-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, ETqc7vgVciw62OQVVJ/4ACwp6ALHPbGRiPewCjBb+YEEJcWTqZys5WxQLYqMSCoe OrBvOPSo3a4QriJ4LnjbJA== 0000950124-04-003942.txt : 20040820 0000950124-04-003942.hdr.sgml : 20040820 20040820112759 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950124-04-003942 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20040817 ITEM INFORMATION: Other events ITEM INFORMATION: Financial statements and exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20040820 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CONSUMERS ENERGY CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000201533 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTRIC & OTHER SERVICES COMBINED [4931] IRS NUMBER: 380442310 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-05611 FILM NUMBER: 04987969 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE ENERGY PLAZA CITY: JACKSON STATE: MI ZIP: 49201 BUSINESS PHONE: 5177881031 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE ENERGY PLAZA CITY: JACKSON STATE: MI ZIP: 49201 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: CONSUMERS POWER CO DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CMS ENERGY CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000811156 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTRIC & OTHER SERVICES COMBINED [4931] IRS NUMBER: 382726431 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-09513 FILM NUMBER: 04987968 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE ENERGY PLAZA CITY: JACKSON STATE: MI ZIP: 49201 BUSINESS PHONE: 5177881031 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE ENERGY PLAZA CITY: JACKSON STATE: MI ZIP: 49201 8-K 1 k87734e8vk.txt CURRENT REPORT, DATED AUGUST 17, 2004 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 DATE OF REPORT (DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED) AUGUST 17, 2004 COMMISSION REGISTRANT; STATE OF INCORPORATION; IRS EMPLOYER FILE NUMBER ADDRESS; AND TELEPHONE NUMBER IDENTIFICATION NO. ----------- ----------------------------------- ------------------ 1-9513 CMS ENERGY CORPORATION 38-2726431 (A MICHIGAN CORPORATION) ONE ENERGY PLAZA JACKSON, MICHIGAN 49201 (517) 788-0550 1-5611 CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY 38-0442310 (A MICHIGAN CORPORATION) ONE ENERGY PLAZA JACKSON, MICHIGAN 49201 (517) 788-0550 ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS On August 17, 2004, CMS Energy Corporation's ("CMS Energy") principal subsidiary, Consumers Energy Company ("Consumers") issued $800 million of first mortgage bonds (the "Bonds") in a private placement to institutional investors in three separate series. The $150 million Series K Bonds will mature on August 15, 2009 and will bear interest at the rate of 4.40%. The $300 million Series L Bonds will mature on February 15, 2012 and will bear interest at the rate of 5.00%. The $350 million Series M Bonds will mature on August 15, 2016 and will bear interest at the rate of 5.50%. Interest on each series of the Bonds will be paid semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15, commencing on February 15, 2005, and on the date of maturity. Proceeds to Consumers after underwriters' discounts are approximately $149.1 million, $297.8 million and $346.0 million, respectively. Consumers will use the net proceeds as follows: (i) to redeem the aggregate outstanding balance of $300 million of its 6% Senior Notes due March 15, 2005; (ii) to redeem the aggregate outstanding balance of $141 million of its Senior Remarketed Secured Notes due 2018 with an initial interest rate of 6.5% until June 15, 2005; (iii) to redeem the aggregate outstanding balance of $140 million of its Term Loan Agreement with Beal Bank, S.S.B. with an interest rate of 6.23% and a maturity date of March 26, 2009; (iv) to pay any attendant call premiums associated with those redemptions; (v) to pay accrued interest to the redemption dates; and (vi) for general corporate purposes. Consumers agreed pursuant to a registration rights agreement to file an exchange offer registration statement with respect to the Bonds. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS (c) EXHIBITS (4)(a) 96th Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 17, 2004 between Consumers Energy Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank as Trustee (4)(b) Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 17, 2004 between Consumers Energy Company and the Initial Purchasers, as defined therein This Form 8-K contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in Rule 3b-6 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rule 175 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and relevant legal decisions. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. They should be read in conjunction with "FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS" found in the MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS sections of CMS Energy's Form 10-K/A for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2003 and Consumers' Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2003 (both incorporated herein by reference), that discuss important factors that could cause CMS Energy's and Consumers' results to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. CMS ENERGY CORPORATION Dated: August 20, 2004 By: /s/ Thomas J. Webb ---------------------------------- Thomas J. Webb Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY Dated: August 20, 2004 By: /s/ Thomas J. Webb ---------------------------------- Thomas J. Webb Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer EXHIBIT INDEX EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION EX- (4)(a) 96th Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 17, 2004 between Consumers Energy Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank as Trustee EX- (4)(b) Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 17, 2004 between Consumers Energy Company and the Initial Purchasers, as defined therein EX-4.(A) 2 k87734exv4wxay.txt 96TH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE DATED AUGUST 17, 2004 EXHIBIT 4(a) NINETY-SIXTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE PROVIDING AMONG OTHER THINGS FOR FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS, $150,000,000 4.40% SERIES DUE 2009, SERIES K, $150,000,000 4.40% SERIES DUE 2009, SERIES N, $300,000,000 5.00% SERIES DUE 2012, SERIES L, $300,000,000 5.00% SERIES DUE 2012, SERIES O, $350,000,000 5.50% SERIES DUE 2016, SERIES M AND $350,000,000 5.50% SERIES DUE 2016, SERIES P -------------- DATED AS OF AUGUST 17, 2004 -------------- CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, TRUSTEE Counterpart _____ of 80 THIS NINETY-SIXTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of August 17, 2004 (herein sometimes referred to as "this Supplemental Indenture"), made and entered into by and between CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Michigan, with its principal executive office and place of business at One Energy Plaza, in Jackson, Jackson County, Michigan 49201, formerly known as Consumers Power Company (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Company"), and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, with its corporate trust offices at 4 New York Plaza, New York, New York 10004 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Trustee"), as Trustee under the Indenture dated as of September 1, 1945 between Consumers Power Company, a Maine corporation (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Maine corporation"), and City Bank Farmers Trust Company (Citibank, N.A., successor, hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Predecessor Trustee"), securing bonds issued and to be issued as provided therein (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Indenture"), WHEREAS at the close of business on January 30, 1959, City Bank Farmers Trust Company was converted into a national banking association under the title "First National City Trust Company"; and WHEREAS at the close of business on January 15, 1963, First National City Trust Company was merged into First National City Bank; and WHEREAS at the close of business on October 31, 1968, First National City Bank was merged into The City Bank of New York, National Association, the name of which was thereupon changed to First National City Bank; and WHEREAS effective March 1, 1976, the name of First National City Bank was changed to Citibank, N.A.; and WHEREAS effective July 16, 1984, Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company succeeded Citibank, N.A. as Trustee under the Indenture; and WHEREAS effective June 19, 1992, Chemical Bank succeeded by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company as Trustee under the Indenture; and WHEREAS effective July 15, 1996, The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association), merged with and into Chemical Bank which thereafter was renamed The Chase Manhattan Bank; and WHEREAS effective November 11, 2001, The Chase Manhattan Bank merged with Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York and the surviving corporation was renamed JPMorgan Chase Bank; and WHEREAS the Indenture was executed and delivered for the purpose of securing such bonds as may from time to time be issued under and in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the aggregate principal amount of bonds to be secured thereby being limited to $5,000,000,000 at any one time outstanding (except as provided in Section 2.01 of the Indenture), and the Indenture describes and sets forth the property conveyed thereby and is filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Michigan and is of record in the Office of 1 the Register of Deeds of each county in the State of Michigan in which this Supplemental Indenture is to be recorded; and WHEREAS the Indenture has been supplemented and amended by various indentures supplemental thereto, each of which is filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Michigan and is of record in the Office of the Register of Deeds of each county in the State of Michigan in which this Supplemental Indenture is to be recorded; and WHEREAS the Company and the Maine corporation entered into an Agreement of Merger and Consolidation, dated as of February 14, 1968, which provided for the Maine corporation to merge into the Company; and WHEREAS the effective date of such Agreement of Merger and Consolidation was June 6, 1968, upon which date the Maine corporation was merged into the Company and the name of the Company was changed from "Consumers Power Company of Michigan" to "Consumers Power Company"; and WHEREAS the Company and the Predecessor Trustee entered into a Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 4, 1968, which provided, among other things, for the assumption of the Indenture by the Company; and WHEREAS said Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture became effective on the effective date of such Agreement of Merger and Consolidation; and WHEREAS the Company has succeeded to and has been substituted for the Maine corporation under the Indenture with the same effect as if it had been named therein as the mortgagor corporation; and WHEREAS effective March 11, 1997, the name of Consumers Power Company was changed to Consumers Energy Company; and WHEREAS, the Indenture provides for the issuance of bonds thereunder in one or more series, and the Company, by appropriate corporate action in conformity with the terms of the Indenture, has duly determined to create, and does hereby create, a new series of bonds under the Indenture designated 4.40% Series due 2009, Series K, each of which bonds shall also bear the descriptive title "First Mortgage Bonds" (hereinafter provided for and hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "2009 Bonds, Series K"), the bonds of which series are to be issued as registered bonds without coupons and are to bear interest at the rate per annum specified in the title thereof and are to mature August 15, 2009; and WHEREAS, the Indenture provides for the issuance of bonds thereunder in one or more series, and the Company, by appropriate corporate action in conformity with the terms of the Indenture, has duly determined to create, and does hereby create, a new series of bonds under the Indenture designated 5.00% Series due 2012, Series L, each of which bonds shall also bear the descriptive title "First Mortgage Bonds" (hereinafter provided for and hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "2012 Bonds, Series L"), the bonds of which series are to be issued as registered bonds without coupons and are to bear interest at the rate per annum specified in the title thereof and are to mature February 15, 2012; and 2 WHEREAS, the Indenture provides for the issuance of bonds thereunder in one or more series, and the Company, by appropriate corporate action in conformity with the terms of the Indenture, has duly determined to create, and does hereby create, a new series of bonds under the Indenture designated 5.50% Series due 2016, Series M, each of which bonds shall also bear the descriptive title "First Mortgage Bonds" (hereinafter provided for and hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "2016 Bonds, Series M"), the bonds of which series are to be issued as registered bonds without coupons and are to bear interest at the rate per annum specified in the title thereof and are to mature August 15, 2016; and WHEREAS the Company and Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Goldman, Sachs & Co., ABN AMRO Incorporated, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Comerica Securities, Inc., Fifth Third Securities, Inc., Huntington Capital Corp., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Wedbush Morgan Securities Inc., (the "Initial Purchasers") have entered into a Purchase Agreement dated August 11, 2004 (the "Purchase Agreement"), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell and the Initial Purchasers agreed to buy $150,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 2009 Bonds, Series K, $300,000,000 of 2012 Bonds, Series L and $350,000,000 of 2016 Bonds, Series M (such 2009 Bonds, Series K, 2012 Bonds, Series L and 2016 Bonds, Series M together, the "Initial Bonds"); and WHEREAS the Company and the Initial Purchasers have entered into a Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 17, 2004 (the "Registration Rights Agreement"); and WHEREAS the Registration Rights Agreement requires the Company to use its reasonable best efforts to make an Exchange Offer (as defined therein) which would allow (i) the Initial Purchasers, or permitted successor holders, of the 2009 Bonds, Series K to exchange such bonds for bonds not subject to certain restrictions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") or to cause a Shelf Registration Statement (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) to be declared effective with respect to the 2009 Bonds, Series K, (ii) the Initial Purchasers, or permitted successor holders, of the 2012 Bonds, Series L to exchange such bonds for bonds not subject to certain restrictions under the Securities Act or to cause a Shelf Registration Statement (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) to be declared effective with respect to the 2012 Bonds, Series L, and (iii) the Initial Purchasers, or permitted successor holders, of the 2016 Bonds, Series M to exchange such bonds for bonds not subject to certain restrictions under the Securities Act or to cause a Shelf Registration Statement (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) to be declared effective with respect to the 2016 Bonds, Series M; and WHEREAS the Company has duly determined to create, and does hereby create, a series of bonds under the Indenture to be issued in exchange for the 2009 Bonds, Series K, such bonds to be designated 4.40% Series due 2009, Series N, each of which bonds shall also bear the descriptive title "First Mortgage Bonds" (the "2009 Bonds, Series N"), the bonds of which series are to be issued as registered bonds without coupons and are to bear interest at the rate per annum specified in the title thereof and are to mature August 15, 2009; and 3 WHEREAS the Company has duly determined to create, and does hereby create, a series of bonds under the Indenture to be issued in exchange for the 2012 Bonds, Series L, such bonds to be designated 5.00% Series due 2012, Series O, each of which bonds shall also bear the descriptive title "First Mortgage Bonds" (the "2012 Bonds, Series O"), the bonds of which series are to be issued as registered bonds without coupons and are to bear interest at the rate per annum specified in the title thereof and are to mature February 15, 2012; and WHEREAS the Company has duly determined to create, and does hereby create, a series of bonds under the Indenture to be issued in exchange for the 2016 Bonds, Series M, such bonds to be designated 5.50% Series due 2016, Series P, each of which bonds shall also bear the descriptive title "First Mortgage Bonds" (the "2016 Bonds, Series P" and, together with the 2009 Bonds, Series N and the 2012 Bonds, Series O the "Exchange Bonds"), the bonds of which series are to be issued as registered bonds without coupons and are to bear interest at the rate per annum specified in the title thereof and are to mature August 15, 2016; and WHEREAS, each of the registered bonds without coupons of 2009 Bonds, Series K, and the Trustee's Authentication Certificate thereon, each of the registered bonds without coupons of the 2009 Bonds, Series N, and the Trustee's Authentication Certificate thereon, each of the registered bonds without coupons of the 2012 Bonds, Series L, and the Trustee's Authentication Certificate thereon, each of the registered bonds without coupons of the 2012 Bonds, Series O, and the Trustee's Authentication Certificate thereon, each of the registered bonds without coupons of 2016 Bonds, Series M, and the Trustee's Authentication Certificate thereon, and each of the registered bonds without coupons of 2016 Bonds, Series P, and the Trustee's Authentication Certificate thereon, are to be substantially in the following forms, respectively, to wit: [FORM OF REGISTERED BOND OF THE 2009 BONDS, SERIES K] [FACE] THIS BOND IS A GLOBAL BOND REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITARY (REFERRED TO HEREIN) OR A NOMINEE THEREOF AND, UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR THE INDIVIDUAL BONDS REPRESENTED HEREBY, THIS GLOBAL BOND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. UNLESS THIS GLOBAL BOND IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK), A NEW YORK CORPORATION (THE "DEPOSITARY"), TO THE TRUSTEE FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY) ANY TRANSFER, 4 PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN. THE BONDS EVIDENCED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT (A)(1) TO A PERSON WHO THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (2) IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION COMPLYING WITH RULE 903 OR RULE 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (3) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE), (4) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, (5) TO CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY OR (6) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND (B) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF THE STATES OF THE UNITED STATES. CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY FIRST MORTGAGE BOND 4.40% SERIES DUE 2009, SERIES K CUSIP: _______ $150,000,000 ISIN: ________ No.: ________________ CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY, a Michigan corporation (hereinafter called the "Company"), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum of One Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($150,000,000) on August 15, 2009, and to pay to the registered holder hereof interest on said sum from the latest semi-annual interest payment date to which interest has been paid on the bonds of this series preceding the date hereof, unless the date hereof be an interest payment date to which interest is being paid, in which case from the date hereof, or unless the date hereof is prior to February 15, 2005, in which case from August 17, 2004 (or if this bond is dated between the record date for any interest payment date and such interest payment date, then from such interest payment date, provided, however, that if the Company shall default in payment of the interest due on such interest payment date, then from the next preceding semi-annual interest payment date to which interest has been paid on the bonds of this series, or if such interest payment date is February 15, 2005, from August 17, 2004), at the rate per annum, until the principal hereof shall have become due and payable, specified in the title of this bond, payable on February 15 and August 15 in each 5 year. If the Company does not comply with certain of its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement entered into by the Company as of August 17, 2004 (in which case the Company shall notify the Trustee thereof), the bonds of this series shall, in accordance with Section 5 of such Registration Rights Agreement, bear additional interest ("Additional Interest") in addition to the interest provided for in the immediately preceding sentence. For purposes of the bonds of this series, the term "interest" shall be deemed to include interest provided for in the second immediately preceding sentence and Additional Interest, if any. The provisions of this bond are continued on the reverse hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place. This bond shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose unless and until it shall have been authenticated by the execution by the Trustee or its successor in trust under the Indenture of the certificate hereon. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Consumers Energy Company has caused this bond to be executed in its name by its Chairman of the Board, its President or one of its Vice Presidents by his or her signature or a facsimile thereof, and its corporate seal or a facsimile thereof to be affixed hereto or imprinted hereon and attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries by his or her signature or a facsimile thereof. CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY Dated: By: _____________________________________ Printed: ________________________________ Title: __________________________________ Attest: _________________________ TRUSTEE'S AUTHENTICATION CERTIFICATE This is one of the bonds, of the series designated therein, described in the within-mentioned Indenture. JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, Trustee By: _____________________________________ Authorized Officer 6 [REVERSE] CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY FIRST MORTGAGE BOND 4.40% SERIES DUE 2009, SERIES K The interest payable on any February 15 or August 15 will, subject to certain exceptions provided in the Indenture hereinafter mentioned, be paid to the person in whose name this bond is registered at the close of business on the record date, which shall be the first calendar day of the month next preceding such interest payment date, or, if such February 15 or August 15 shall be a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, are authorized to close, the next preceding day which shall not be a legal holiday or a day on which such institutions are so authorized to close. The principal of and the premium, if any, and interest on this bond shall be payable at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, designated for that purpose, in any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment is legal tender for public and private debts. This bond is one of the bonds of a series designated as First Mortgage Bonds, 4.40% Series due 2009, Series K (sometimes herein referred to as the "2009 Bonds, Series K" or the "Bonds") issued and to be issued from time to time under and in accordance with and secured by an indenture dated as of September 1, 1945, given by the Company (or its predecessor, Consumers Power Company, a Maine corporation) to City Bank Farmers Trust Company (JPMorgan Chase Bank, successor) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Trustee"), together with indentures supplemental thereto, heretofore or hereafter executed, to which indenture and indentures supplemental thereto (hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Indenture") reference is hereby made for a description of the property mortgaged and pledged, the nature and extent of the security and the rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Trustee and the rights of the holders of said bonds and of the Trustee and of the Company in respect of such security, and the limitations on such rights. By the terms of the Indenture, the bonds to be secured thereby are issuable in series which may vary as to date, amount, date of maturity, rate of interest and in other respects as provided in the Indenture. The 2009 Bonds, Series K are redeemable upon notice given by mailing the same, postage prepaid, not less than thirty days nor more than sixty days prior to the date fixed for redemption to each registered holder of a bond to be redeemed (in whole or in part) at the last address of such holder appearing on the registry books. Any or all of the bonds of this series may be redeemed by the Company, at any time and from time to time prior to maturity, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the Bonds and (2) the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled Payments (as defined below) of principal and interest on the Bonds discounted to the redemption date semiannually (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined below), plus 20 basis points, plus in either case accrued interest on the Bonds to the date of redemption. "Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue (as 7 defined below), assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price (as defined below) for such redemption date. "Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security selected by an Independent Investment Banker (as defined below) as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Bonds to be redeemed that would be used, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of the Bonds. "Independent Investment Banker" means either Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated or, if such firms are unwilling or unable to select the Comparable Treasury Issues, an independent banking institution of national standing selected by the Company. "Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any redemption date, (1) the average of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) on the third business day preceding such redemption date, as set forth in the daily statistical release (or any successor release) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and designated "H.15(519)" or (2) if such release (or any successor release) is not published or does not contain such prices on such business day, (a) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations (as defined below) for such redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest of such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (b) if the Company obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations. "Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer (as defined below) and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Company, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Company by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m. on the third business day preceding such redemption date. "Reference Treasury Dealer" means (1) each of Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and their respective successors; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a primary U.S. government securities dealer in New York City (a "Primary Treasury Dealer"), the Company shall replace that former dealer with another Primary Treasury Dealer and (2) up to four other Primary Treasury Dealers selected by the Company. "Remaining Scheduled Payments" means, with respect to each Bond to be redeemed, the remaining scheduled payments of the principal thereof and interest thereon that would be due after the related redemption date but for such redemption; provided, however, that, if that redemption date is prior to an interest payment date with respect to such Bond, the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment thereon will be reduced by the amount of interest accrued thereon to that redemption date. 8 In case of certain defaults as specified in the Indenture, the principal of this bond may be declared or may become due and payable on the conditions, at the time, in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. The holders of certain specified percentages of the bonds at the time outstanding, including in certain cases specified percentages of bonds of particular series, may in certain cases, to the extent and as provided in the Indenture, waive certain defaults thereunder and the consequences of such defaults. The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the Trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than seventy-five per centum in principal amount of the bonds (exclusive of bonds disqualified by reason of the Company's interest therein) at the time outstanding, including, if more than one series of bonds shall be at the time outstanding, not less than sixty per centum in principal amount of each series affected, to effect, by an indenture supplemental to the Indenture, modifications or alterations of the Indenture and of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the