousands                         BIL MIL THOU
                                                                       -----------------                     ------------
<S>                                                                    <C>                      <C>          <C>             <C> 
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
    a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
       from Schedule RC-E, part 1)...................................                           RCON 2200    21,852,164      13.a
       (1) Noninterest-bearing(1)....................................  RCON 6631  9,474,510                                  13.a.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCON 6636 12,377,654                                  13.a.2
    b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
       IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II)............................                           RCFN 2200    13,756,280      13.b.
       (1) Noninterest bearing.......................................  RCFN 6631     330,030                                 13.b.1
       (2) Interest-bearing..........................................  RCFN 6636  13,426,250                                 13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase:...................................................                           RCFD 2800     3,827,159      14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury                                                 RCON 2840        40,307      15.a
    b. Trading Liabilities(from Schedule RC-D).......................                           RCFD 3548     4,985,577      15.b
16. Other borrowed money:
    a. With original maturity of one year or less....................                           RCFD 2332     2,337,018      16.a
    b. With original  maturity of than one year through three years..                                A547       265,393      16.b
    c.  With a remaining maturity of more than three years ..........                                A548       322,175      16.c
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding..........                           RCFD 2920       562,251      18
19. Subordinated notes and debentures (2)............................                           RCFD 3200     1,700,000      19
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G)...........................                           RCFD 2930       929,875      20
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20)...................                           RCFD 2948    50,618,199      21
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus....................                           RCFD 3838             0      23
24. Common stock.....................................................                           RCFD 3230       200,858      24
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock).........                           RCFD 3839     2,948,616      25
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves........................                           RCFD 3632     1,059,214      26.a.
    b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
       securities....................................................                           RCFD 8434        12,788      26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments..............                           RCFD 3284        (2,252)     27
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27)................                           RCFD 3210     4,219,224      28
29. Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28)....                           RCFD 3300    54,837,423      29

Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1.  Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement
    below that best describes the most comprehensive level of 
    auditing work performed for the bank by independent external                                          Number
    Number auditors as of any date during 1996.......................  RCFD 6724                         [  N/A  ]           M.1.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                <C>                                                        
1 =  Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance         4. =  Directors' examination of the bank performed by other
     with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified           external auditors (may be required by state chartering
     public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank           authority)
2 =  Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company        5 =   Review of the bank's financial statements by external
     conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing            auditors
     standards by a certified public accounting firm which         6 =   Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external
     submits a report on the consolidated holding company                auditors
     (but not on the bank separately)                              7 =   Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)
3 =  Directors' examination of the bank conducted in               8 =   No external audit work
     accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
     by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by
     state chartering authority)
</TABLE>

- ------------
(1) Includes  total demand  deposits  and  noninterest-bearing  time and savings
deposits.
(2) Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.

                                        6




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