holders of the bonds and coupons; provided, however, that no such modification or alteration shall be made without the written approval or consent of the holder hereof which will (a) extend the maturity of this bond or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest hereon or reduce the amount of the principal hereof or reduce any premium payable on the redemption hereof, or (b) permit the creation of any lien, not otherwise permitted, prior to or on a parity with the lien of the Indenture, or (c) reduce the percentage of the principal amount of the bonds upon the approval or consent of the holders of which modifications or alterations may be made as aforesaid. The Company reserves the right, without any consent, vote or other action by holders of the 2009 Bonds, Series K or any other series created after the Sixty-eighth Supplemental Indenture to amend the Indenture to reduce the percentage of the principal amount of bonds the holders of which are required to approve any supplemental indenture (other than any supplemental indenture which is subject to the proviso contained in the immediately preceding sentence) (a) from not less than seventy-five per centum (including sixty per centum of each series affected) to not less than a majority in principal amount of the bonds at the time outstanding or (b) in case fewer than all series are affected, not less than a majority in principal amount of the bonds of all affected series, voting together. No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on this bond, or for any claim based hereon, or otherwise in respect hereof or of the Indenture, to or against any incorporator, stockholder, director or officer, past, present or future, as such, of the Company, or of any predecessor or successor company, either directly or through the Company, or such predecessor or successor company, or otherwise, under any constitution or statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty, or otherwise, all such liability of incorporators, stockholders, directors and officers, as such, being waived and released by the holder and owner hereof by the acceptance of this bond and being likewise waived and released by the terms of the Indenture. [END OF FORM OF REGISTERED BOND OF THE 2009 BONDS, SERIES K] 9 [FORM OF REGISTERED BOND OF THE 2009 BONDS, SERIES N] [FACE] THIS BOND IS A GLOBAL BOND REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITARY (REFERRED TO HEREIN) OR A NOMINEE THEREOF AND, UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR THE INDIVIDUAL BONDS REPRESENTED HEREBY, THIS GLOBAL BOND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. UNLESS THIS GLOBAL BOND IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK), A NEW YORK CORPORATION (THE "DEPOSITARY"), TO THE TRUSTEE FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY) ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN. CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY FIRST MORTGAGE BOND 4.40% SERIES DUE 2009, SERIES N CUSIP: ________________ $150,000,000 ISIN: ________________ No.: ________________ CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY, a Michigan corporation (hereinafter called the "Company"), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum of One Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($150,000,000) on August 15, 2009 and to pay to the registered holder hereof interest on said sum from the latest semi-annual interest payment date to which interest has been paid on the bonds of this series preceding the date hereof, unless the date hereof be an interest payment date to which interest is being paid, in which case from the date hereof, or unless the date hereof is prior to February 15, 2005, in which case from August 17, 2004 or unless the date hereof is after February 15, 2005 but prior to the first date when any interest hereon has been paid, in which case from the last interest payment date on the Company's First Mortgage Bonds, 4.40% Series due 2009, Series K, to which interest has been paid (or if this bond is dated between the record date for any interest payment 10 date and such interest payment date, then from such interest payment date, provided, however, that if the Company shall default in payment of the interest due on such interest payment date, then from the next preceding semi-annual interest payment date to which interest has been paid on the bonds of this series, or if such interest payment date is February 15, 2005, from August 17, 2004), at the rate per annum, until the principal hereof shall have become due and payable, specified in the title of this bond, payable on February 15 and August 15 in each year. The provisions of this bond are continued on the reverse hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place. This bond shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose unless and until it shall have been authenticated by the execution by the Trustee or its successor in trust under the Indenture of the certificate hereon. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Consumers Energy Company has caused this bond to be executed in its name by its Chairman of the Board, its President or one of its Vice Presidents by his or her signature or a facsimile thereof, and its corporate seal or a facsimile thereof to be affixed hereto or imprinted hereon and attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries by his or her signature or a facsimile thereof. CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY Dated: By: _____________________________________ Printed: ________________________________ Title: __________________________________ Attest: _________________________ TRUSTEE'S AUTHENTICATION CERTIFICATE This is one of the bonds, of the series designated therein, described in the within-mentioned Indenture. JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, Trustee By: _____________________________________ Authorized Officer 11 [REVERSE] CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY FIRST MORTGAGE BOND 4.40% SERIES DUE 2009, SERIES N The interest payable on any February 15 or August 15 will, subject to certain exceptions provided in the Indenture hereinafter mentioned, be paid to the person in whose name this bond is registered at the close of business on the record date, which shall be the first calendar day of the month next preceding such interest payment date, or, if such February 15 or August 15 shall be a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, are authorized to close, the next preceding day which shall not be a legal holiday or a day on which such institutions are so authorized to close. The principal of and the premium, if any, and interest on this bond shall be payable at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, designated for that purpose, in any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment is legal tender for public and private debts. This bond is one of the bonds of a series designated as First Mortgage Bonds, 4.40% Series due 2009, Series N (sometimes herein referred to as the "2009 Bonds, Series N" or the "Bonds") issued and to be issued from time to time under and in accordance with and secured by an indenture dated as of September 1, 1945, given by the Company (or its predecessor, Consumers Power Company, a Maine corporation) to City Bank Farmers Trust Company (JPMorgan Chase Bank, successor) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Trustee"), together with indentures supplemental thereto, heretofore or hereafter executed, to which indenture and indentures supplemental thereto (hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Indenture") reference is hereby made for a description of the property mortgaged and pledged, the nature and extent of the security and the rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Trustee and the rights of the holders of said bonds and of the Trustee and of the Company in respect of such security, and the limitations on such rights. By the terms of the Indenture, the bonds to be secured thereby are issuable in series which may vary as to date, amount, date of maturity, rate of interest and in other respects as provided in the Indenture. The 2009 Bonds, Series N are redeemable upon notice given by mailing the same, postage prepaid, not less than thirty days nor more than sixty days prior to the date fixed for redemption to each registered holder of a bond to be redeemed (in whole or in part) at the last address of such holder appearing on the registry books. Any or all of the bonds of this series may be redeemed by the Company, at any time and from time to time prior to maturity, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the Bonds and (2) the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled Payments (as defined below) of principal and interest on the Bonds discounted to the redemption date semiannually (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined below), plus 20 basis points, plus in either case accrued interest on the Bonds to the date of redemption. "Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue (as 12 defined below), assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price (as defined below) for such redemption date. "Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security selected by an Independent Investment Banker (as defined below) as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Bonds to be redeemed that would be used, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of the Bonds. "Independent Investment Banker" means either Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated or, if such firms are unwilling or unable to select the Comparable Treasury Issues, an independent banking institution of national standing selected by the Company. "Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any redemption date, (1) the average of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) on the third business day preceding such redemption date, as set forth in the daily statistical release (or any successor release) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and designated "H.15(519)" or (2) if such release (or any successor release) is not published or does not contain such prices on such business day, (a) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations (as defined below) for such redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest of such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (b) if the Company obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations. "Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer (as defined below) and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Company, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Company by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m. on the third business day preceding such redemption date. "Reference Treasury Dealer" means (1) each of Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and their respective successors; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a primary U.S. government securities dealer in New York City (a "Primary Treasury Dealer"), the Company shall replace that former dealer with another Primary Treasury Dealer and (2) up to four other Primary Treasury Dealers selected by the Company. "Remaining Scheduled Payments" means, with respect to each Bond to be redeemed, the remaining scheduled payments of the principal thereof and interest thereon that would be due after the related redemption date but for such redemption; provided, however, that, if that redemption date is prior to an interest payment date with respect to such Bond, the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment thereon will be reduced by the amount of interest accrued thereon to that redemption date. 13 In case of certain defaults as specified in the Indenture, the principal of this bond may be declared or may become due and payable on the conditions, at the time, in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. The holders of certain specified percentages of the bonds at the time outstanding, including in certain cases specified percentages of bonds of particular series, may in certain cases, to the extent and as provided in the Indenture, waive certain defaults thereunder and the consequences of such defaults. The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the Trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than seventy-five per centum in principal amount of the bonds (exclusive of bonds disqualified by reason of the Company's interest therein) at the time outstanding, including, if more than one series of bonds shall be at the time outstanding, not less than sixty per centum in principal amount of each series affected, to effect, by an indenture supplemental to the Indenture, modifications or alterations of the Indenture and of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the holders of the bonds and coupons; provided, however, that no such modification or alteration shall be made without the written approval or consent of the holder hereof which will (a) extend the maturity of this bond or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest hereon or reduce the amount of the principal hereof or reduce any premium payable on the redemption hereof, or (b) permit the creation of any lien, not otherwise permitted, prior to or on a parity with the lien of the Indenture, or (c) reduce the percentage of the principal amount of the bonds upon the approval or consent the holders of which modifications or alterations may be made as aforesaid. The Company reserves the right, without any consent, vote or other action by holders of the 2009 Bonds, Series N or any other series created after the Sixty-eighth Supplemental Indenture to amend the Indenture to reduce the percentage of the principal amount of bonds the holders of which are required to approve any supplemental indenture (other than any supplemental indenture which is subject to the proviso contained in the immediately preceding sentence) (a) from not less than seventy-five per centum (including sixty per centum of each series affected) to not less than a majority in principal amount of the bonds at the time outstanding or (b) in case fewer than all series are affected, not less than a majority in principal amount of the bonds of all affected series, voting together. No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on this bond, or for any claim based hereon, or otherwise in respect hereof or of the Indenture, to or against any incorporator, stockholder, director or officer, past, present or future, as such, of the Company, or of any predecessor or successor company, either directly or through the Company, or such predecessor or successor company, or otherwise, under any constitution or statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty, or otherwise, all such liability of incorporators, stockholders, directors and officers, as such, being waived and released by the holder and owner hereof by the acceptance of this bond and being likewise waived and released by the terms of the Indenture. [END OF FORM OF REGISTERED BOND OF THE 2009 BONDS, SERIES N] 14 [FORM OF REGISTERED BOND OF THE 2012 BONDS, SERIES L] [FACE] THIS BOND IS A GLOBAL BOND REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITARY (REFERRED TO HEREIN) OR A NOMINEE THEREOF AND, UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR THE INDIVIDUAL BONDS REPRESENTED HEREBY, THIS GLOBAL BOND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. UNLESS THIS GLOBAL BOND IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK), A NEW YORK CORPORATION (THE "DEPOSITARY"), TO THE TRUSTEE FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY) ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN. THE BONDS EVIDENCED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT (A)(1) TO A PERSON WHO THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (2) IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION COMPLYING WITH RULE 903 OR RULE 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (3) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE), (4) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, (5) TO CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY OR (6) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND (B) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF THE STATES OF THE UNITED STATES. 15 CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY FIRST MORTGAGE BOND 5.00% SERIES DUE 2012, SERIES L CUSIP: __________________ $300,000,000 ISIN: __________________ No.: ________________ CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY, a Michigan corporation (hereinafter called the "Company"), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum of Three Hundred Million Dollars ($300,000,000) on February 15, 2012 and to pay to the registered holder hereof interest on said sum from the latest semi-annual interest payment date to which interest has been paid on the bonds of this series preceding the date hereof, unless the date hereof be an interest payment date to which interest is being paid, in which case from the date hereof, or unless the date hereof is prior to February 15, 2005, in which case from August 17, 2004 (or if this bond is dated between the record date for any interest payment date and such interest payment date, then from such interest payment date, provided, however, that if the Company shall default in payment of the interest due on such interest payment date, then from the next preceding semi-annual interest payment date to which interest has been paid on the bonds of this series, or if such interest payment date is February 15, 2005, from August 17, 2004), at the rate per annum, until the principal hereof shall have become due and payable, specified in the title of this bond, payable on February 15 and August 15 in each year. If the Company does not comply with certain of its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement entered into by the Company as of August 17, 2004 (in which case the Company shall notify the Trustee thereof), the bonds of this series shall, in accordance with Section 5 of such Registration Rights Agreement, bear additional interest ("Additional Interest") in addition to the interest provided for in the immediately preceding sentence. For purposes of the bonds of this series, the term "interest" shall be deemed to include interest provided for in the second immediately preceding sentence and Additional Interest, if any. The provisions of this bond are continued on the reverse hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place. This bond shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose unless and until it shall have been authenticated by the execution by the Trustee or its successor in trust under the Indenture of the certificate hereon. 16 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Consumers Energy Company has caused this bond to be executed in its name by its Chairman of the Board, its President or one of its Vice Presidents by his or her signature or a facsimile thereof, and its corporate seal or a facsimile thereof to be affixed hereto or imprinted hereon and attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries by his or her signature or a facsimile thereof. CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY Dated: By: _______________________________ Printed: _______________________________ Title: _______________________________ Attest: _________________________ TRUSTEE'S AUTHENTICATION CERTIFICATE This is one of the bonds, of the series designated therein, described in the within-mentioned Indenture. JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, Trustee By:_____________________________________ Authorized Officer [REVERSE] CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY FIRST MORTGAGE BOND 5.00% SERIES DUE 2012, SERIES L The interest payable on any February 15 or August 15 will, subject to certain exceptions provided in the Indenture hereinafter mentioned, be paid to the person in whose name this bond is registered at the close of business on the record date, which shall be the first calendar day of the month next preceding such interest payment date, or, if such February 15 or August 15 shall be a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, are authorized to close, the next preceding day which shall not be a legal holiday or a day on which such institutions are so authorized to close. The principal of and the premium, if any, and interest on this bond shall be payable at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, designated for that purpose, in any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment is legal tender for public and private debts. This bond is one of the bonds of a series designated as First Mortgage Bonds, 5.00% Series due 2012, Series L (sometimes herein referred to as the "2012 Bonds, Series L" or 17 the "Bonds") issued and to be issued from time to time under and in accordance with and secured by an indenture dated as of September 1, 1945, given by the Company (or its predecessor, Consumers Power Company, a Maine corporation) to City Bank Farmers Trust Company (JPMorgan Chase Bank, successor) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Trustee"), together with indentures supplemental thereto, heretofore or hereafter executed, to which indenture and indentures supplemental thereto (hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Indenture") reference is hereby made for a description of the property mortgaged and pledged, the nature and extent of the security and the rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Trustee and the rights of the holders of said bonds and of the Trustee and of the Company in respect of such security, and the limitations on such rights. By the terms of the Indenture, the bonds to be secured thereby are issuable in series which may vary as to date, amount, date of maturity, rate of interest and in other respects as provided in the Indenture. The 2012 Bonds, Series L are redeemable upon notice given by mailing the same, postage prepaid, not less than thirty days nor more than sixty days prior to the date fixed for redemption to each registered holder of a bond to be redeemed (in whole or in part) at the last address of such holder appearing on the registry books. Any or all of the bonds of this series may be redeemed by the Company, at any time and from time to time prior to maturity, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the Bonds and (2) the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled Payments (as defined below) of principal and interest on the Bonds discounted to the redemption date semiannually (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined below), plus 20 basis points, plus in either case accrued interest on the Bonds to the date of redemption. "Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue (as defined below), assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price (as defined below) for such redemption date. "Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security selected by an Independent Investment Banker (as defined below) as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Bonds to be redeemed that would be used, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of the Bonds. "Independent Investment Banker" means either Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated or, if such firms are unwilling or unable to select the Comparable Treasury Issues, an independent banking institution of national standing selected by the Company. "Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any redemption date, (1) the average of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) on the third business day preceding such redemption date, as set forth in the daily statistical release (or any successor release) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and designated "H.15(519)" or (2) if such release (or any successor release) is not published or does not contain such prices on such business day, (a) the average of 18 the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations (as defined below) for such redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest of such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (b) if the Company obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations. "Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer (as defined below) and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Company, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Company by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m. on the third business day preceding such redemption date. "Reference Treasury Dealer" means (1) each of Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and their respective successors; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a primary U.S. government securities dealer in New York City (a "Primary Treasury Dealer"), the Company shall replace that former dealer with another Primary Treasury Dealer and (2) up to four other Primary Treasury Dealers selected by the Company. "Remaining Scheduled Payments" means, with respect to each Bond to be redeemed, the remaining scheduled payments of the principal thereof and interest thereon that would be due after the related redemption date but for such redemption; provided, however, that, if that redemption date is prior to an interest payment date with respect to such Bond, the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment thereon will be reduced by the amount of interest accrued thereon to that redemption date. In case of certain defaults as specified in the Indenture, the principal of this bond may be declared or may become due and payable on the conditions, at the time, in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. The holders of certain specified percentages of the bonds at the time outstanding, including in certain cases specified percentages of bonds of particular series, may in certain cases, to the extent and as provided in the Indenture, waive certain defaults thereunder and the consequences of such defaults. The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the Trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than seventy-five per centum in principal amount of the bonds (exclusive of bonds disqualified by reason of the Company's interest therein) at the time outstanding, including, if more than one series of bonds shall be at the time outstanding, not less than sixty per centum in principal amount of each series affected, to effect, by an indenture supplemental to the Indenture, modifications or alterations of the Indenture and of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the holders of the bonds and coupons; provided, however, that no such modification or alteration shall be made without the written approval or consent of the holder hereof which will (a) extend the maturity of this bond or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest hereon or reduce the amount of the principal hereof or reduce any premium payable on the redemption hereof, or (b) permit the creation of any lien, not otherwise permitted, prior to or on a parity with the lien of the Indenture, or (c) reduce the percentage of the principal amount of the bonds upon the approval or consent of the holders of which modifications or alterations may be made as aforesaid. 19 The Company reserves the right, without any consent, vote or other action by holders of the 2012 Bonds, Series L or any other series created after the Sixty-eighth Supplemental Indenture to amend the Indenture to reduce the percentage of the principal amount of bonds the holders of which are required to approve any supplemental indenture (other than any supplemental indenture which is subject to the proviso contained in the immediately preceding sentence) (a) from not less than seventy-five per centum (including sixty per centum of each series affected) to not less than a majority in principal amount of the bonds at the time outstanding or (b) in case fewer than all series are affected, not less than a majority in principal amount of the bonds of all affected series, voting together. No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on this bond, or for any claim based hereon, or otherwise in respect hereof or of the Indenture, to or against any incorporator, stockholder, director or officer, past, present or future, as such, of the Company, or of any predecessor or successor company, either directly or through the Company, or such predecessor or successor company, or otherwise, under any constitution or statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty, or otherwise, all such liability of incorporators, stockholders, directors and officers, as such, being waived and released by the holder and owner hereof by the acceptance of this bond and being likewise waived and released by the terms of the Indenture. [END OF FORM OF REGISTERED BOND OF THE 2012 BONDS, SERIES L] [FORM OF REGISTERED BOND OF THE 2012 BONDS, SERIES O] [FACE] THIS BOND IS A GLOBAL BOND REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITARY (REFERRED TO HEREIN) OR A NOMINEE THEREOF AND, UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR THE INDIVIDUAL BONDS REPRESENTED HEREBY, THIS GLOBAL BOND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. UNLESS THIS GLOBAL BOND IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK), A NEW YORK CORPORATION (THE "DEPOSITARY"), TO THE TRUSTEE FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY) ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY 20 PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN. CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY FIRST MORTGAGE BOND 5.00% SERIES DUE 2012, SERIES O CUSIP: __________________ $300,000,000 ISIN: __________________ No.: ________________ CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY, a Michigan corporation (hereinafter called the "Company"), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum of Three Hundred Million Dollars ($300,000,000) on February 15, 2012 and to pay to the registered holder hereof interest on said sum from the latest semi-annual interest payment date to which interest has been paid on the bonds of this series preceding the date hereof, unless the date hereof be an interest payment date to which interest is being paid, in which case from the date hereof, or unless the date hereof is prior to February 15, 2005, in which case from August 17, 2004 or unless the date hereof is after February 15, 2005 but prior to the first date when any interest hereon has been paid, in which case from the last interest payment date on the Company's First Mortgage Bonds, 5.00% Series due 2012, Series L, to which interest has been paid (or if this bond is dated between the record date for any interest payment date and such interest payment date, then from such interest payment date, provided, however, that if the Company shall default in payment of the interest due on such interest payment date, then from the next preceding semi-annual interest payment date to which interest has been paid on the bonds of this series, or if such interest payment date is February 15, 2005, from August 17, 2004), at the rate per annum, until the principal hereof shall have become due and payable, specified in the title of this bond, payable on February 15 and August 15 in each year. The provisions of this bond are continued on the reverse hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place. This bond shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose unless and until it shall have been authenticated by the execution by the Trustee or its successor in trust under the Indenture of the certificate hereon. 21 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Consumers Energy Company has caused this bond to be executed in its name by its Chairman of the Board, its President or one of its Vice Presidents by his or her signature or a facsimile thereof, and its corporate seal or a facsimile thereof to be affixed hereto or imprinted hereon and attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries by his or her signature or a facsimile thereof. CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY Dated: By: _______________________________ Printed: _______________________________ Title: _______________________________ Attest: _________________________ TRUSTEE'S AUTHENTICATION CERTIFICATE This is one of the bonds, of the series designated therein, described in the within-mentioned Indenture. JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, Trustee By:_____________________________________ Authorized Officer [REVERSE] CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY FIRST MORTGAGE BOND 5.00% SERIES DUE 2012, SERIES O The interest payable on any February 15 or August 15 will, subject to certain exceptions provided in the Indenture hereinafter mentioned, be paid to the person in whose name this bond is registered at the close of business on the record date, which shall be the first calendar day of the month next preceding such interest payment date, or, if such February 15 or August 15 shall be a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, are authorized to close, the next preceding day which shall not be a legal holiday or a day on which such institutions are so authorized to close. The principal of and the premium, if any, and interest on this bond shall be payable at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, designated for that purpose, in 22 any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment is legal tender for public and private debts. This bond is one of the bonds of a series designated as First Mortgage Bonds, 5.00% Series due 2012, Series O (sometimes herein referred to as the "2012 Bonds, Series O" or the "Bonds") issued and to be issued from time to time under and in accordance with and secured by an indenture dated as of September 1, 1945, given by the Company (or its predecessor, Consumers Power Company, a Maine corporation) to City Bank Farmers Trust Company (JPMorgan Chase Bank, successor) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Trustee"), together with indentures supplemental thereto, heretofore or hereafter executed, to which indenture and indentures supplemental thereto (hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Indenture") reference is hereby made for a description of the property mortgaged and pledged, the nature and extent of the security and the rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Trustee and the rights of the holders of said bonds and of the Trustee and of the Company in respect of such security, and the limitations on such rights. By the terms of the Indenture, the bonds to be secured thereby are issuable in series which may vary as to date, amount, date of maturity, rate of interest and in other respects as provided in the Indenture. The 2012 Bonds, Series O are redeemable upon notice given by mailing the same, postage prepaid, not less than thirty days but no more than sixty days prior to the date fixed for redemption to each registered holder of a bond to be redeemed (in whole or in part) at the last address of such holder appearing on the registry books. Any or all of the bonds of this series may be redeemed by the Company, at any time and from time to time prior to maturity, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the Bonds and (2) the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled Payments (as defined below) of principal and interest on the Bonds discounted to the redemption date semiannually (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined below), plus 20 basis points, plus in either case accrued interest on the Bonds to the date of redemption. "Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue (as defined below), assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price (as defined below) for such redemption date. "Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security selected by an Independent Investment Banker (as defined below) as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Bonds to be redeemed that would be used, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of the Bonds. "Independent Investment Banker" means either Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated or, if such firms are unwilling or unable to select the Comparable Treasury Issues, an independent banking institution of national standing selected by the Company. 23 "Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any redemption date, (1) the average of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) on the third business day preceding such redemption date, as set forth in the daily statistical release (or any successor release) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and designated "H.15(519)" or (2) if such release (or any successor release) is not published or does not contain such prices on such business day, (a) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations (as defined below) for such redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest of such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (b) if the Company obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations. "Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer (as defined below) and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Company, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Company by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m. on the third business day preceding such redemption date. "Reference Treasury Dealer" means (1) each of Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and their respective successors; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a primary U.S. government securities dealer in New York City (a "Primary Treasury Dealer"), the Company shall replace that former dealer with another Primary Treasury Dealer and (2) up to four other Primary Treasury Dealers selected by the Company. "Remaining Scheduled Payments" means, with respect to each Bond to be redeemed, the remaining scheduled payments of the principal thereof and interest thereon that would be due after the related redemption date but for such redemption; provided, however, that, if that redemption date is prior to an interest payment date with respect to such Bond, the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment thereon will be reduced by the amount of interest accrued thereon to that redemption date. In case of certain defaults as specified in the Indenture, the principal of this bond may be declared or may become due and payable on the conditions, at the time, in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. The holders of certain specified percentages of the bonds at the time outstanding, including in certain cases specified percentages of bonds of particular series, may in certain cases, to the extent and as provided in the Indenture, waive certain defaults thereunder and the consequences of such defaults. The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the Trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than seventy-five per centum in principal amount of the bonds (exclusive of bonds disqualified by reason of the Company's interest therein) at the time outstanding, including, if more than one series of bonds shall be at the time outstanding, not less than sixty per centum in principal amount of each series affected, to effect, by an indenture supplemental to the Indenture, modifications or alterations of the Indenture and of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the holders of the bonds and coupons; provided, however, that no such modification or alteration shall be made without the written approval or consent of the holder hereof which will (a) extend the maturity of this bond or reduce the rate or 24 extend the time of payment of interest hereon or reduce the amount of the principal hereof or reduce any premium payable on the redemption hereof, or (b) permit the creation of any lien, not otherwise permitted, prior to or on a parity with the lien of the Indenture, or (c) reduce the percentage of the principal amount of the bonds upon the approval or consent of the holders of which modifications or alterations may be made as aforesaid. The Company reserves the right, without any consent, vote or other action by holders of the 2012 Bonds, Series O or any other series created after the Sixty-eighth Supplemental Indenture to amend the Indenture to reduce the percentage of the principal amount of bonds the holders of which are required to approve any supplemental indenture (other than any supplemental indenture which is subject to the proviso contained in the immediately preceding sentence) (a) from not less than seventy-five per centum (including sixty per centum of each series affected) to not less than a majority in principal amount of the bonds at the time outstanding or (b) in case fewer than all series are affected, not less than a majority in principal amount of the bonds of all affected series, voting together. No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on this bond, or for any claim based hereon, or otherwise in respect hereof or of the Indenture, to or against any incorporator, stockholder, director or officer, past, present or future, as such, of the Company, or of any predecessor or successor company, either directly or through the Company, or such predecessor or successor company, or otherwise, under any constitution or statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty, or otherwise, all such liability of incorporators, stockholders, directors and officers, as such, being waived and released by the holder and owner hereof by the acceptance of this bond and being likewise waived and released by the terms of the Indenture. [END OF FORM OF REGISTERED BOND OF THE 2012 BONDS, SERIES O] [FORM OF REGISTERED BOND OF THE 2016 BONDS, SERIES M] [FACE] THIS BOND IS A GLOBAL BOND REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITARY (REFERRED TO HEREIN) OR A NOMINEE THEREOF AND, UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR THE INDIVIDUAL BONDS REPRESENTED HEREBY, THIS GLOBAL BOND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. UNLESS THIS GLOBAL BOND IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK), A NEW YORK CORPORATION (THE "DEPOSITARY"), TO THE TRUSTEE FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH 25 OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY) ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN. THE BONDS EVIDENCED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT (A)(1) TO A PERSON WHO THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (2) IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION COMPLYING WITH RULE 903 OR RULE 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (3) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE), (4) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, (5) TO CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY OR (6) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND (B) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF THE STATES OF THE UNITED STATES. CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY FIRST MORTGAGE BOND 5.50% SERIES DUE 2016, SERIES M CUSIP: _______ $350,000,000 ISIN: ________ No.: ________________ CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY, a Michigan corporation (hereinafter called the "Company"), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum of Three Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($350,000,000) on August 15, 2016, and to pay to the registered holder hereof interest on said sum from the latest semi-annual interest payment date to which interest has been paid on the bonds of this series preceding the date hereof, unless the date hereof be an interest payment date to which interest is being paid, in which case from the date hereof, or unless the date hereof is prior to February 15, 2005, in which case from August 17, 2004 (or if this bond is dated between the record date for any interest payment date and such interest 26 payment date, then from such interest payment date, provided, however, that if the Company shall default in payment of the interest due on such interest payment date, then from the next preceding semi-annual interest payment date to which interest has been paid on the bonds of this series, or if such interest payment date is February 15, 2005, from August 17, 2004), at the rate per annum, until the principal hereof shall have become due and payable, specified in the title of this bond, payable on February 15 and August 15 in each year. If the Company does not comply with certain of its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement entered into by the Company as of August 17, 2004 (in which case the Company shall notify the Trustee thereof), the bonds of this series shall, in accordance with Section 5 of such Registration Rights Agreement, bear additional interest ("Additional Interest") in addition to the interest provided for in the immediately preceding sentence. For purposes of the bonds of this series, the term "interest" shall be deemed to include interest provided for in the second immediately preceding sentence and Additional Interest, if any. The provisions of this bond are continued on the reverse hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place. This bond shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose unless and until it shall have been authenticated by the execution by the Trustee or its successor in trust under the Indenture of the certificate hereon. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Consumers Energy Company has caused this bond to be executed in its name by its Chairman of the Board, its President or one of its Vice Presidents by his or her signature or a facsimile thereof, and its corporate seal or a facsimile thereof to be affixed hereto or imprinted hereon and attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries by his or her signature or a facsimile thereof. CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY Dated: By: _______________________________ Printed: _______________________________ Title: _______________________________ Attest: _________________________ TRUSTEE'S AUTHENTICATION CERTIFICATE This is one of the bonds, of the series designated therein, described in the within-mentioned Indenture. JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, Trustee By: ____________________________________ Authorized Officer 27 [REVERSE] CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY FIRST MORTGAGE BOND 5.50% SERIES DUE 2016, SERIES M The interest payable on any February 15 or August 15 will, subject to certain exceptions provided in the Indenture hereinafter mentioned, be paid to the person in whose name this bond is registered at the close of business on the record date, which shall be the first calendar day of the month next preceding such interest payment date, or, if such February 15 or August 15 shall be a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, are authorized to close, the next preceding day which shall not be a legal holiday or a day on which such institutions are so authorized to close. The principal of and the premium, if any, and interest on this bond shall be payable at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, designated for that purpose, in any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment is legal tender for public and private debts. This bond is one of the bonds of a series designated as First Mortgage Bonds, 5.50% Series due 2016, Series M (sometimes herein referred to as the "2016 Bonds, Series M" or the "Bonds") issued and to be issued from time to time under and in accordance with and secured by an indenture dated as of September 1, 1945, given by the Company (or its predecessor, Consumers Power Company, a Maine corporation) to City Bank Farmers Trust Company (JPMorgan Chase Bank, successor) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Trustee"), together with indentures supplemental thereto, heretofore or hereafter executed, to which indenture and indentures supplemental thereto (hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Indenture") reference is hereby made for a description of the property mortgaged and pledged, the nature and extent of the security and the rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Trustee and the rights of the holders of said bonds and of the Trustee and of the Company in respect of such security, and the limitations on such rights. By the terms of the Indenture, the bonds to be secured thereby are issuable in series which may vary as to date, amount, date of maturity, rate of interest and in other respects as provided in the Indenture. The 2016 Bonds, Series M are redeemable upon notice given by mailing the same, postage prepaid, not less than thirty days nor more than sixty days prior to the date fixed for redemption to each registered holder of a bond to be redeemed (in whole or in part) at the last address of such holder appearing on the registry books. Any or all of the bonds of this series may be redeemed by the Company, at any time and from time to time prior to maturity, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the Bonds and (2) the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled Payments (as defined below) of principal and interest on the Bonds discounted to the redemption date semiannually (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined below), plus 25 basis points, plus in either case accrued interest on the Bonds to the date of redemption. "Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue (as 28 defined below), assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price (as defined below) for such redemption date. "Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security selected by an Independent Investment Banker (as defined below) as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Bonds to be redeemed that would be used, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of the Bonds. "Independent Investment Banker" means either Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated or, if such firms are unwilling or unable to select the Comparable Treasury Issues, an independent banking institution of national standing selected by the Company. "Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any redemption date, (1) the average of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) on the third business day preceding such redemption date, as set forth in the daily statistical release (or any successor release) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and designated "H.15(519)" or (2) if such release (or any successor release) is not published or does not contain such prices on such business day, (a) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations (as defined below) for such redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest of such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (b) if the Company obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations. "Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer (as defined below) and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Company, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Company by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m. on the third business day preceding such redemption date. "Reference Treasury Dealer" means (1) each of Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and their respective successors; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a primary U.S. government securities dealer in New York City (a "Primary Treasury Dealer"), the Company shall replace that former dealer with another Primary Treasury Dealer and (2) up to four other Primary Treasury Dealers selected by the Company. "Remaining Scheduled Payments" means, with respect to each Bond to be redeemed, the remaining scheduled payments of the principal thereof and interest thereon that would be due after the related redemption date but for such redemption; provided, however, that, if that redemption date is prior to an interest payment date with respect to such Bond, the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment thereon will be reduced by the amount of interest accrued thereon to that redemption date. 29 In case of certain defaults as specified in the Indenture, the principal of this bond may be declared or may become due and payable on the conditions, at the time, in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. The holders of certain specified percentages of the bonds at the time outstanding, including in certain cases specified percentages of bonds of particular series, may in certain cases, to the extent and as provided in the Indenture, waive certain defaults thereunder and the consequences of such defaults. The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the Trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than seventy-five per centum in principal amount of the bonds (exclusive of bonds disqualified by reason of the Company's interest therein) at the time outstanding, including, if more than one series of bonds shall be at the time outstanding, not less than sixty per centum in principal amount of each series affected, to effect, by an indenture supplemental to the Indenture, modifications or alterations of the Indenture and of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the holders of the bonds and coupons; provided, however, that no such modification or alteration shall be made without the written approval or consent of the holder hereof which will (a) extend the maturity of this bond or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest hereon or reduce the amount of the principal hereof or reduce any premium payable on the redemption hereof, or (b) permit the creation of any lien, not otherwise permitted, prior to or on a parity with the lien of the Indenture, or (c) reduce the percentage of the principal amount of the bonds upon the approval or consent of the holders of which modifications or alterations may be made as aforesaid. The Company reserves the right, without any consent, vote or other action by holders of the 2016 Bonds, Series M or any other series created after the Sixty-eighth Supplemental Indenture to amend the Indenture to reduce the percentage of the principal amount of bonds the holders of which are required to approve any supplemental indenture (other than any supplemental indenture which is subject to the proviso contained in the immediately preceding sentence) (a) from not less than seventy-five per centum (including sixty per centum of each series affected) to not less than a majority in principal amount of the bonds at the time outstanding or (b) in case fewer than all series are affected, not less than a majority in principal amount of the bonds of all affected series, voting together. No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on this bond, or for any claim based hereon, or otherwise in respect hereof or of the Indenture, to or against any incorporator, stockholder, director or officer, past, present or future, as such, of the Company, or of any predecessor or successor company, either directly or through the Company, or such predecessor or successor company, or otherwise, under any constitution or statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty, or otherwise, all such liability of incorporators, stockholders, directors and officers, as such, being waived and released by the holder and owner hereof by the acceptance of this bond and being likewise waived and released by the terms of the Indenture. [END OF FORM OF REGISTERED BOND OF THE 2016 BONDS, SERIES M] 30 [FORM OF REGISTERED BOND OF THE 2016 BONDS, SERIES P] [FACE] THIS BOND IS A GLOBAL BOND REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITARY (REFERRED TO HEREIN) OR A NOMINEE THEREOF AND, UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR THE INDIVIDUAL BONDS REPRESENTED HEREBY, THIS GLOBAL BOND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. UNLESS THIS GLOBAL BOND IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK), A NEW YORK CORPORATION (THE "DEPOSITARY"), TO THE TRUSTEE FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY) ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN. CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY FIRST MORTGAGE BOND 5.50% SERIES DUE 2016, SERIES P CUSIP: ________________ $350,000,000 ISIN: ________________ No.: ________________ CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY, a Michigan corporation (hereinafter called the "Company"), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum of Three Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($350,000,000) on August 15, 2016 and to pay to the registered holder hereof interest on said sum from the latest semi-annual interest payment date to which interest has been paid on the bonds of this series preceding the date hereof, unless the date hereof be an interest payment date to which interest is being paid, in which case from the date hereof, or unless the date hereof is prior to February 15, 2005, in which case from August 17, 2004 or unless the date hereof is after February 15, 2005 but prior to the first date when any interest hereon has been paid, in which case from the last interest payment date on the Company's First Mortgage Bonds, 5.50% Series due 2016, Series M, to which interest has been paid (or if this bond is dated between the record date for any interest payment 31 date and such interest payment date, then from such interest payment date, provided, however, that if the Company shall default in payment of the interest due on such interest payment date, then from the next preceding semi-annual interest payment date to which interest has been paid on the bonds of this series, or if such interest payment date is February 15, 2005, from August 17, 2004), at the rate per annum, until the principal hereof shall have become due and payable, specified in the title of this bond, payable on February 15 and August 15 in each year. The provisions of this bond are continued on the reverse hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place. This bond shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose unless and until it shall have been authenticated by the execution by the Trustee or its successor in trust under the Indenture of the certificate hereon. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Consumers Energy Company has caused this bond to be executed in its name by its Chairman of the Board, its President or one of its Vice Presidents by his or her signature or a facsimile thereof, and its corporate seal or a facsimile thereof to be affixed hereto or imprinted hereon and attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries by his or her signature or a facsimile thereof. CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY Dated: By: ____________________________________ Printed: _______________________________ Title: _________________________________ Attest: _________________________ TRUSTEE'S AUTHENTICATION CERTIFICATE This is one of the bonds, of the series designated therein, described in the within-mentioned Indenture. JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, Trustee By: ____________________________________ Authorized Officer 32 [REVERSE] CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY FIRST MORTGAGE BOND 5.50% SERIES DUE 2016, SERIES P The interest payable on any February 15 or August 15 will, subject to certain exceptions provided in the Indenture hereinafter mentioned, be paid to the person in whose name this bond is registered at the close of business on the record date, which shall be the first calendar day of the month next preceding such interest payment date, or, if such February 15 or August 15 shall be a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, are authorized to close, the next preceding day which shall not be a legal holiday or a day on which such institutions are so authorized to close. The principal of and the premium, if any, and interest on this bond shall be payable at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, designated for that purpose, in any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment is legal tender for public and private debts. This bond is one of the bonds of a series designated as First Mortgage Bonds, 5.50% Series due 2016, Series P (sometimes herein referred to as the "2016 Bonds, Series P" or the "Bonds") issued and to be issued from time to time under and in accordance with and secured by an indenture dated as of September 1, 1945, given by the Company (or its predecessor, Consumers Power Company, a Maine corporation) to City Bank Farmers Trust Company (JPMorgan Chase Bank, successor) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Trustee"), together with indentures supplemental thereto, heretofore or hereafter executed, to which indenture and indentures supplemental thereto (hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Indenture") reference is hereby made for a description of the property mortgaged and pledged, the nature and extent of the security and the rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Trustee and the rights of the holders of said bonds and of the Trustee and of the Company in respect of such security, and the limitations on such rights. By the terms of the Indenture, the bonds to be secured thereby are issuable in series which may vary as to date, amount, date of maturity, rate of interest and in other respects as provided in the Indenture. The 2016 Bonds, Series P are redeemable upon notice given by mailing the same, postage prepaid, not less than thirty days nor more than sixty days prior to the date fixed for redemption to each registered holder of a bond to be redeemed (in whole or in part) at the last address of such holder appearing on the registry books. Any or all of the bonds of this series may be redeemed by the Company, at any time and from time to time prior to maturity, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the Bonds and (2) the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled Payments (as defined below) of principal and interest on the Bonds discounted to the redemption date semiannually (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined below), plus 25 basis points, plus in either case accrued interest on the Bonds to the date of redemption. "Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue (as 33 defined below), assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price (as defined below) for such redemption date. "Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security selected by an Independent Investment Banker (as defined below) as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Bonds to be redeemed that would be used, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of the Bonds. "Independent Investment Banker" means either Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated or, if such firms are unwilling or unable to select the Comparable Treasury Issues, an independent banking institution of national standing selected by the Company. "Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any redemption date, (1) the average of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) on the third business day preceding such redemption date, as set forth in the daily statistical release (or any successor release) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and designated "H.15(519)" or (2) if such release (or any successor release) is not published or does not contain such prices on such business day, (a) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations (as defined below) for such redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest of such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (b) if the Company obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations. "Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer (as defined below) and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Company, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Company by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m. on the third business day preceding such redemption date. "Reference Treasury Dealer" means (1) each of Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and their respective successors; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a primary U.S. government securities dealer in New York City (a "Primary Treasury Dealer"), the Company shall replace that former dealer with another Primary Treasury Dealer and (2) up to four other Primary Treasury Dealers selected by the Company. "Remaining Scheduled Payments" means, with respect to each Bond to be redeemed, the remaining scheduled payments of the principal thereof and interest thereon that would be due after the related redemption date but for such redemption; provided, however, that, if that redemption date is prior to an interest payment date with respect to such Bond, the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment thereon will be reduced by the amount of interest accrued thereon to that redemption date. 34 In case of certain defaults as specified in the Indenture, the principal of this bond may be declared or may become due and payable on the conditions, at the time, in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. The holders of certain specified percentages of the bonds at the time outstanding, including in certain cases specified percentages of bonds of particular series, may in certain cases, to the extent and as provided in the Indenture, waive certain defaults thereunder and the consequences of such defaults. The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the Trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than seventy-five per centum in principal amount of the bonds (exclusive of bonds disqualified by reason of the Company's interest therein) at the time outstanding, including, if more than one series of bonds shall be at the time outstanding, not less than sixty per centum in principal amount of each series affected, to effect, by an indenture supplemental to the Indenture, modifications or alterations of the Indenture and of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the holders of the bonds and coupons; provided, however, that no such modification or alteration shall be made without the written approval or consent of the holder hereof which will (a) extend the maturity of this bond or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest hereon or reduce the amount of the principal hereof or reduce any premium payable on the redemption hereof, or (b) permit the creation of any lien, not otherwise permitted, prior to or on a parity with the lien of the Indenture, or (c) reduce the percentage of the principal amount of the bonds upon the approval or consent the holders of which modifications or alterations may be made as aforesaid. The Company reserves the right, without any consent, vote or other action by holders of the 2016 Bonds, Series P or any other series created after the Sixty-eighth Supplemental Indenture to amend the Indenture to reduce the percentage of the principal amount of bonds the holders of which are required to approve any supplemental indenture (other than any supplemental indenture which is subject to the proviso contained in the immediately preceding sentence) (a) from not less than seventy-five per centum (including sixty per centum of each series affected) to not less than a majority in principal amount of the bonds at the time outstanding or (b) in case fewer than all series are affected, not less than a majority in principal amount of the bonds of all affected series, voting together. No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on this bond, or for any claim based hereon, or otherwise in respect hereof or of the Indenture, to or against any incorporator, stockholder, director or officer, past, present or future, as such, of the Company, or of any predecessor or successor company, either directly or through the Company, or such predecessor or successor company, or otherwise, under any constitution or statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty, or otherwise, all such liability of incorporators, stockholders, directors and officers, as such, being waived and released by the holder and owner hereof by the acceptance of this bond and being likewise waived and released by the terms of the Indenture. [END OF FORM OF REGISTERED BOND OF THE 2016 BONDS, SERIES P] 35 AND WHEREAS all acts and things necessary to make the 2009 Bonds, Series K, the 2009 Bonds, Series N, the 2012 Bonds, Series L, the 2012 Bonds, Series O, the 2016 Bonds, Series M and the 2016 Bonds, Series P (collectively referred to herein as the "Bonds"), when duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee or its agent and issued as prescribed in the Indenture, as heretofore supplemented and amended, this Supplemental Indenture, the valid, binding and legal obligations of the Company, and to constitute the Indenture, as supplemented and amended as aforesaid, as well as by this Supplemental Indenture, a valid, binding and legal instrument for the security thereof, have been done and performed, and the creation, execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture and the creation, execution and issuance of bonds subject to the terms hereof and of the Indenture, as so supplemented and amended, have in all respects been duly authorized; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, of the acceptance and purchase by the holders thereof of the bonds issued and to be issued under the Indenture, as supplemented and amended as above set forth, duly paid by the Trustee to the Company, and of other good and valuable considerations, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and for the purpose of securing the due and punctual payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on all bonds now outstanding under the Indenture and the $150,000,000 principal amount of the 2009 Bonds, Series K, the $300,000,000 principal amount of the 2012 Bonds, Series L and the $350,000,000 principal amount of the 2016 Bonds, Series M and of the Exchange Bonds, if issued, and all other bonds which shall be issued under the Indenture, as supplemented and amended from time to time, and for the purpose of securing the faithful performance and observance of all covenants and conditions therein, and in any indenture supplemental thereto, set forth, the Company has given, granted, bargained, sold, released, transferred, assigned, hypothecated, pledged, mortgaged, confirmed, set over, warranted, alienated and conveyed and by these presents does give, grant, bargain, sell, release, transfer, assign, hypothecate, pledge, mortgage, confirm, set over, warrant, alienate and convey unto JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee, as provided in the Indenture, and its successor or successors in the trust thereby and hereby created and to its or their assigns forever, all the right, title and interest of the Company in and to all the property, described in Section 14 hereof, together (subject to the provisions of Article X of the Indenture) with the tolls, rents, revenues, issues, earnings, income, products and profits thereof, excepting, however, the property, interests and rights specifically excepted from the lien of the Indenture as set forth in the Indenture; TOGETHER WITH all and singular the tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances belonging or in any wise appertaining to the premises, property, franchises and rights, or any thereof, referred to in the foregoing granting clause, with the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders and (subject to the provisions of Article X of the Indenture) the tolls, rents, revenues, issues, earnings, income, products and profits thereof, and all the estate, right, title and interest and claim whatsoever, at law as well as in equity, which the Company now has or may hereafter acquire in and to the aforesaid premises, property, franchises and rights and every part and parcel thereof; SUBJECT, HOWEVER, with respect to such premises, property, franchises and rights, to excepted encumbrances as said term is defined in Section 1.02 of the Indenture, and subject also to all defects and limitations of title and to all encumbrances existing at the time of acquisition. 36 TO HAVE AND TO HOLD all said premises, property, franchises and rights hereby conveyed, assigned, pledged or mortgaged, or intended so to be, unto the Trustee, its successor or successors in trust and their assigns forever; BUT IN TRUST, NEVERTHELESS, with power of sale for the equal and proportionate benefit and security of the holders of all bonds now or hereafter authenticated and delivered under and secured by the Indenture and interest coupons appurtenant thereto, pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture and of any supplemental indenture, and for the enforcement of the payment of said bonds and coupons when payable and the performance of and compliance with the covenants and conditions of the Indenture and of any supplemental indenture, without any preference, distinction or priority as to lien or otherwise of any bond or bonds over others by reason of the difference in time of the actual authentication, delivery, issue, sale or negotiation thereof or for any other reason whatsoever, except as otherwise expressly provided in the Indenture; and so that each and every bond now or hereafter authenticated and delivered thereunder shall have the same lien, and so that the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on every such bond shall, subject to the terms thereof, be equally and proportionately secured, as if it had been made, executed, authenticated, delivered, sold and negotiated simultaneously with the execution and delivery thereof; AND IT IS EXPRESSLY DECLARED by the Company that all bonds authenticated and delivered under and secured by the Indenture, as supplemented and amended as above set forth, are to be issued, authenticated and delivered, and all said premises, property, franchises and rights hereby and by the Indenture and indentures supplemental thereto conveyed, assigned, pledged or mortgaged, or intended so to be, are to be dealt with and disposed of under, upon and subject to the terms, conditions, stipulations, covenants, agreements, trusts, uses and purposes expressed in the Indenture, as supplemented and amended as above set forth, and the parties hereto mutually agree as follows: SECTION 1. There is hereby created one series of bonds (the 2009 Bonds, Series K) designated as hereinabove provided, which shall also bear the descriptive title "First Mortgage Bond", and the form thereof shall be substantially as hereinbefore set forth. The 2009 Bonds, Series K shall be issued in the aggregate principal amount of $150,000,000, shall mature on August 15, 2009 and shall be issued only as registered bonds without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any multiple thereof. The serial numbers of the 2009 Bonds, Series K shall be such as may be approved by any officer of the Company, the execution thereof by any such officer either manually or by facsimile signature to be conclusive evidence of such approval. The 2009 Bonds, Series K shall bear interest at the rate per annum, until the principal thereof shall have become due and payable, specified in the title thereto, payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 in each year. If the Company does not comply with certain of its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, (in which case the Company shall notify the Trustee thereof), the 2009 Bonds, Series K shall, in accordance with Section 5 of the Registration Rights Agreement, bear additional interest ("Additional Interest") in addition to the interest provided for in the immediately preceding sentence. For purposes of this Supplemental Indenture and the 2009 Bonds, Series K, the term "interest" shall be deemed to include interest provided for in the second immediately preceding sentence and Additional Interest, if any. The principal of and the premium, if any, and the interest on said bonds shall be payable in any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment is legal tender for 37 public and private debts, at the office or agency of the Company in the City of New York, designated for that purpose. SECTION 2. There is hereby created one series of bonds (the 2012 Bonds, Series L) designated as hereinabove provided, which shall also bear the descriptive title "First Mortgage Bond", and the form thereof shall be substantially as hereinbefore set forth. The 2012 Bonds, Series L shall be issued in the aggregate principal amount of $300,000,000 shall mature on February 15, 2012 and shall be issued only as registered bonds without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any multiple thereof. The serial numbers of the 2012 Bonds, Series L shall be such as may be approved by any officer of the Company, the execution thereof by any such officer either manually or by facsimile signature to be conclusive evidence of such approval. The 2012 Bonds, Series L shall bear interest at the rate per annum, until the principal thereof shall have become due and payable, specified in the title thereto, payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 in each year. If the Company does not comply with certain of its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, (in which case the Company shall notify the Trustee thereof), the 2012 Bonds, Series L shall, in accordance with Section 5 of the Registration Rights Agreement, bear Additional Interest in addition to the interest provided for in the immediately preceding sentence. For purposes of this Supplemental Indenture and the 2012 Bonds, Series L, the term "interest" shall be deemed to include interest provided for in the second immediately preceding sentence and Additional Interest, if any. The principal of and the premium, if any, and the interest on said bonds shall be payable in any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment is legal tender for public and private debts, at the office or agency of the Company in the City of New York, designated for that purpose. SECTION 3. There is hereby created one series of bonds (the 2016 Bonds, Series M) designated as hereinabove provided, which shall also bear the descriptive title "First Mortgage Bond", and the form thereof shall be substantially as hereinbefore set forth. The 2016 Bonds, Series M shall be issued in the aggregate principal amount of $350,000,000, shall mature on August 15, 2016 and shall be issued only as registered bonds without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any multiple thereof. The serial numbers of the 2016 Bonds, Series M shall be such as may be approved by any officer of the Company, the execution thereof by any such officer either manually or by facsimile signature to be conclusive evidence of such approval. The 2016 Bonds, Series M shall bear interest at the rate per annum, until the principal thereof shall have become due and payable, specified in the title thereto, payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 in each year. If the Company does not comply with certain of its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, (in which case the Company shall notify the Trustee thereof), the 2016 Bonds, Series M shall, in accordance with Section 5 of the Registration Rights Agreement, bear Additional Interest in addition to the interest provided for in the immediately preceding sentence. For purposes of this Supplemental Indenture and the 2016 Bonds, Series M, the term "interest" shall be deemed to include interest provided for in the second immediately preceding sentence and Additional Interest, if any. The principal of and the premium, if any, and the interest on said bonds shall be payable in any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment is legal tender for public and private debts, at the office or agency of the Company in the City of New York, designated for that purpose. 38 SECTION 4. The Company and the Initial Purchasers have entered into the Registration Rights Agreement. The Registration Rights Agreement provides the 2009 Bonds, Series K, the 2012 Bonds, Series L and the 2016 Bonds, Series M that are issued and sold without registration under the Securities Act may be exchanged for the 2009 Bonds, Series N, the 2012 Bonds, Series O and the 2016 Bonds, Series P, respectively, each of which will be registered under the Securities Act and will otherwise have substantially the same terms as the 2009 Bonds, Series K, the 2012 Bonds, Series L and the 2016 Bonds, Series M, respectively. In the event such exchange does not occur, the Company is required to cause a Shelf Registration Statement as defined in and pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement to be declared effective with respect to the 2009 Bonds, Series K, the 2012 Bonds, Series L and/or the 2016 Bonds, Series M. SECTION 5. Terms of Bonds. 5.01 Form of Bonds. (a) The 2009 Bonds, Series K, the 2012 Bonds, Series L and the 2016 Bonds, Series M offered and sold to a Qualified Institutional Buyer (within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act) in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act ("Rule 144A") or in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act ("Regulation S"), in each case as provided in the Purchase Agreement, shall in each case be issued initially in the form of one or more permanent Global Bonds in definitive, fully registered form without interest coupons with the global securities legend and restricted securities legend set forth in Section 5.02(b) hereof (each, a "Restricted Global Bond"), which shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Initial Bonds represented thereby with the Trustee, at its corporate trust office, as securities custodian (or with such other securities custodian as the Depository (as defined below) may direct), and registered in the name of the Depository or a nominee of the Depository, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided. The aggregate principal amount of the Global Bonds may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee and the Depository or its nominee as hereinafter provided. Exchange Bonds shall be issued in global form. Exchange Bonds issued in global form and Restricted Global Bonds are sometimes referred to in this Supplemental Indenture as "Global Bonds." The Depositary for the Global Bonds shall be The Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation, or its duly appointed successor (the "Depository"). (b)This Section 5.01(b) shall apply only to a Global Bond deposited with or on behalf of the Depository. The Company shall execute and the Trustee shall, in the case of each of the 2009 Bonds, Series K, the 2009 Bonds, Series N, the 2012 Bonds, Series L, the 2012 Bonds, Series O, the 2016 Bonds, Series M and the 2016 Bonds, Series P, in accordance with this Section 5.01(b), authenticate and deliver initially one or more Global Bonds that (a) shall be registered in the name of the Depository or the nominee of the Depository and (b) shall be delivered by the Trustee to the Depository or pursuant to the Depository's instructions or held by the Trustee as securities custodian. 39 Members of, or participants in, the Depository ("Agent Members") shall have no rights under this Supplemental Indenture with respect to any Global Bond held on their behalf by the Depository or by the Trustee as the securities custodian or under such Global Bond, and the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be entitled to treat the Depository as the absolute owner of such Global Bond for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depository or impair, as between the Depository and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices of such Depository governing the exercise of the rights of a holder of a beneficial interest in any Global Bond. (c)Except as provided in this Section 5.01, Section 5.02 or Section 5.03, owners of beneficial interests in Restricted Global Bonds shall not be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated Bonds. 5.02 Transfer and Exchange. (a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Bonds. (i) The transfer and exchange of Global Bonds or beneficial interests therein shall be effected through the Depository, in accordance with this Supplemental Indenture (including applicable restrictions on transfer set forth herein, if any) and the procedures of the Depository therefor. (ii) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Supplemental Indenture (other than the provisions set forth in Section 5.03), a Global Bond may not be transferred as a whole except by the Depository to a nominee of the Depository or by a nominee of the Depository to the Depository or another nominee of the Depository or by the Depository or any such nominee to a successor Depository or a nominee of such successor Depository. (iii) In the event that a Restricted Global Bond is exchanged for Bonds in certificated registered form pursuant to Section 5.03 prior to the consummation of a registered exchange offer or the effectiveness of a Shelf Registration Statement (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) with respect to such Initial Bonds, such Restricted Global Bond may be exchanged only in accordance with such procedures as are substantially consistent with the provisions of this Section 5.02 and such other procedures as may from time to time be adopted by the Company; provided, however, the Trustee shall be notified of such event. (b) Legend. (i) Except as permitted by the following paragraphs (ii), (iii) and (iv), each Bond certificate evidencing a Transfer Restricted Security (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) shall bear a legend in substantially the following form: THE BONDS EVIDENCED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT") 40 AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT (A)(1) TO A PERSON WHO THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (2) IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION COMPLYING WITH RULE 903 OR RULE 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (3) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE), (4) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, (5) TO CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY OR (6) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND (B) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF THE STATES OF THE UNITED STATES. (ii) Upon any sale or transfer of a Transfer Restricted Security (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) (including any Transfer Restricted Security (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) represented by a Restricted Global Bond) pursuant to Rule 144, the security registrar shall, subject to approval by the Company, permit the transferee thereof to exchange such Transfer Restricted Security (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) for a certificated Bond that does not bear the legend set forth above and rescind any restriction on the transfer of such Transfer Restricted Security (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), if the transferor thereof certifies in writing to the security registrar that such sale or transfer was made in reliance on Rule 144. (iii) After a transfer of any Initial Bonds pursuant to and during the period of the effectiveness of a Shelf Registration Statement (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) with respect to such Initial Bonds all requirements pertaining to legends on such Initial Bonds with respect to such Bonds transferred will cease to apply and Initial Bonds in global form, without restrictive transfer legends, will be available to the transferee of the holder of such Initial Bonds upon written directions to transfer such holder's interest in the Global Bond. (iv) Upon the consummation of a registered exchange offer with respect to the Initial Bonds, Exchange Bonds in global form will be available to holders that exchange such Initial Bonds in such registered exchange offer. (c) Cancellation or Adjustment of Global Bond. At such time as all beneficial interests in a Global Bond have either been exchanged for certificated Bonds, redeemed, purchased or canceled, such Global Bond shall be canceled by the Trustee. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Bond is exchanged for certificated Bonds, redeemed, purchased or canceled, the principal amount of Bonds represented by such Global Bond shall be reduced and an adjustment shall be made on the books and records of the securities custodian with respect to such Global Bond. 41 (d) Obligations with Respect to Transfers and Exchanges of Bonds. (i) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate certificated Bonds and Global Bonds at the security registrar's request. (ii) No service charge shall be made for registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax, assessments or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith. (iii) Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer of any Bond, the Company, the Trustee, the paying agent or the security registrar may deem and treat the person in whose name a Bond is registered as the absolute owner of such Bond for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest on such Bond and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Bond is overdue, and none of the Company, the Trustee, the paying agent or the security registrar shall be affected by notice to the contrary. (iv) All Bonds issued upon any transfer or exchange pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall evidence the same debt and shall be entitled to the same benefits under the Indenture as the Bonds surrendered upon such transfer or exchange. (e) No Obligation of Trustee. (i) The Trustee (whether in its capacity as Trustee or otherwise) shall have no responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner of a Global Bond, Agent Member or other person with respect to the accuracy of the records of the Depository or its nominee or of any Agent Member, with respect to any ownership interest in the Bonds or with respect to the delivery to any Agent Member, beneficial owner or other person (other than the Depository) of any notice (including any notice of redemption) or the payment of any amount, under or with respect to such Bonds. All notices and communications to be given to the holders and all payments to be made to holders under the Bonds shall be given or made only to or upon the order of the registered holders (which shall be the Depository or its nominee in the case of a Global Bond). The rights of beneficial owners in any Global Bond shall be exercised only through the Depository subject to the applicable rules and procedures of the Depository. The Trustee may rely and shall be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by the Depository with respect to its Agent Members and any beneficial owners. (ii) The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Supplemental Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Bond (including any transfers between or among Agent Members or beneficial owners in any Global Bond) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by, the terms of the Indenture. 42 5.03 Certificated Bonds. (a) A Global Bond deposited with the Depository or with the Trustee as securities custodian pursuant to Section 5.01 shall be transferred to the beneficial owners thereof in the form of certificated Bonds in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Global Bond, in exchange for such Global Bond, only if such transfer complies with this Section 5.03 and the conditions set forth in Article II of the Indenture. (b) Any Global Bond that is transferable to the beneficial owners thereof pursuant to this Section 5.03 shall be surrendered by the Depository to the Trustee at its corporate trust office to be so transferred, in whole or from time to time in part, without charge, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, upon such transfer of each portion of such Global Bond, an equal aggregate principal amount of certificated Bonds of authorized denominations. Any portion of a Global Bond transferred pursuant to this Section 5.03 shall be executed, authenticated and delivered only in denominations of $1,000 principal amount and any integral multiple thereof and registered in such names as the Depository shall direct. Any certificated Initial Bond delivered in exchange for an interest in the Global Bond shall bear the restricted securities legend set forth in Section 5.02(b) hereof. (c) Subject to the provisions of Section 5.03(b), the registered holder of a Global Bond shall be entitled to grant proxies and otherwise authorize any person, including Agent Members and persons that may hold interests through Agent Members, to take any action which a holder is entitled to take under the Indenture or the Bonds. 5.04 Issuance of Exchange Bonds. The Trustee shall not authenticate the 2009 Bonds, Series N, the 2012 Bonds, Series O or the 2016 Bonds, Series P for issuance until (i) such bonds are issued in principal amount equal to the principal amount of retired 2009 Bonds, Series K, 2012 Bonds, Series L and 2016 Bonds, Series M, respectively, made the basis for such issuance in accordance with Article V of the Indenture and (ii) the Trustee shall have received (or shall receive concurrently with the granting of the application of the Company for the authentication and delivery by the Trustee of such bonds) the documents required by Article V of the Indenture. SECTION 6. The 2009 Bonds, Series K, the 2009 Bonds, Series N, the 2012 Bonds, Series L, the 2012 Bonds, Series O, the 2016 Bonds, Series M and the 2016 Bonds, Series P, are redeemable upon notice given by mailing the same, postage prepaid, not less than thirty days nor more than sixty days prior to the date fixed for redemption to each registered holder of a bond to be redeemed (in whole or in part) at the last address of such holder appearing on the registry books. Any or all of the bonds of this series may be redeemed by the Company, at any time and from time to time prior to maturity, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the Bonds and (2) the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled Payments (as defined below) of principal and interest on the Bonds discounted to the redemption date semiannually (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined below), plus: (i) in the case of the 2009 Bonds, Series K, the 2009 Bonds, Series N, the 2012 Bonds, Series L or the 2012 Bonds, Series O, 20 basis points plus accrued interest on the Bonds to the date of redemption and (ii) in the case of 43 the 2016 Bonds, Series M or the 2016 Bonds, Series P, 25 basis points plus accrued interest on the Bonds to the date of redemption. "Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue (as defined below), assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price (as defined below) for such redemption date. "Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security selected by an Independent Investment Banker (as defined below) as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Bonds to be redeemed that would be used, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of the Bonds. "Independent Investment Banker" means either Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, or, if such firms are unwilling or unable to select the Comparable Treasury Issues, an independent banking institution of national standing selected by the Company. "Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any redemption date, (1) the average of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) on the third business day preceding such redemption date, as set forth in the daily statistical release (or any successor release) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and designated "H.15(519)" or (2) if such release (or any successor release) is not published or does not contain such prices on such business day, (a) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations (as defined below) for such redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest of such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (b) if the Company obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations. "Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer (as defined below) and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Company, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Company by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m. on the third business day preceding such redemption date. "Reference Treasury Dealer" means (1) each of Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, and their respective successors; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a primary U.S. government securities dealer in New York City (a "Primary Treasury Dealer"), the Company shall replace that former dealer with another Primary Treasury Dealer and (2) up to four other Primary Treasury Dealers selected by the Company. "Remaining Scheduled Payments" means, with respect to each Bond to be redeemed, the remaining scheduled payments of the principal thereof and interest thereon that would be due after the related redemption date but for such redemption; provided, however, that, 44 if that redemption date is prior to an interest payment date with respect to such Bond, the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment thereon will be reduced by the amount of interest accrued thereon to that redemption date. SECTION 7. The 2009 Bonds, Series K, the 2009 Bonds, Series N, the 2012 Bonds, Series L, the 2012 Bonds, Series O, the 2016 Bonds, Series M and the 2016 Bonds, Series P are not redeemable by the operation of the maintenance and replacement provisions of the Indenture or with the proceeds of released property or in any other manner except as set forth in Section 6 hereof. SECTION 8. The Company reserves the right, without any consent, vote or other action by the holders of the 2009 Bonds, Series K, the 2009 Bonds, Series N, the 2012 Bonds, Series L, the 2012 Bonds, Series O, the 2016 Bonds, Series M and the 2016 Bonds, Series P, or of any subsequent series of bonds issued under the Indenture, to make such amendments to the Indenture, as supplemented, as shall be necessary in order to amend Section 17.02 to read as follows: SECTION 17.02. With the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the bonds at the time outstanding or their attorneys-in-fact duly authorized, or, if fewer than all series are affected, not less than a majority in principal amount of the bonds at the time outstanding of each series the rights of the holders of which are affected, voting together, the Company, when authorized by a resolution, and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or modifying the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the holders of any of the bonds and coupons; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall (1) extend the maturity of any of the bonds or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest thereon, or reduce the amount of the principal thereof, or reduce any premium payable on the redemption thereof, without the consent of the holder of each bond so affected, or (2) permit the creation of any lien, not otherwise permitted, prior to or on a parity with the lien of this Indenture, without the consent of the holders of all the bonds then outstanding, or (3) reduce the aforesaid percentage of the principal amount of bonds the holders of which are required to approve any such supplemental indenture, without the consent of the holders of all the bonds then outstanding. For the purposes of this Section, bonds shall be deemed to be affected by a supplemental indenture if such supplemental indenture adversely affects or diminishes the rights of holders thereof against the Company or against its property. The Trustee may in its discretion determine whether or not, in accordance with the foregoing, bonds of any particular series would be affected by any supplemental indenture and any such determination shall be conclusive upon the holders of bonds of such series and all other series. Subject to 45 the provisions of Sections 16.02 and 16.03 hereof, the Trustee shall not be liable for any determination made in good faith in connection herewith. Upon the written request of the Company, accompanied by a resolution authorizing the execution of any such supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of bondholders as aforesaid (the instrument or instruments evidencing such consent to be dated within one year of such request), the Trustee shall join with the Company in the execution of such supplemental indenture unless such supplemental indenture affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion but shall not be obligated to enter into such supplemental indenture. It shall not be necessary for the consent of the bondholders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof. The Company and the Trustee, if they so elect, and either before or after such consent has been obtained, may require the holder of any bond consenting to the execution of any such supplemental indenture to submit his bond to the Trustee or to ask such bank, banker or trust company as may be designated by the Trustee for the purpose, for the notation thereon of the fact that the holder of such bond has consented to the execution of such supplemental indenture, and in such case such notation, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, shall be made upon all bonds so submitted, and such bonds bearing such notation shall forthwith be returned to the persons entitled thereto. Prior to the execution by the Company and the Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Section, the Company shall publish a notice, setting forth in general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture, at least once in one daily newspaper of general circulation in each city in which the principal of any of the bonds shall be payable, or, if all bonds outstanding shall be registered bonds without coupons or coupon bonds registered as to principal, such notice shall be sufficiently given if mailed, first class, postage prepaid, and registered if the Company so elects, to each registered holder of bonds at the last address of such holder appearing on the registry books, such publication or mailing, as the case may be, to be made not less than thirty days prior to such execution. Any failure of the Company to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture. 46 SECTION 9. As supplemented and amended as above set forth, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed, and the Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument. SECTION 10. The Trustee assumes no responsibility for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or of the Indenture as hereby supplemented or the due execution hereof by the Company or for or in respect of the recitals and statements contained herein (other than those contained in the sixth, seventh and eighth recitals hereof), all of which recitals and statements are made solely by the Company. SECTION 11. This Supplemental Indenture may be simultaneously executed in several counterparts and all such counterparts executed and delivered, each as an original, shall constitute but one and the same instrument. SECTION 12. In the event the date of any notice required or permitted hereunder shall not be a Business Day (as defined below), then (notwithstanding any other provision of the Indenture or of any supplemental indenture thereto) such notice need not be made on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the date fixed for such notice. "Business Day" means, with respect to this Section 12, any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which banks generally are open in New York, New York for the conduct of substantially all of their commercial lending activities and on which interbank wire transfers can be made on the Fedwire system. SECTION 13. This Supplemental Indenture, the 2009 Bonds, Series K, the 2009 Bonds, Series N, the 2012 Bonds, Series L, the 2012 Bonds, Series O, the 2016 Bonds, Series M and the 2016 Bonds, Series P shall be governed by and deemed to be a contract under, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Michigan, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of such state, except as may otherwise be required by mandatory provisions of law. SECTION 14. Detailed Description of Property Mortgaged: I. ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANTS AND DAMS All the electric generating plants and stations of the Company, constructed or otherwise acquired by it and not heretofore described in the Indenture or any supplement thereto and not heretofore released from the lien of the Indenture, including all powerhouses, buildings, reservoirs, dams, pipelines, flumes, structures and works and the land on which the same are situated and all water rights and all other lands and easements, rights of way, permits, privileges, towers, poles, wires, machinery, equipment, appliances, appurtenances and supplies and all other property, real or personal, forming a part of or appertaining to or used, occupied or enjoyed in connection with such plants and stations or any of them, or adjacent thereto. 47 II. ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES All the electric transmission lines of the Company, constructed or otherwise acquired by it and not heretofore described in the Indenture or any supplement thereto and not heretofore released from the lien of the Indenture, including towers, poles, pole lines, wires, switches, switch racks, switchboards, insulators and other appliances and equipment, and all other property, real or personal, forming a part of or appertaining to or used, occupied or enjoyed in connection with such transmission lines or any of them or adjacent thereto; together with all real property, rights of way, easements, permits, privileges, franchises and rights for or relating to the construction, maintenance or operation thereof, through, over, under or upon any private property or any public streets or highways, within as well as without the corporate limits of any municipal corporation. Also all the real property, rights of way, easements, permits, privileges and rights for or relating to the construction, maintenance or operation of certain transmission lines, the land and rights for which are owned by the Company, which are either not built or now being constructed. III. ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS All the electric distribution systems of the Company, constructed or otherwise acquired by it and not heretofore described in the Indenture or any supplement thereto and not heretofore released from the lien of the Indenture, including substations, transformers, switchboards, towers, poles, wires, insulators, subways, trenches, conduits, manholes, cables, meters and other appliances and equipment, and all other property, real or personal, forming a part of or appertaining to or used, occupied or enjoyed in connection with such distribution systems or any of them or adjacent thereto; together with all real property, rights of way, easements, permits, privileges, franchises, grants and rights, for or relating to the construction, maintenance or operation thereof, through, over, under or upon any private property or any public streets or highways within as well as without the corporate limits of any municipal corporation. IV. ELECTRIC SUBSTATIONS, SWITCHING STATIONS AND SITES All the substations, switching stations and sites of the Company, constructed or otherwise acquired by it and not heretofore described in the Indenture or any supplement thereto and not heretofore released from the lien of the Indenture, for transforming, regulating, converting or distributing or otherwise controlling electric current at any of its plants and elsewhere, together with all buildings, transformers, wires, insulators and other appliances and equipment, and all other property, real or personal, forming a part of or appertaining to or used, occupied or enjoyed in connection with any of such substations and switching stations, or adjacent thereto, with sites to be used for such purposes. 48 V. GAS COMPRESSOR STATIONS, GAS PROCESSING PLANTS, DESULPHURIZATION STATIONS, METERING STATIONS, ODORIZING STATIONS, REGULATORS AND SITES All the compressor stations, processing plants, desulphurization stations, metering stations, odorizing stations, regulators and sites of the Company, constructed or otherwise acquired by it and not heretofore described in the Indenture or any supplement thereto and not heretofore released from the lien of the Indenture, for compressing, processing, desulphurizing, metering, odorizing and regulating manufactured or natural gas at any of its plants and elsewhere, together with all buildings, meters and other appliances and equipment, and all other property, real or personal, forming a part of or appertaining to or used, occupied or enjoyed in connection with any of such purposes, with sites to be used for such purposes. VI. GAS STORAGE FIELDS The natural gas rights and interests of the Company, including wells and well lines (but not including natural gas, oil and minerals), the gas gathering system, the underground gas storage rights, the underground gas storage wells and injection and withdrawal system used in connection therewith, constructed or otherwise acquired by it and not heretofore described in the Indenture or any supplement thereto and not heretofore released from the lien of the Indenture: In the Overisel Gas Storage Field, located in the Township of Overisel, Allegan County, and in the Township of Zeeland, Ottawa County, Michigan; in the Northville Gas Storage Field located in the Township of Salem, Washtenaw County, Township of Lyon, Oakland County, and the Townships of Northville and Plymouth and City of Plymouth, Wayne County, Michigan; in the Salem Gas Storage Field, located in the Township of Salem, Allegan County, and in the Township of Jamestown, Ottawa County, Michigan; in the Ray Gas Storage Field, located in the Townships of Ray and Armada, Macomb County, Michigan; in the Lenox Gas Storage Field, located in the Townships of Lenox and Chesterfield, Macomb County, Michigan; in the Ira Gas Storage Field, located in the Township of Ira, St. Clair County, Michigan; in the Puttygut Gas Storage Field, located in the Township of Casco, St. Clair County, Michigan; in the Four Corners Gas Storage Field, located in the Townships of Casco, China, Cottrellville and Ira, St. Clair County, Michigan; in the Swan Creek Gas Storage Field, located in the Township of Casco and Ira, St. Clair County, Michigan; and in the Hessen Gas Storage Field, located in the Townships of Casco and Columbus, St. Clair, Michigan. VII. GAS TRANSMISSION LINES All the gas transmission lines of the Company, constructed or otherwise acquired by it and not heretofore described in the Indenture or any supplement thereto and not heretofore released from the lien of the Indenture, including gas mains, pipes, pipelines, gates, valves, meters and other appliances and equipment, and all other property, real or personal, forming a 49 part of or appertaining to or used, occupied or enjoyed in connection with such transmission lines or any of them or adjacent thereto; together with all real property, right of way, easements, permits, privileges, franchises and rights for or relating to the construction, maintenance or operation thereof, through, over, under or upon any private property or any public streets or highways, within as well as without the corporate limits of any municipal corporation. VIII. GAS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS All the gas distribution systems of the Company, constructed or otherwise acquired by it and not heretofore described in the Indenture or any supplement thereto and not heretofore released from the lien of the Indenture, including tunnels, conduits, gas mains and pipes, service pipes, fittings, gates, valves, connections, meters and other appliances and equipment, and all other property, real or personal, forming a part of or appertaining to or used, occupied or enjoyed in connection with such distribution systems or any of them or adjacent thereto; together with all real property, rights of way, easements, permits, privileges, franchises, grants and rights, for or relating to the construction, maintenance or operation thereof, through, over, under or upon any private property or any public streets or highways within as well as without the corporate limits of any municipal corporation. IX. OFFICE BUILDINGS, SERVICE BUILDINGS, GARAGES, ETC. All office, garage, service and other buildings of the Company, wherever located, in the State of Michigan, constructed or otherwise acquired by it and not heretofore described in the Indenture or any supplement thereto and not heretofore released from the lien of the Indenture, together with the land on which the same are situated and all easements, rights of way and appurtenances to said lands, together with all furniture and fixtures located in said buildings. X. TELEPHONE PROPERTIES AND RADIO COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT All telephone lines, switchboards, systems and equipment of the Company, constructed or otherwise acquired by it and not heretofore described in the Indenture or any supplement thereto and not heretofore released from the lien of the Indenture, used or available for use in the operation of its properties, and all other property, real or personal, forming a part of or appertaining to or used, occupied or enjoyed in connection with such telephone properties or any of them or adjacent thereto; together with all real estate, rights of way, easements, permits, privileges, franchises, property, devices or rights related to the dispatch, transmission, reception or reproduction of messages, communications, intelligence, signals, light, vision or sound by electricity, wire or otherwise, including all telephone equipment installed in buildings used as general and regional offices, substations and generating stations and all telephone lines erected on towers and poles; and all radio communication equipment of the Company, together with all 50 property, real or personal (except any in the Indenture expressly excepted), fixed stations, towers, auxiliary radio buildings and equipment, and all appurtenances used in connection therewith, wherever located, in the State of Michigan. XI. OTHER REAL PROPERTY All other real property of the Company and all interests therein, of every nature and description (except any in the Indenture expressly excepted) wherever located, in the State of Michigan, acquired by it and not heretofore described in the Indenture or any supplement thereto and not heretofore released from the lien of the Indenture. Such real property includes but is not limited to the following described property, such property is subject to any interests that were excepted or reserved in the conveyance to the Company: ALCONA COUNTY Certain land in Caledonia Township, Alcona County, Michigan described as: The East 330 feet of the South 660 feet of the SW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 8, T28N, R8E, except the West 264 feet of the South 330 feet thereof; said land being more particularly described as follows: To find the place of beginning of this description, commence at the Southwest corner of said section, run thence East along the South line of said section 1243 feet to the place of beginning of this description, thence continuing East along said South line of said section 66 feet to the West 1/8 line of said section, thence N 02 degrees 09' 30" E along the said West 1/8 line of said section 660 feet, thence West 330 feet, thence S 02 degrees 09' 30" W, 330 feet, thence East 264 feet, thence S 02 degrees 09' 30" W, 330 feet to the place of beginning. ALLEGAN COUNTY Certain land in Lee Township, Allegan County, Michigan described as: The NE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 16, T1N, R15W. ALPENA COUNTY Certain land in Wilson and Green Townships, Alpena County, Michigan described as: All that part of the S'ly 1/2 of the former Boyne City-Gaylord and Alpena Railroad right of way, being the Southerly 50 feet of a 100 foot strip of land formerly occupied by said Railroad, running from the East line of Section 31, T31N, R7E, Southwesterly across said Section 31 and Sections 5 and 6 of T30N, R7E and Sections 10, 11 and the E 1/2 of Section 9, except the West 1646 feet thereof, all in T30N, R6E. 51 ANTRIM COUNTY Certain land in Mancelona Township, Antrim County, Michigan described as: The S 1/2 of the NE 1/4 of Section 33, T29N, R6W, excepting therefrom all mineral, coal, oil and gas and such other rights as were reserved unto the State of Michigan in that certain deed running from the State of Michigan to August W. Schack and Emma H. Schack, his wife, dated April 15, 1946 and recorded May 20, 1946 in Liber 97 of Deeds on page 682 of Antrim County Records. ARENAC COUNTY Certain land in Standish Township, Arenac County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the SW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 12, T18N, R4E, described as follows: To find the place of beginning of said parcel of land, commence at the Northwest corner of Section 12, T18N, R4E; run thence South along the West line of said section, said West line of said section being also the center line of East City Limits Road 2642.15 feet to the W 1/4 post of said section and the place of beginning of said parcel of land; running thence N 88 degrees 26' 00" E along the East and West 1/4 line of said section, 660.0 feet; thence North parallel with the West line of said section, 310.0 feet; thence S 88 degrees 26' 00" W, 330.0 feet; thence South parallel with the West line of said section, 260.0 feet; thence S 88 degrees 26' 00" W, 330.0 feet to the West line of said section and the center line of East City Limits Road; thence South along the said West line of said section, 50.0 feet to the place of beginning. BARRY COUNTY Certain land in Johnstown Township, Barry County, Michigan described as: A strip of land 311 feet in width across the SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 31, T1N, R8W, described as follows: To find the place of beginning of this description, commence at the E 1/4 post of said section; run thence N 00 degrees 55' 00" E along the East line of said section, 555.84 feet; thence N 59 degrees 36' 20" W, 1375.64 feet; thence N 88 degrees 30' 00" W, 130 feet to a point on the East 1/8 line of said section and the place of beginning of this description; thence continuing N 88 degrees 30' 00" W, 1327.46 feet to the North and South 1/4 line of said section; thence S 00 degrees 39'35" W along said North and South 1/4 line of said section, 311.03 feet to a point, which said point is 952.72 feet distant N'ly from the East and West 1/4 line of said section as measured along said North and South 1/4 line of said section; thence S 88 degrees 30' 00" E, 1326.76 feet to the East 1/8 line of said section; thence N 00 degrees 47' 20" E along said East 1/8 line of said section, 311.02 feet to the place of beginning. 52 BAY COUNTY Certain land in Frankenlust Township, Bay County, Michigan described as: The South 250 feet of the N 1/2 of the W 1/2 of the W 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of Section 9, T13N, R4E. BENZIE COUNTY Certain land in Benzonia Township, Benzie County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 7, Township 26 North, Range 14 West, described as beginning at a point on the East line of said Section 7, said point being 320 feet North measured along the East line of said section from the East 1/4 post; running thence West 165 feet; thence North parallel with the East line of said section 165 feet; thence East 165 feet to the East line of said section; thence South 165 feet to the place of beginning. BRANCH COUNTY Certain land in Girard Township, Branch County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the NE 1/4 of Section 23 T5S, R6W, described as beginning at a point on the North and South quarter line of said section at a point 1278.27 feet distant South of the North quarter post of said section, said distance being measured along the North and South quarter line of said section, running thence S89 degrees 21'E 250 feet, thence North along a line parallel with the said North and South quarter line of said section 200 feet, thence N89 degrees 21'W 250 feet to the North and South quarter line of said section, thence South along said North and South quarter line of said section 200 feet to the place of beginning. CALHOUN COUNTY Certain land in Convis Township, Calhoun County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 32, T1S, R6W, described as follows: To find the place of beginning of this description, commence at the Southeast corner of said section; run thence North along the East line of said section 1034.32 feet to the place of beginning of this description; running thence N 89 degrees 39' 52" W, 333.0 feet; thence North 290.0 feet to the South 1/8 line of said section; thence S 89 degrees 39' 52" E along said South 1/8 line of said section 333.0 feet to the East line of said section; thence South along said East line of said section 290.0 feet to the place of beginning. (Bearings are based on the East line of Section 32, T1S, R6W, from the Southeast corner of said section to the Northeast corner of said section assumed as North.) 53 CASS COUNTY Certain easement rights located across land in Marcellus Township, Cass County, Michigan described as: The East 6 rods of the SW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 4, T5S, R13W. CHARLEVOIX COUNTY Certain land in South Arm Township, Charlevoix County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the SW 1/4 of Section 29, T32N, R7W, described as follows: Beginning at the Southwest corner of said section and running thence North along the West line of said section 788.25 feet to a point which is 528 feet distant South of the South 1/8 line of said section as measured along the said West line of said section; thence N 89 degrees 30' 19" E, parallel with said South 1/8 line of said section 442.1 feet; thence South 788.15 feet to the South line of said section; thence S 89 degrees 29' 30" W, along said South line of said section 442.1 feet to the place of beginning. CHEBOYGAN COUNTY Certain land in Inverness Township, Cheboygan County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the SW frl 1/4 of Section 31, T37N, R2W, described as beginning at the Northwest corner of the SW frl 1/4, running thence East on the East and West quarter line of said Section, 40 rods, thence South parallel to the West line of said Section 40 rods, thence West 40 rods to the West line of said Section, thence North 40 rods to the place of beginning. CLARE COUNTY Certain land in Frost Township, Clare County, Michigan described as: The East 150 feet of the North 225 feet of the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 15, T20N, R4W. CLINTON COUNTY Certain land in Watertown Township, Clinton County, Michigan described as: The NE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 22, and the North 165 feet of the NW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 22, T5N, R3W. 54 CRAWFORD COUNTY Certain land in Lovells Township, Crawford County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in Section 1, T28N, R1W, described as: Commencing at NW corner said section; thence South 89 degrees 53'30" East along North section line 105.78 feet to point of beginning; thence South 89 degrees 53'30" East along North section line 649.64 feet; thence South 55 degrees 42'30" East 340.24 feet; thence South 55 degrees 44' 37"" East 5,061.81 feet to the East section line; thence South 00 degrees 00' 08"" West along East section line 441.59 feet; thence North 55 degrees 44' 37" West 5,310.48 feet; thence North 55 degrees 42'30" West 877.76 feet to point of beginning. EATON COUNTY Certain land in Eaton Township, Eaton County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the SW 1/4 of Section 6, T2N, R4W, described as follows: To find the place of beginning of this description commence at the Southwest corner of said section; run thence N 89 degrees 51' 30" E along the South line of said section 400 feet to the place of beginning of this description; thence continuing N 89 degrees 51' 30" E, 500 feet; thence N 00 degrees 50' 00" W, 600 feet; thence S 89 degrees 51' 30" W parallel with the South line of said section 500 feet; thence S 00 degrees 50' 00" E, 600 feet to the place of beginning. EMMET COUNTY Certain land in Wawatam Township, Emmet County, Michigan described as: The West 1/2 of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 23, T39N, R4W. GENESEE COUNTY Certain land in Argentine Township, Genesee County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land of part of the SW 1/4 of Section 8, T5N, R5E, being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point of the West line of Duffield Road, 100 feet wide, (as now established) distant 829.46 feet measured N01 degrees 42'56"W and 50 feet measured S88 degrees 14'04"W' from the South quarter corner, Section 8, T5N, R5E; thence S88 degrees 14'04"W a distance of 550 feet; thence N01 degrees 42'56"W a distance of 500 feet to a point on the North line of the South half of the Southwest quarter of said Section 8; thence N88 degrees 14'04"E along the North line of South half of the Southwest quarter of said Section 8 a distance 550 feet to a point on the West line of Duffield Road, 100 feet wide (as now established); 55 thence S01 degrees 42'56"E along the West line of said Duffield Road a distance of 500 feet to the point of beginning. GLADWIN COUNTY Certain land in Secord Township, Gladwin County, Michigan described as: The East 400 feet of the South 450 feet of Section 2, T19N, R1E. GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY Certain land in Mayfield Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 3, T25N, R11W, described as follows: Commencing at the Northwest corner of said section, running thence S 89 degrees 19'15" E along the North line of said section and the center line of Clouss Road 225 feet, thence South 400 feet, thence N 89 degrees 19'15" W 225 feet to the West line of said section and the center line of Hannah Road, thence North along the West line of said section and the center line of Hannah Road 400 feet to the place of beginning for this description. GRATIOT COUNTY Certain land in Fulton Township, Gratiot County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the NE 1/4 of Section 7, Township 9 North, Range 3 West, described as beginning at a point on the North line of George Street in the Village of Middleton, which is 542 feet East of the North and South one-quarter (1/4) line of said Section 7; thence North 100 feet; thence East 100 feet; thence South 100 feet to the North line of George Street; thence West along the North line of George Street 100 feet to place of beginning. HILLSDALE COUNTY Certain land in Litchfield Village, Hillsdale County, Michigan described as: Lot 238 of Assessors Plat of the Village of Litchfield. HURON COUNTY Certain easement rights located across land in Sebewaing Township, Huron County, Michigan described as: The North 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 15, T15N, R9E. 56 INGHAM COUNTY Certain land in Vevay Township, Ingham County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land 660 feet wide in the Southwest 1/4 of Section 7 lying South of the centerline of Sitts Road as extended to the North-South 1/4 line of said Section 7, T2N, R1W, more particularly described as follows: Commence at the Southwest corner of said Section 7, thence North along the West line of said Section 2502.71 feet to the centerline of Sitts Road; thence South 89 degrees 54'45" East along said centerline 2282.38 feet to the place of beginning of this description; thence continuing South 89 degrees 54'45" East along said centerline and said centerline extended 660.00 feet to the North-South 1/4 line of said section; thence South 00 degrees 07'20" West 1461.71 feet; thence North 89 degrees 34'58" West 660.00 feet; thence North 00 degrees 07'20" East 1457.91 feet to the centerline of Sitts Road and the place of beginning. IONIA COUNTY Certain land in Sebewa Township, Ionia County, Michigan described as: A strip of land 280 feet wide across that part of the SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 15, T5N, R6W, described as follows: To find the place of beginning of this description commence at the E 1/4 corner of said section; run thence N 00 degrees 05' 38" W along the East line of said section, 1218.43 feet; thence S 67 degrees 18' 24" W, 1424.45 feet to the East 1/8 line of said section and the place of beginning of this description; thence continuing S 67 degrees 18' 24" W, 1426.28 feet to the North and South 1/4 line of said section at a point which said point is 105.82 feet distant N'ly of the center of said section as measured along said North and South 1/4 line of said section; thence N 00 degrees 04' 47" E along said North and South 1/4 line of said section, 303.67 feet; thence N 67 degrees 18' 24" E, 1425.78 feet to the East 1/8 line of said section; thence S 00 degrees 00' 26" E along said East 1/8 line of said section, 303.48 feet to the place of beginning. (Bearings are based on the East line of Section 15, T5N, R6W, from the E 1/4 corner of said section to the Northeast corner of said section assumed as N 00 degrees 05' 38" W.) IOSCO COUNTY Certain land in Alabaster Township, Iosco County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the NW 1/4 of Section 34, T21N, R7E, described as follows: To find the place of beginning of this description commence at the N 1/4 post of said section; run thence South along the North and South 1/4 line of said section, 1354.40 feet to the place of beginning of this description; thence continuing South along the said North and South 1/4 line of said section, 165.00 feet to a point on the said North and South 1/4 line of said section which said point is 1089.00 feet distant North of the center of said section; thence West 57 440.00 feet; thence North 165.00 feet; thence East 440.00 feet to the said North and South 1/4 line of said section and the place of beginning. ISABELLA COUNTY Certain land in Chippewa Township, Isabella County, Michigan described as: The North 8 rods of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 29, T14N, R3W. JACKSON COUNTY Certain land in Waterloo Township, Jackson County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the North fractional part of the N fractional 1/2 of Section 2, T1S, R2E, described as follows: To find the place of beginning of this description commence at the E 1/4 post of said section; run thence N 01 degrees 03' 40" E along the East line of said section 1335.45 feet to the North 1/8 line of said section and the place of beginning of this description; thence N 89 degrees 32' 00" W, 2677.7 feet to the North and South 1/4 line of said section; thence S 00 degrees 59' 25" W along the North and South 1/4 line of said section 22.38 feet to the North 1/8 line of said section; thence S 89 degrees 59' 10" W along the North 1/8 line of said section 2339.4 feet to the center line of State Trunkline Highway M-52; thence N 53 degrees 46' 00" W along the center line of said State Trunkline Highway 414.22 feet to the West line of said section; thence N 00 degrees 55' 10" E along the West line of said section 74.35 feet; thence S 89 degrees 32' 00" E, 5356.02 feet to the East line of said section; thence S 01 degrees 03' 40" W along the East line of said section 250 feet to the place of beginning. KALAMAZOO COUNTY Certain land in Alamo Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan described as: The South 350 feet of the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 16, T1S, R12W, being more particularly described as follows: To find the place of beginning of this description, commence at the Northwest corner of said section; run thence S 00 degrees 36' 55" W along the West line of said section 971.02 feet to the place of beginning of this description; thence continuing S 00 degrees 36' 55" W along said West line of said section 350.18 feet to the North 1/8 line of said section; thence S 87 degrees 33' 40" E along the said North 1/8 line of said section 1325.1 feet to the West 1/8 line of said section; thence N 00 degrees 38' 25" E along the said West 1/8 line of said section 350.17 feet; thence N 87 degrees 33' 40" W, 1325.25 feet to the place of beginning. 58 KALKASKA COUNTY Certain land in Kalkaska Township, Kalkaska County, Michigan described as: The NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 4, T27N, R7W, excepting therefrom all mineral, coal, oil and gas and such other rights as were reserved unto the State of Michigan in that certain deed running from the Department of Conservation for the State of Michigan to George Welker and Mary Welker, his wife, dated October 9, 1934 and recorded December 28, 1934 in Liber 39 on page 291 of Kalkaska County Records, and subject to easement for pipeline purposes as granted to Michigan Consolidated Gas Company by first party herein on April 4, 1963 and recorded June 21, 1963 in Liber 91 on page 631 of Kalkaska County Records. KENT COUNTY Certain land in Caledonia Township, Kent County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the Northwest fractional 1/4 of Section 15, T5N, R10W, described as follows: To find the place of beginning of this description commence at the North 1/4 corner of said section, run thence S 0 degrees 59' 26" E along the North and South 1/4 line of said section 2046.25 feet to the place of beginning of this description, thence continuing S 0 degrees 59' 26" E along said North and South 1/4 line of said section 332.88 feet, thence S 88 degrees 58' 30" W 2510.90 feet to a point herein designated "Point A" on the East bank of the Thornapple River, thence continuing S 88 degrees 53' 30" W to the center thread of the Thornapple River, thence NW'ly along the center thread of said Thornapple River to a point which said point is S 88 degrees 58' 30" W of a point on the East bank of the Thornapple River herein designated "Point B", said "Point B" being N 23 degrees 41' 35" W 360.75 feet from said above-described "Point A", thence N 88 degrees 58' 30" E to said "Point B", thence continuing N 88 degrees 58' 30" E 2650.13 feet to the place of beginning. (Bearings are based on the East line of Section 15, T5N, R10W between the East 1/4 corner of said section and the Northeast corner of said section assumed as N 0 degrees 59' 55" W.) LAKE COUNTY Certain land in Pinora and Cherry Valley Townships, Lake County, Michigan described as: A strip of land 50 feet wide East and West along and adjoining the West line of highway on the East side of the North 1/2 of Section 13 T18N, R12W. Also a strip of land 100 feet wide East and West along and adjoining the East line of the highway on the West side of following described land: The South 1/2 of NW 1/4, and the South 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4, all in Section 6, T18N, R11W. 59 LAPEER COUNTY Certain land in Hadley Township, Lapeer County, Michigan described as: The South 825 feet of the W 1/2 of the SW 1/4 of Section 24, T6N, R9E, except the West 1064 feet thereof. LEELANAU COUNTY Certain land in Cleveland Township, Leelanau County, Michigan described as: The North 200 feet of the West 180 feet of the SW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 35, T29N, R13W. LENAWEE COUNTY Certain land in Madison Township, Lenawee County, Michigan described as: A strip of land 165 feet wide off the West side of the following described premises: The E 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of Section 12. The E 1/2 of the NE 1/4 and the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 13, being all in T7S, R3E, excepting therefrom a parcel of land in the E 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of Section 12, T7S, R3E, beginning at the Northwest corner of said E 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of Section 12, running thence East 4 rods, thence South 6 rods, thence West 4 rods, thence North 6 rods to the place of beginning. LIVINGSTON COUNTY Certain land in Cohoctah Township, Livingston County, Michigan described as: Parcel 1 The East 390 feet of the East 50 rods of the SW 1/4 of Section 30, T4N, R4E. Parcel 2 A parcel of land in the NW 1/4 of Section 31, T4N, R4E, described as follows: To find the place of beginning of this description commence at the N 1/4 post of said section; run thence N 89 degrees 13' 06" W along the North line of said section, 330 feet to the place of beginning of this description; running thence S 00 degrees 52' 49" W, 2167.87 feet; thence N 88 degrees 59' 49" W, 60 feet; thence N 00 degrees 52' 49" E, 2167.66 feet to the North line of said section; thence S 89 degrees 13' 06" E along said North line of said section, 60 feet to the place of beginning. 60 MACOMB COUNTY Certain land in Macomb Township, Macomb County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land commencing on the West line of the E 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of fractional Section 6, 20 chains South of the NW corner of said E 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of Section 6; thence South on said West line and the East line of A. Henry Kotner's Hayes Road Subdivision #15, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 24 of Plats, on page 7, 24.36 chains to the East and West 1/4 line of said Section 6; thence East on said East and West 1/4 line 8.93 chains; thence North parallel with the said West line of the E 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of Section 6, 24.36 chains; thence West 8.93 chains to the place of beginning, all in T3N, R13E. MANISTEE COUNTY Certain land in Manistee Township, Manistee County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the SW 1/4 of Section 20, T22N, R16W, described as follows: To find the place of beginning of this description, commence at the Southwest corner of said section; run thence East along the South line of said section 832.2 feet to the place of beginning of this description; thence continuing East along said South line of said section 132 feet; thence North 198 feet; thence West 132 feet; thence South 198 feet to the place of beginning, excepting therefrom the South 2 rods thereof which was conveyed to Manistee Township for highway purposes by a Quitclaim Deed dated June 13, 1919 and recorded July 11, 1919 in Liber 88 of Deeds on page 638 of Manistee County Records. MASON COUNTY Certain land in Riverton Township, Mason County, Michigan described as: Parcel 1 The South 10 acres of the West 20 acres of the S 1/2 of the NE 1/4 of Section 22, T17N, R17W. Parcel 2 A parcel of land containing 4 acres of the West side of highway, said parcel of land being described as commencing 16 rods South of the Northwest corner of the NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 22, T17N, R17W, running thence South 64 rods, thence NE'ly and N'ly and NW'ly along the W'ly line of said highway to the place of beginning, together with any and all right, title, and interest of Howard C. Wicklund and Katherine E. Wicklund in and to that portion of the hereinbefore mentioned highway lying adjacent to the E'ly line of said above described land. 61 MECOSTA COUNTY Certain land in Wheatland Township, Mecosta County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the SW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 16, T14N, R7W, described as beginning at the Southwest corner of said section; thence East along the South line of Section 133 feet; thence North parallel to the West section line 133 feet; thence West 133 feet to the West line of said Section; thence South 133 feet to the place of beginning. MIDLAND COUNTY Certain land in Ingersoll Township, Midland County, Michigan described as: The West 200 feet of the W 1/2 of the NE 1/4 of Section 4, T13N, R2E. MISSAUKEE COUNTY Certain land in Norwich Township, Missaukee County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 16, T24N, R6W, described as follows: Commencing at the Northwest corner of said section, running thence N 89 degrees 01' 45" E along the North line of said section 233.00 feet; thence South 233.00 feet; thence S 89 degrees 01' 45" W, 233.00 feet to the West line of said section; thence North along said West line of said section 233.00 feet to the place of beginning. (Bearings are based on the West line of Section 16, T24N, R6W, between the Southwest and Northwest corners of said section assumed as North.) MONROE COUNTY Certain land in Whiteford Township, Monroe County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the SW1/4 of Section 20, T8S, R6E, described as follows: To find the place of beginning of this description commence at the S 1/4 post of said section; run thence West along the South line of said section 1269.89 feet to the place of beginning of this description; thence continuing West along said South line of said section 100 feet; thence N 00 degrees 50' 35" E, 250 feet; thence East 100 feet; thence S 00 degrees 50' 35" W parallel with and 16.5 feet distant W'ly of as measured perpendicular to the West 1/8 line of said section, as occupied, a distance of 250 feet to the place of beginning. MONTCALM COUNTY Certain land in Crystal Township, Montcalm County, Michigan described as: The N 1/2 of the S 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of Section 35, T10N, R5W. 62 MONTMORENCY COUNTY Certain land in the Village of Hillman, Montmorency County, Michigan described as: Lot 14 of Hillman Industrial Park, being a subdivision in the South 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 24, T31N, R4E, according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 4 of Plats on Pages 32-34, Montmorency County Records. MUSKEGON COUNTY Certain land in Casnovia Township, Muskegon County, Michigan described as: The West 433 feet of the North 180 feet of the South 425 feet of the SW 1/4 of Section 3, T10N, R13W. NEWAYGO COUNTY Certain land in Ashland Township, Newaygo County, Michigan described as: The West 250 feet of the NE 1/4 of Section 23, T11N, R13W. OAKLAND COUNTY Certain land in Wixcom City, Oakland County, Michigan described as: The E 75 feet of the N 160 feet of the N 330 feet of the W 526.84 feet of the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 8, T1N, R8E, more particularly described as follows: Commence at the NW corner of said Section 8, thence N 87 degrees 14' 29" E along the North line of said Section 8 a distance of 451.84 feet to the place of beginning for this description; thence continuing N 87 degrees 14' 29" E along said North section line a distance of 75.0 feet to the East line of the West 526.84 feet of the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of said Section 8; thence S 02 degrees 37' 09" E along said East line a distance of 160.0 feet; thence S 87 degrees 14' 29" W a distance of 75.0 feet; thence N 02 degrees 37' 09" W a distance of 160.0 feet to the place of beginning. OCEANA COUNTY Certain land in Crystal Township, Oceana County, Michigan described as: The East 290 feet of the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 and the East 290 feet of the NE 1/4 of the SW 1/4, all in Section 20, T16N,R16W. 63 OGEMAW COUNTY Certain land in West Branch Township, Ogemaw County, Michigan described as: The South 660 feet of the East 660 feet of the NE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 33, T22N, R2E. OSCEOLA COUNTY Certain land in Hersey Township, Osceola County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the North 1/2 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 13, T17N, R9W, described as commencing at the Northeast corner of said Section; thence West along the North Section line 999 feet to the point of beginning of this description; thence S 01 degrees 54' 20" E 1327.12 feet to the North 1/8 line; thence S 89 degrees 17' 05" W along the North 1/8 line 330.89 feet; thence N 01 degrees 54' 20" W 1331.26 feet to the North Section line; thence East along the North Section line 331 feet to the point of beginning. OSCODA COUNTY Certain land in Comins Township, Oscoda County, Michigan described as: The East 400 feet of the South 580 feet of the W 1/2 of the SW 1/4 of Section 15, T27N, R3E. OTSEGO COUNTY Certain land in Corwith Township, Otsego County, Michigan described as: Part of the NW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 28, T32N, R3W, described as: Beginning at the N 1/4 corner of said section; running thence S 89 degrees 04' 06" E along the North line of said section, 330.00 feet; thence S 00 degrees 28' 43" E, 400.00 feet; thence N 89 degrees 04' 06" W, 330.00 feet to the North and South 1/4 line of said section; thence N 00 degrees 28' 43" W along the said North and South 1/4 line of said section, 400.00 feet to the point of beginning; subject to the use of the N'ly 33.00 feet thereof for highway purposes. OTTAWA COUNTY Certain land in Robinson Township, Ottawa County, Michigan described as: The North 660 feet of the West 660 feet of the NE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 26, T7N, R15W. 64 PRESQUE ISLE COUNTY Certain land in Belknap and Pulawski Townships, Presque Isle County, Michigan described as: Part of the South half of the Northeast quarter, Section 24, T34N, R5E, and part of the Northwest quarter, Section 19, T34N, R6E, more fully described as: Commencing at the East 1/4 corner of said Section 24; thence N 00 degrees 15'47" E, 507.42 feet, along the East line of said Section 24 to the point of beginning; thence S 88 degrees 15'36" W, 400.00 feet, parallel with the North 1/8 line of said Section 24; thence N 00 degrees 15'47" E, 800.00 feet, parallel with said East line of Section 24; thence N 88 degrees 15'36"E, 800.00 feet, along said North 1/8 line of Section 24 and said line extended; thence S 00 degrees 15'47" W, 800.00 feet, parallel with said East line of Section 24; thence S 88 degrees 15'36" W, 400.00 feet, parallel with said North 1/8 line of Section 24 to the point of beginning. Together with a 33 foot easement along the West 33 feet of the Northwest quarter lying North of the North 1/8 line of Section 24, Belknap Township, extended, in Section 19, T34N, R6E. ROSCOMMON COUNTY Certain land in Gerrish Township, Roscommon County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the NW 1/4 of Section 19, T24N, R3W, described as follows: To find the place of beginning of this description commence at the Northwest corner of said section, run thence East along the North line of said section 1,163.2 feet to the place of beginning of this description (said point also being the place of intersection of the West 1/8 line of said section with the North line of said section), thence S 01 degrees 01' E along said West 1/8 line 132 feet, thence West parallel with the North line of said section 132 feet, thence N 01 degrees 01' W parallel with said West 1/8 line of said section 132 feet to the North line of said section, thence East along the North line of said section 132 feet to the place of beginning. SAGINAW COUNTY Certain land in Chapin Township, Saginaw County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the SW 1/4 of Section 13, T9N, R1E, described as follows: To find the place of beginning of this description commence at the Southwest corner of said section; run thence North along the West line of said section 1581.4 feet to the place of beginning of this description; thence continuing North along said West line of said section 230 feet to the center line of a creek; thence S 70 degrees 07' 00" E along said center line of said creek 196.78 feet; thence South 163.13 feet; thence West 185 feet to the West line of said section and the place of beginning. 65 SANILAC COUNTY Certain easement rights located across land in Minden Township, Sanilac County, Michigan described as: The Southeast 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 1, T14N, R14E, excepting therefrom the South 83 feet of the East 83 feet thereof. SHIAWASSEE COUNTY Certain land in Burns Township, Shiawassee County, Michigan described as: The South 330 feet of the E 1/2 of the NE 1/4 of Section 36, T5N, R4E. ST. CLAIR COUNTY Certain land in Ira Township, St. Clair County, Michigan described as: The N 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 6, T3N, R15E. ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Certain land in Mendon Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan described as: The North 660 feet of the West 660 feet of the NW 1/4 of SW 1/4, Section 35, T5S, R10W. TUSCOLA COUNTY Certain land in Millington Township, Tuscola County, Michigan described as: A strip of land 280 feet wide across the East 96 rods of the South 20 rods of the N 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of Section 34, T10N, R8E, more particularly described as commencing at the Northeast corner of Section 3, T9N, R8E, thence S 89 degrees 55' 35" W along the South line of said Section 34 a distance of 329.65 feet, thence N 18 degrees 11' 50" W a distance of 1398.67 feet to the South 1/8 line of said Section 34 and the place of beginning for this description; thence continuing N 18 degrees 11' 50" W a distance of 349.91 feet; thence N 89 degrees 57' 01" W a distance of 294.80 feet; thence S 18 degrees 11' 50" E a distance of 350.04 feet to the South 1/8 line of said Section 34; thence S 89 degrees 58' 29" E along the South 1/8 line of said section a distance of 294.76 feet to the place of beginning. VAN BUREN COUNTY Certain land in Covert Township, Van Buren County, Michigan described as: All that part of the West 20 acres of the N 1/2 of the NE fractional 1/4 of Section 1, T2S, R17W, except the West 17 rods of the North 80 rods, being more 66 particularly described as follows: To find the place of beginning of this description commence at the N 1/4 post of said section; run thence N 89 degrees 29' 20" E along the North line of said section 280.5 feet to the place of beginning of this description; thence continuing N 89 degrees 29' 20" E along said North line of said section 288.29 feet; thence S 00 degrees 44' 00" E, 1531.92 feet; thence S 89 degrees 33' 30" W, 568.79 feet to the North and South 1/4 line of said section; thence N 00 degrees 44' 00" W along said North and South 1/4 line of said section 211.4 feet; thence N 89 degrees 29' 20" E, 280.5 feet; thence N 00 degrees 44' 00" W, 1320 feet to the North line of said section and the place of beginning. WASHTENAW COUNTY Certain land in Manchester Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the NE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 1, T4S, R3E, described as follows: To find the place of beginning of this description commence at the Northwest corner of said section; run thence East along the North line of said section 1355.07 feet to the West 1/8 line of said section; thence S 00 degrees 22' 20" E along said West 1/8 line of said section 927.66 feet to the place of beginning of this description; thence continuing S 00 degrees 22' 20" E along said West 1/8 line of said section 660 feet to the North 1/8 line of said section; thence N 86 degrees 36' 57" E along said North 1/8 line of said section 660.91 feet; thence N 00 degrees 22' 20" W, 660 feet; thence S 86 degrees 36' 57" W, 660.91 feet to the place of beginning. WAYNE COUNTY Certain land in Livonia City, Wayne County, Michigan described as: Commencing at the Southeast corner of Section 6, T1S, R9E; thence North along the East line of Section 6 a distance of 253 feet to the point of beginning; thence continuing North along the East line of Section 6 a distance of 50 feet; thence Westerly parallel to the South line of Section 6, a distance of 215 feet; thence Southerly parallel to the East line of Section 6 a distance of 50 feet; thence easterly parallel with the South line of Section 6 a distance of 215 feet to the point of beginning. WEXFORD COUNTY Certain land in Selma Township, Wexford County, Michigan described as: A parcel of land in the NW 1/4 of Section 7, T22N, R10W, described as beginning on the North line of said section at a point 200 feet East of the West line of said section, running thence East along said North section line 450 feet, thence South parallel with said West section line 350 feet, thence West parallel 67 with said North section line 450 feet, thence North parallel with said West section line 350 feet to the place of beginning. SECTION 1. The Company is a transmitting utility under Section 9501(2) of the Michigan Uniform Commercial Code (M.C.L. 440.9501(2)) as defined in M.C.L. 440.9102(1)(aaaa). IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said Consumers Energy Company has caused this Supplemental Indenture to be executed in its corporate name by its Chairman of the Board, President, a Vice President or its Treasurer and its corporate seal to be hereunto affixed and to be attested by its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and said JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee as aforesaid, to evidence its acceptance hereof, has caused this Supplemental Indenture to be executed in its corporate name by a Vice President and its corporate seal to be hereunto affixed and to be attested by a Trust Officer, in several counterparts, all as of the day and year first above written. 68 CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY (SEAL) By: /s/ Laura L. Mountcastle -------------------------------- Laura L. Mountcastle Attest: Vice President and Treasurer /s/ Joyce H. Norkey - --------------------------- Joyce H. Norkey Assistant Secretary Signed, sealed and delivered by CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY in the presence of /s/ Kimberly C. Wilson - --------------------------- Kimberly C. Wilson /s/ Sammie B. Dalton - ------------------------ Sammie B. Dalton STATE OF MICHIGAN ) ss. COUNTY OF JACKSON ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 17th day of August, 2004, by Laura L. Mountcastle, Vice President and Treasurer of CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY, a Michigan corporation, on behalf of the corporation. /s/ Margaret Hillman --------------------------------- Margaret Hillman, Notary Public [Seal] State of Michigan, County of Jackson My Commission Expires: 06/14/10 Acting in Jackson County S-1 JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, AS TRUSTEE (SEAL) By: /s/ L. O'Brien ----------------------------- L. O'Brien Attest: Vice President /s/ Rosa Ciaccia - ---------------------------- Rosa Ciaccia Trust Officer Signed, sealed and delivered by JPMORGAN CHASE BANK in the presence of /s/ Nicholas Sberlati Nicholas Sberlati Trust Officer /s/ Virginia Dominguez - ---------------------------- Virginia Dominguez Trust Officer STATE OF NEW YORK ) ss. COUNTY OF NEW YORK ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 17th day of August, 2004, by L. O'Brien, a Vice President of JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, a New York corporation, on behalf of the corporation. /s/ Emily Fayan ------------------------------------ EMILY FAYAN Notary Public, State of New York [Seal] No.01FA4737006 Qualified in Kings County Certificate Filed in New York County Commission Expires Dec. 31, 2005 Prepared by: When recorded, return to: Kimberly C. Wilson Consumers Energy Company One Energy Plaza, EP11-219 Business Services Real Estate Jackson, MI 49201 Dept. Attn: Nancy Fisher EP7-439 One Energy Plaza Jackson, MI 49201 S-2 EX-4.(B) 3 k87734exv4wxby.txt REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT EXHIBIT 4(b) REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT Dated as of August 17, 2004 by Consumers Energy Company and Barclays Capital Inc. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated Goldman, Sachs & Co. ABN AMRO Incorporated BNP Paribas Securities Corp. Comerica Securities, Inc. Fifth Third Securities, Inc. Huntington Capital Corp. J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. Wedbush Morgan Securities Inc. This Registration Rights Agreement (this "Agreement") is made and entered into as of August 17, 2004 by Consumers Energy Company, a Michigan corporation (the "Company"), and Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Goldman, Sachs & Co., ABN AMRO Incorporated, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Comerica Securities, Inc., Fifth Third Securities, Inc., Huntington Capital Corp., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Wedbush Morgan Securities Inc. (each an "Initial Purchaser" and, collectively, the "Initial Purchasers"), which have agreed to purchase the Company's $150,000,000 4.40% First Mortgage Bonds due 2009, Series K (the "Series K Bonds"), $300,000,000 5.00% First Mortgage Bonds due 2012, Series L (the "Series L Bonds") and $350,000,000 5.50% First Mortgage Bonds due 2016, Series M (the "Series M Bonds" and, together with the Series K Bonds and the Series L Bonds, the "Restricted Bonds") pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (as defined below). This Agreement is made pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, dated August 11, 2004 (the "Purchase Agreement"), by the Company and the Initial Purchasers. In order to induce the Initial Purchasers to purchase the Restricted Bonds, the Company has agreed to provide the registration rights set forth in this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition to the obligations of the Initial Purchasers in the Purchase Agreement. The parties hereby agree as follows: SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Purchase Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings: Act: The Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Advice: As defined in Section 6(d) hereof. Agreement: As defined in the first paragraph hereof. Bonds: The Restricted Bonds and the Exchange Bonds. Broker-Dealer: Any broker or dealer registered under the Exchange Act. Broker-Dealer Transfer Restricted Securities: Exchange Bonds that are acquired by a Broker-Dealer in the Exchange Offer in exchange for Restricted Bonds that such Broker-Dealer acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities (other than Restricted Bonds acquired directly from the Company or any of its affiliates). Business Day: Any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day in The City of New York, or in the city of the primary corporate trust office of the Trustee, on which banks are authorized to close. Certificated Securities: Bonds that are not in Global Bond form. Closing Date: The date hereof. Commission: The Securities and Exchange Commission. Company: As defined in the first paragraph hereof. Consummate: An Exchange Offer shall be deemed "Consummated" for purposes of this Agreement upon the occurrence of (a) the filing and effectiveness under the Act of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement relating to the Exchange Bonds to be issued in the Exchange Offer, (b) the maintenance of such Exchange Offer Registration Statement continuously effective and the keeping of the Exchange Offer open for a period not less than the minimum period required pursuant to Section 3(b) hereof and (c) the delivery by the Company to the Registrar of the Series N Bonds in the same aggregate principal amount as the aggregate principal amount of the Series K Bonds tendered by Holders thereof, the delivery by the Company to the Registrar of the Series O Bonds in the same aggregate principal amount as the aggregate principal amount of the Series L Bonds tendered by Holders thereof and the delivery by the Company to the Registrar of the Series P Bonds in the same aggregate principal amount as the aggregate principal amount of the Series M Bonds tendered by holders thereof, in each case, pursuant to the Exchange Offer. Damages Payment Date: With respect to the Restricted Bonds, each Interest Payment Date. Exchange Act: The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Exchange Bonds: The Series N Bonds, the Series O Bonds and the Series P Bonds. Exchange Offer: The Series K Exchange Offer, the Series L Exchange Offer and/or the Series M Exchange Offer, as the case may be. Exchange Offer Registration Statement: The Registration Statement relating to the Exchange Offer, including the related Prospectus. Exempt Resales: The transactions in which the Initial Purchasers propose to sell the Restricted Bonds to certain "qualified institutional buyers", as such term is defined in Rule 144A under the Act, or to persons who are not "U.S. persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S under the Act. Global Bond: As defined in the Bonds. Global Bond Holder: As defined in the Bonds. Holder: As defined in Section 2 hereof. Indemnified Holder: As defined in Section 8(a) hereof. Indemnified Person: As defined in Section 8(c) hereof. Indemnifying Person: As defined in Section 8(c) hereof. 2 Indenture: Indenture dated as of September 1, 1945, between the Company and the Trustee, as supplemented by various supplemental indentures. Initial Purchaser: As defined in the first paragraph hereof. Initial Purchasers: As defined in the first paragraph hereof. Interest Payment Date: As defined in the Bonds. NASD: National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Person: An individual, partnership, corporation, trust, limited liability company, unincorporated organization, or a government or agency or political subdivision thereof. Prospectus: The prospectus included in a Registration Statement at the time such Registration Statement is declared effective, as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement and by all other amendments thereto, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference into such Prospectus. Purchase Agreement: As defined in the second paragraph hereof. Record Holder: With respect to any Damages Payment Date, each Person who is a Holder of Bonds on the record date with respect to the Interest Payment Date on which such Damages Payment Date shall occur. Registrar: As defined in the Indenture. Registration Default: As defined in Section 5 hereof. Registration Statement: Any registration statement of the Company relating to (a) an offering of Exchange Bonds pursuant to an Exchange Offer or (b) the registration for resale of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, in each case, (i) which is filed pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and (ii) including the Prospectus included therein, all amendments and supplements thereto (including post-effective amendments) and all exhibits and material incorporated by reference therein. Restricted Bonds: As defined in the first paragraph hereof. Restricted Broker-Dealer: Any Broker-Dealer which holds Broker-Dealer Transfer Restricted Securities. Series K Bonds: As defined in the first paragraph hereof. Series K Exchange Offer: The registration by the Company under the Act of the Series N Bonds pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement pursuant to which the Company shall offer the Holders of all outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities relating to Series K Bonds the opportunity to exchange all such outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities relating to Series K Bonds for Series N Bonds in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate 3 principal amount of the Transfer Restricted Securities relating to Series K Bonds tendered in such exchange offer by such Holders. Series L Bonds: As defined in the first paragraph hereof. Series L Exchange Offer: The registration by the Company under the Act of the Series O Bonds pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement pursuant to which the Company shall offer the Holders of all outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities relating to Series L Bonds the opportunity to exchange all such outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities relating to Series L Bonds for Series O Bonds in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Transfer Restricted Securities relating to Series L Bonds tendered in such exchange offer by such Holders. Series M Bonds: As defined in the first paragraph hereof. Series M Exchange Offer: The registration by the Company under the Act of the Series P Bonds pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement pursuant to which the Company shall offer the Holders of all outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities relating to Series M Bonds the opportunity to exchange all such outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities relating to Series M Bonds for Series P Bonds in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Transfer Restricted Securities relating to Series M Bonds tendered in such exchange offer by such Holders. Series N Bonds: The Company's 4.40% First Mortgage Bonds due 2009, Series N, to be issued pursuant to the Indenture (i) in the Exchange Offer or (ii) upon the request of any Holder of Series K Bonds covered by a Shelf Registration Statement, in exchange for such Series K Bonds. Series O Bonds: The Company's 5.00% First Mortgage Bonds due 2012, Series O, to be issued pursuant to the Indenture (i) in the Exchange Offer or (ii) upon the request of any holder of Series L Bonds covered by a Shelf Registration Statement, in exchange for such Series L Bonds. Series P Bonds: The Company's 5.50% First Mortgage Bonds due 2016, Series P, to be issued pursuant to the Indenture (i) in the Exchange Offer or (ii) upon the request of any Holder of Series M Bonds covered by a Shelf Registration Statement, in exchange for such Series M Bonds. Shelf Filing Date: As defined in Section 4(a) hereof. Shelf Registration Statement: As defined in Section 4(a) hereof. TIA: The Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. Sections 77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the date of the Indenture. Transfer Restricted Securities: Each Restricted Bond, until the earliest to occur of (a) the date on which such Restricted Bond is exchanged in the Exchange Offer and entitled to be resold to the public by the Holder thereof without complying with the prospectus delivery requirements 4 of the Act, (b) the date on which such Restricted Bond has been disposed of in accordance with a Shelf Registration Statement, (c) the date on which such Restricted Bond is disposed of by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the "Plan of Distribution" contemplated by the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (including delivery of the Prospectus contained therein) or (d) the date on which such Restricted Bond is distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Act. Trustee: JPMorgan Chase Bank (ultimate successor to City Bank Farmers Trust Company), as trustee under the Indenture. Underwritten Offering or Underwritten Registration: An offering or registration in which securities of the Company are sold to an underwriter for reoffering to the public. SECTION 2. HOLDERS A Person is deemed to be a holder of Transfer Restricted Securities (each, a "Holder") whenever such Person owns Transfer Restricted Securities. SECTION 3. REGISTERED EXCHANGE OFFER (a) Unless the Exchange Offer shall not be permitted by applicable federal law (after the procedures set forth in Section 6(a)(i) hereof have been complied with), the Company shall (i) cause to be filed with the Commission as soon as practicable after the Closing Date, but in no event later than 180 days after the Closing Date, the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, (ii) use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Exchange Offer Registration Statement to become effective at the earliest possible time, but in no event later than 270 days after the Closing Date, (iii) in connection with the foregoing, (A) file all pre-effective amendments to such Exchange Offer Registration Statement as may be necessary in order to cause such Exchange Offer Registration Statement to become effective, (B) file, if applicable, a post-effective amendment to such Exchange Offer Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 430A under the Act and (C) cause all necessary filings, if any, in connection with the registration and qualification of the Exchange Bonds to be made under the blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as are necessary to permit Consummation of the Exchange Offer, and (iv) upon the effectiveness of such Exchange Offer Registration Statement, commence and Consummate the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Offer shall be on the appropriate form permitting registration of the Exchange Bonds to be offered in exchange for the Restricted Bonds that are Transfer Restricted Securities and to permit sales of Broker-Dealer Transfer Restricted Securities by Restricted Broker-Dealers as contemplated by Section 3(c) hereof. (b) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be effective continuously, and shall keep the Exchange Offer open for a period of not less than the minimum period required under applicable federal and state securities laws to Consummate the Exchange Offer; provided, however, that in no event shall such period be less than 20 Business Days. The Company shall cause the Exchange Offer to comply with all applicable federal and state securities laws. No securities other than the Bonds shall be included in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement. The Company shall use its best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer to be Consummated on the earliest practicable date after the 5 Exchange Offer Registration Statement has become effective, but in no event later than 30 days thereafter. (c) The Company shall include a "Plan of Distribution" section in the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and indicate therein that any Restricted Broker-Dealer who holds Restricted Bonds that are Transfer Restricted Securities and that were acquired for the account of such Broker-Dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, may exchange such Restricted Bonds (other than Transfer Restricted Securities acquired directly from the Company or any affiliate of the Company) pursuant to the Exchange Offer; however, such Broker-Dealer may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Act and must, therefore, deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Act in connection with its initial sale of each Exchange Bond received by such Broker-Dealer in the Exchange Offer, which prospectus delivery requirement may be satisfied by the delivery by such Broker-Dealer of the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement. Such "Plan of Distribution" section shall also contain all other information with respect to such sales of Broker-Dealer Transfer Restricted Securities by Restricted Broker-Dealers that the Commission may require in order to permit such sales pursuant thereto, but such "Plan of Distribution" shall not name any such Broker-Dealer or disclose the amount of Bonds held by any such Broker-Dealer, except to the extent required by the Commission as a result of a change in policy after the date of this Agreement. The Company shall use its best efforts to keep the Exchange Offer Registration Statement continuously effective, supplemented and amended as required by the provisions of Section 6(c) hereof to the extent necessary to ensure that it is available for sales of Broker-Dealer Transfer Restricted Securities by Restricted Broker-Dealers, and to ensure that such Registration Statement conforms with the requirements of this Agreement, the Act and the policies, rules and regulations of the Commission as announced from time to time, for a period of one year from the date on which the Exchange Offer is Consummated. The Company shall promptly provide sufficient copies of the latest version of such Prospectus to such Restricted Broker-Dealers promptly upon request, and in no event later than one day after such request, at any time during such one-year period in order to facilitate such sales. SECTION 4. SHELF REGISTRATION (a) Shelf Registration. If (i) the Company is not required to file an Exchange Offer Registration Statement with respect to the Exchange Bonds because the Exchange Offer is not permitted by applicable law or Commission policy (after the procedures set forth in Section 6(a)(i) hereof have been complied with) or (ii) any Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities shall notify the Company within 20 Business Days following the Consummation of the Exchange Offer that (A) such Holder was prohibited by law or Commission policy from participating in the Exchange Offer or (B) such Holder may not resell the Exchange Bonds acquired by it in the Exchange Offer to the public without delivering a prospectus and the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not appropriate or available for such resales by such Holder, the Company shall (x) cause to be filed on or prior to 90 days after the date on which the Company determines that it is not required to file the Exchange Offer Registration Statement 6 pursuant to clause (i) above or 90 days after the date on which the Company receives the notice specified in clause (ii) above (each such date, a "Shelf Filing Date") a shelf registration statement pursuant to Rule 415 under the Act (which may be an amendment to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (in either event, the "Shelf Registration Statement")), relating to all Transfer Restricted Securities the Holders of which shall have provided the information required pursuant to Section 4(b) hereof, and (y) use its best efforts to cause such Shelf Registration Statement to become effective on or prior to 180 days after the Shelf Filing Date. If the Company is not eligible to use Act Form S-3 on a Shelf Filing Date, then its obligation to file a Shelf Registration Statement shall be deferred until the 30th day after the earliest time that such eligibility is restored. If, after the Company has filed an Exchange Offer Registration Statement which satisfies the requirements of Section 3(a) hereof, the Company is required to file and make effective a Shelf Registration Statement solely because the Exchange Offer shall not be permitted under applicable federal law, then the filing of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of clause (x) above. Such an event shall have no effect on the requirements of clause (y) above. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement discussed in this Section 4(a) continuously effective, supplemented and amended as required by and subject to the provisions of Sections 6(b) and (c) hereof to the extent necessary to ensure that it is available for sales of Transfer Restricted Securities by the Holders thereof entitled to the benefit of this Section 4(a), and to ensure that it conforms with the requirements of this Agreement, the Act and the policies, rules and regulations of the Commission as announced from time to time, for a period of at least two years (as extended pursuant to Section 6(c)(i) hereof) following the date on which such Shelf Registration Statement first becomes effective under the Act. (b) Provision by Holders of Certain Information in Connection with the Shelf Registration Statement. No Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities may include any of its Transfer Restricted Securities in any Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to this Agreement unless and until such Holder furnishes to the Company in writing, within 20 days after receipt of a request therefor, such information specified in Item 507 of Regulation S-K for use in connection with any Shelf Registration Statement or Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus included therein. No Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities shall be entitled to liquidated damages pursuant to Section 5 hereof unless and until such Holder shall have used its best efforts to provide all such information. Each Holder as to which any Shelf Registration Statement is being effected agrees to furnish promptly to the Company all information required to be disclosed in order to make the information previously furnished to the Company by such Holder not materially misleading. SECTION 5. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES If (i) any Registration Statement required by this Agreement is not filed with the Commission on or prior to the date specified for such filing in this Agreement, (ii) any such Registration Statement has not been declared effective by the Commission on or prior to the date specified for such effectiveness in this Agreement, (iii) the Exchange Offer has not been Consummated within 30 calendar days after the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is first declared effective by the Commission or (iv) any Registration Statement required by this Agreement is filed and declared effective but shall thereafter cease to be effective or fail to be usable for its intended purpose without being succeeded within 15 Business Days by a post- 7 effective amendment to such Registration Statement that cures such failure and that is itself declared effective within five Business Days (each such event referred to in clauses (i) through (iv), a "Registration Default"), then the Company agrees to pay liquidated damages in the form of additional interest on the Transfer Restricted Securities to each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities, from and including the date on which any Registration Default shall occur to, but excluding, the date on which such Registration Default has been cured, at a rate of 0.50% per annum. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, (1) upon filing of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (and/or, if applicable, the Shelf Registration Statement), in the case of clause (i) above, (2) upon the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (and/or, if applicable, the Shelf Registration Statement), in the case of clause (ii) above, (3) upon Consummation of the Exchange Offer, in the case of clause (iii) above, or (4) upon the filing of a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or an additional Registration Statement that causes the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (and/or, if applicable, the Shelf Registration Statement) to again be declared effective or made usable, in the case of clause (iv) above, the liquidated damages payable with respect to the Transfer Restricted Securities as a result of such clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv), as applicable, shall cease. All additional interest shall be paid on each payment date to the Global Bond Holder by wire transfer of immediately available funds or by federal funds check and to Holders of Certificated Securities by mailing checks to their registered addresses on the books of the Company or the Trustee for such payment. All obligations of the Company set forth in the preceding paragraph that are outstanding with respect to any Transfer Restricted Security at the time such security ceases to be a Transfer Restricted Security shall survive until such time as all such obligations with respect to such security shall have been satisfied in full. SECTION 6. REGISTRATION PROCEDURES (a) Exchange Offer Registration Statement. In connection with the Exchange Offer, the Company shall comply with all applicable provisions of Section 6(c) hereof, shall use its reasonable best efforts to effect such exchange and to permit the sale of Broker-Dealer Transfer Restricted Securities being sold in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof, and shall comply with all of the following provisions: (i) If, following the date hereof, there has been published a change in Commission policy with respect to exchange offers such as the Exchange Offer, such that in the reasonable opinion of counsel to the Company there is a substantial question as to whether the Exchange Offer is permitted by applicable federal law, the Company hereby agrees to seek a no-action letter or other favorable decision from the Commission allowing the Company to Consummate an Exchange Offer for the Restricted Bonds. The Company hereby agrees to pursue the issuance of such a decision to the Commission staff level. In connection with the foregoing, the Company hereby agrees to take all such other actions as are reasonably requested by the Commission or otherwise required in connection with the issuance of such decision, including without limitation (A) participating in telephonic conferences with the Commission, (B) delivering to the Commission staff an analysis prepared by counsel to the Company setting forth the legal bases, if any, upon which such counsel has concluded that such an 8 Exchange Offer should be permitted and (C) diligently pursuing a resolution (which need not be favorable) by the Commission staff of such submission. (ii) As a condition to its participation in the Exchange Offer pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities shall furnish upon the request of the Company, prior to the Consummation of the Exchange Offer, a written representation to the Company (which may be contained in the letter of transmittal contemplated by the Exchange Offer Registration Statement) to the effect that (A) it is not an affiliate of the Company, (B) it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, and has no arrangement or understanding with any Person to participate in, a distribution of the Exchange Bonds to be issued in the Exchange Offer and (C) it is acquiring the Exchange Bonds in its ordinary course of business. Each Holder hereby acknowledges and agrees that any Broker-Dealer and any such Holder using the Exchange Offer to participate in a distribution of the securities to be acquired in the Exchange Offer (1) could not under Commission policy as in effect on the date of this Agreement rely on the position of the Commission enunciated in Morgan Stanley and Co. Inc. (available June 5, 1991) and Exxon Capital Holdings Corp. (available May 13, 1988), as interpreted in the Commission's letter to Shearman & Sterling (available July 2, 1993), and similar no-action letters (including, if applicable, any no-action letter obtained pursuant to clause (i) above), and (2) must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction and that such a secondary resale transaction must be covered by an effective registration statement containing the selling security holder information required by Item 507 or 508, as applicable, of Regulation S-K if the resales are of Exchange Bonds obtained by such Holder in exchange for Restricted Bonds acquired by such Holder directly from the Company or an affiliate thereof. (iii) Prior to effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, the Company shall provide a supplemental letter to the Commission (A) stating that the Company is registering the Exchange Offer in reliance on the position of the Commission enunciated in Exxon Capital Holdings Corp. (available May 13, 1988), Morgan Stanley and Co. Inc. (available June 5, 1991) and, if applicable, any no-action letter obtained pursuant to clause (i) above, (B) including a representation that the Company has not entered into any arrangement or understanding with any Person to distribute the Exchange Bonds to be received in the Exchange Offer and that, to the best of the Company's information and belief, each Holder participating in the Exchange Offer is acquiring the Exchange Bonds in its ordinary course of business and has no arrangement or understanding with any Person to participate in the distribution of the Exchange Bonds received in the Exchange Offer and (C) any other undertaking or representation required by the Commission as set forth in any no-action letter obtained pursuant to clause (i) above. (b) Shelf Registration Statement. In connection with the Shelf Registration Statement, the Company shall comply with all the provisions of Section 6(c) hereof and shall use 9 its best efforts to effect such registration to permit the sale of the Transfer Restricted Securities being sold in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof (as indicated in the information furnished to the Company pursuant to Section 4(b) hereof), and pursuant thereto the Company will prepare and file with the Commission a Registration Statement relating to the registration on any appropriate form under the Act, which form shall be available for the sale of the Transfer Restricted Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof within the time periods and otherwise in accordance with the provisions hereof. (c) General Provisions. In connection with any Registration Statement and any related Prospectus required by this Agreement to permit the sale or resale of Transfer Restricted Securities (including, without limitation, any Exchange Offer Registration Statement and the related Prospectus, to the extent that the same are required to be available to permit sales of Broker-Dealer Transfer Restricted Securities by Restricted Broker-Dealers), the Company shall: (i) use its best efforts to keep such Registration Statement continuously effective and provide all requisite financial statements for the period specified in Section 3 or 4 hereof, as applicable. Upon the occurrence of any event that would cause any such Registration Statement or the Prospectus contained therein (A) to contain a material misstatement or omission or (B) not to be effective and usable for resale of Transfer Restricted Securities during the period required by this Agreement, the Company shall file promptly an appropriate amendment to such Registration Statement, (1) in the case of clause (A), correcting any such misstatement or omission, and (2) in the case of clauses (A) and (B), using its best efforts to cause such amendment to be declared effective and such Registration Statement and the related Prospectus to become usable for their intended purpose(s) as soon as practicable thereafter; (ii) prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement as may be necessary to keep the Registration Statement effective for the applicable period set forth in Section 3 or 4 hereof, or such shorter period as will terminate when all Transfer Restricted Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold; cause the Prospectus to be supplemented by any required Prospectus supplement, and as so supplemented to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Act, and to comply fully with Rules 424, 430A and 462, as applicable, under the Act in a timely manner; and comply with the provisions of the Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement during the applicable period in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution by the sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus; (iii) advise the underwriter(s), if any, and selling Holders promptly and, if requested by such Persons, confirm such advice in writing, (A) when the Prospectus or any Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and, with respect to any Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, when the same has become effective, (B) of any request by the Commission for amendments to the Registration Statement or amendments or 10 supplements to the Prospectus or for additional information relating thereto, (C) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement under the Act or of the suspension by any state securities commission of the qualification of the Transfer Restricted Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation of any proceeding for any of the preceding purposes, (D) of the existence of any fact or the happening of any event that makes any statement of a material fact made in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any amendment or supplement thereto or any document incorporated by reference therein untrue, or that requires the making of any additions to or changes in the Registration Statement in order to make the statements therein not misleading, or that requires the making of any additions to or changes in the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. If at any time the Commission shall issue any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, or any state securities commission or other regulatory authority shall issue an order suspending the qualification or exemption from qualification of the Transfer Restricted Securities under state securities or blue sky laws, the Company shall use its best efforts to obtain the withdrawal or lifting of such order at the earliest possible time; (iv) furnish to the Initial Purchaser(s), each selling Holder named in any Registration Statement or Prospectus and each of the underwriter(s) in connection with such sale, if any, before filing with the Commission, copies of any Registration Statement or any Prospectus included therein or any amendments or supplements to any such Registration Statement or Prospectus (including all documents incorporated by reference after the initial filing of such Registration Statement), which documents will be subject to the review and comment of such Holders and underwriter(s) in connection with such sale, if any, for a period of at least five Business Days, and the Company will not file any such Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to any such Registration Statement or Prospectus (including all such documents incorporated by reference) to which the selling Holders of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by such Registration Statement or the underwriter(s) in connection with such sale, if any, shall reasonably object within five Business Days after the receipt thereof; (v) promptly prior to the filing of any document that is to be incorporated by reference into a Registration Statement or Prospectus, provide copies of such document to the selling Holders and to the underwriter(s) in connection with such sale, if any, make the Company's representatives available for discussion of such document and other customary due diligence matters, and include such information in such document prior to the filing thereof as such selling Holders or underwriter(s), if any, reasonably may request; (vi) make available at reasonable times for inspection by the selling Holders, any managing underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to such Registration Statement and any attorney or accountant retained by such 11 selling Holders or any of such underwriter(s), all financial and other records, material corporate documents and properties of the Company and cause the Company's officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Holder, underwriter, attorney or accountant in connection with such Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto subsequent to the filing thereof and prior to its effectiveness; (vii) if requested by any selling Holders or the underwriter(s) in connection with such sale, if any, promptly include in any Registration Statement or Prospectus, pursuant to a supplement or post-effective amendment if necessary, such information as such selling Holders and underwriter(s), if any, may reasonably request to have included therein, including, without limitation, information relating to the "Plan of Distribution" of the Transfer Restricted Securities, information with respect to the principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities being sold to such underwriter(s), the purchase price being paid therefor and any other terms of the offering of the Transfer Restricted Securities to be sold in such offering; and make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment as soon as practicable after the Company is notified of the matters to be included in such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment; (viii) if requested in writing by any selling Holder and each of the underwriter(s) in connection with such sale, if any, furnish, without charge, at least one copy of the Registration Statement, as first filed with the Commission, and of each amendment thereto, including all documents incorporated by reference therein and all exhibits (including exhibits incorporated therein by reference); (ix) if requested in writing by any selling Holder and each of the underwriter(s), if any, deliver, without charge, as many copies of the Prospectus (including each preliminary Prospectus) and any amendment or supplement thereto as such Persons reasonably may request; the Company hereby consents to the use (in accordance with law) of the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders and each of the underwriter(s), if any, in connection with the offering and the sale of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto; (x) enter into such agreements (including an underwriting or similar agreement) and make such representations and warranties and take all such other actions in connection therewith in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of the Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to any Registration Statement contemplated by this Agreement as may be reasonably requested by any Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities or underwriter in connection with any sale or resale pursuant to any Registration Statement contemplated by this Agreement, and in such connection, whether or not an underwriting or similar agreement is entered into and whether or not the registration is an Underwritten Registration, the Company shall: 12 (A) furnish (or in the case of clauses (2) and (3) below, use its best efforts to furnish) to each selling Holder and each underwriter, if any, upon the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement and to each Restricted Broker-Dealer upon Consummation of the Exchange Offer: (1) a certificate, dated the date of Consummation of the Exchange Offer or the date of effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement, as the case may be, signed on behalf of the Company by (x) the President or any Vice President and (y) a principal financial or accounting officer of the Company, confirming, as of the date thereof, the matters set forth in Sections 10(d) and 10(e) of the Purchase Agreement and such other similar matters as the Holders, underwriter(s) and/or Restricted Broker-Dealers may reasonably request; (2) an opinion, dated the date of Consummation of the Exchange Offer or the date of effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement, as the case may be, of counsel for the Company covering matters similar to those set forth in Section 10(b)(i) of the Purchase Agreement and such other matters as the Holders, underwriter(s) and/or Restricted Broker-Dealers may reasonably request, and in any event including a statement to the effect that such counsel has participated in conferences with officers and other representatives of the Company, representatives of the independent public accountants for the Company and have considered the matters required to be stated therein and the statements contained therein, although such counsel has not independently verified the accuracy, completeness or fairness of such statements; and that such counsel advises that, on the basis of the foregoing (relying as to materiality to a large extent upon facts provided to such counsel by officers and other representatives of the Company and without independent check or verification), no facts came to such counsel's attention that caused such counsel to believe that the applicable Registration Statement, at the time such Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto became effective and, in the case of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, as of the date of Consummation of the Exchange Offer, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or that the Prospectus contained in such Registration Statement as of its date and, in the case of the opinion dated the date of Consummation of the Exchange Offer, as of the date of Consummation, 13 contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Without limiting the foregoing, such counsel may state further that such counsel assumes no responsibility for, and has not independently verified, the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the financial statements, Bonds and schedules and other financial data included in any Registration Statement contemplated by this Agreement or the related Prospectus; and (3) a customary comfort letter, dated as of the date of effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement or the date of Consummation of the Exchange Offer, as the case may be, from the Company's independent accountants, in the customary form and covering matters of the type customarily covered in comfort letters to underwriters in connection with primary underwritten offerings, and affirming the matters set forth in the comfort letters delivered pursuant to Section 10(c)(i) and Section 10(c)(ii) of the Purchase Agreement, without exception; (B) set forth in full or incorporate by reference in the underwriting or similar agreement, if any, in connection with any sale or resale pursuant to any Shelf Registration Statement, the indemnification provisions and procedures of Section 8 hereof with respect to all parties to be indemnified pursuant to said Section 8; and (C) deliver such other documents and certificates as may be reasonably requested by the selling Holders, the underwriter(s), if any, and Restricted Broker-Dealers, if any, to evidence compliance with clause (A) above and with any customary conditions contained in the underwriting agreement or other agreement entered into by the Company pursuant to this clause (C); the above shall be done at each closing under such underwriting or similar agreement, as and to the extent required thereunder, and if at any time the representations and warranties of the Company contemplated in clause (A)(1) above cease to be true and correct, the Company shall so advise the underwriter(s), if any, the selling Holders and each Restricted Broker-Dealer promptly and, if requested by such Persons, shall confirm such advice in writing; (xi) prior to any public offering of Transfer Restricted Securities, cooperate with the selling Holders, the underwriter(s), if any, and their respective counsel in connection with the registration and qualification of the Transfer Restricted Securities under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the selling Holders or underwriter(s), if any, may request and do any and all other 14 acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the applicable Registration Statement; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to register or qualify as a foreign corporation where it is not now so qualified or to take any action that would subject it to the service of process in suits or to taxation, other than as to matters and transactions relating to the Registration Statement, in any jurisdiction where it is not now so subject; (xii) (A) issue, upon the request of any Holder of Series K Bonds covered by any Shelf Registration Statement contemplated by this Agreement, Series N Bonds having an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Series K Bonds surrendered to the Company by such Holder in exchange therefor or being sold by such Holder; such Series N Bonds to be registered in the name of such Holder or in the name of the purchaser(s) of such Bonds, as the case may be; in return, the Series K Bonds held by such Holder shall be surrendered to the Company for cancellation; (B) issue, upon the request of any Holder of Series L Bonds covered by any Shelf Registration Statement contemplated by this Agreement, Series O Bonds having an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Series L Bonds surrendered to the Company by such Holder in exchange therefor or being sold by such Holder; such Series O Bonds to be registered in the name of such Holder or in the name of the purchaser(s) of such Bonds, as the case may be; in return, the Series L Bonds held by such Holder shall be surrendered to the Company for cancellation; (C) issue, upon the request of any Holder of Series M Bonds covered by any Shelf Registration Statement contemplated by this Agreement, Series P Bonds having an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Series M Bonds surrendered to the Company by such Holder in exchange therefor or being sold by such Holder; such Series P Bonds to be registered in the name of such Holder or in the name of the purchaser(s) of such Bonds, as the case may be; in return, the Series M Bonds held by such Holder shall be surrendered to the Company for cancellation; (xiii) in connection with any sale of Transfer Restricted Securities that will result in such securities no longer being Transfer Restricted Securities, cooperate with the selling Holders and the underwriter(s), if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Transfer Restricted Securities to be sold and not bearing any restrictive legends; and to register such Transfer Restricted Securities in such denominations and such names as the Holders or the underwriter(s), if any, may request at least two Business Days prior to such sale of Transfer Restricted Securities; (xiv) use its best efforts to cause the disposition of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be 15 necessary to enable the seller or sellers thereof or the underwriter(s), if any, to consummate the disposition of such Transfer Restricted Securities, subject to the proviso contained in clause (xi) above; (xv) subject to clause (i) above, if any fact or event contemplated by clause (iii)(D) above shall exist or have occurred, prepare a supplement or post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or related Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of Transfer Restricted Securities, the Prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; (xvi) provide CUSIP numbers for all Transfer Restricted Securities not later than the effective date of a Registration Statement covering such Transfer Restricted Securities and provide the Trustee with printed certificates for the Transfer Restricted Securities which are in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company; (xvii) cooperate and assist in any filings required to be made with the NASD and in the performance of any due diligence investigation by any underwriter (including any "qualified independent underwriter") that is required to be retained in accordance with the rules and regulations of the NASD, and use its best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective and approved by such governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the Holders selling Transfer Restricted Securities to consummate the disposition of such Transfer Restricted Securities; (xviii) otherwise use its best efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and make generally available to its security holders with regard to any applicable Registration Statement, as soon as practicable, a consolidated earning statement meeting the requirements of Rule 158 under the Act (which need not be audited) covering a twelve-month period beginning after the effective date of the Registration Statement (as such term is defined in paragraph (c) of Rule 158 under the Act); (xix) cause the Indenture to be qualified under the TIA not later than the effective date of the first Registration Statement required by this Agreement and, in connection therewith, cooperate with the Trustee and the Holders of Bonds to effect such changes to the Indenture as may be required for such Indenture to be so qualified in accordance with the terms of the TIA; and execute and use its best efforts to cause the Trustee to execute all documents that may be required to effect such changes and all other forms and documents required to be filed with the Commission to enable such Indenture to be so qualified in a timely manner; and 16 (xx) provide promptly to each Holder upon request each document filed with the Commission pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. (d) Restrictions on Holders. Each Holder agrees by acquisition of a Transfer Restricted Security that, upon receipt of a notice of actions to be taken as referred to in Section 6(c)(i) hereof or any notice from the Company of the existence of any fact of the kind described in Section 6(c)(iii)(D) hereof, such Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the applicable Registration Statement until such Holder's receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 6(c)(xv) hereof, or until it is advised in writing by the Company that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed, and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that are incorporated by reference in the Prospectus (the "Advice"). If so directed by the Company, each Holder will deliver to the Company (at the Company's expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such Holder's possession, of the Prospectus covering such Transfer Restricted Securities that was current at the time of receipt of either such notice. In the event the Company shall give any such notice, the time period regarding the effectiveness of such Registration Statement set forth in Section 3 or 4 hereof, as applicable, shall be extended by the number of days during the period from and including the date of the giving of such notice pursuant to Section 6(c)(i) or Section 6(c)(iii)(D) hereof to and including the date when each selling Holder covered by such Registration Statement shall have received the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 6(c)(xv) hereof or shall have received the Advice. SECTION 7. REGISTRATION EXPENSES (a) All expenses incident to the Company's performance of or compliance with this Agreement will be borne by the Company, regardless of whether a Registration Statement becomes effective, including without limitation: (i) all registration and filing fees; (ii) all fees and expenses of compliance with federal securities and state blue sky or securities laws; (iii) all expenses of printing (including printing certificates for the Exchange Bonds to be issued in the Exchange Offer and printing of Prospectuses), messenger and delivery services and telephone; (iv) all fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and (other than in connection with the Exchange Offer) the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities; (v) all application and filing fees, if any, in connection with listing the Bonds on a national securities exchange or automated quotation system pursuant to the requirements hereof; and (vi) all fees and disbursements of independent certified public accountants of the Company (including the expenses of any special audit and comfort letters required by or incident to such performance). The Company will, in any event, bear its internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the expenses of any annual audit and the fees and expenses of any Person, including special experts, retained by the Company. (b) In connection with the Shelf Registration Statement, the Company will reimburse the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities registered pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement for the reasonable fees and disbursements of not more than one counsel, who shall be chosen by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Transfer Restricted Securities for 17 whose benefit the Shelf Registration Statement is being prepared in consultation with the Company. SECTION 8. INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION (a) The Company agrees, to the extent permitted by law, to indemnify and hold harmless each Holder and each Person, if any, who controls any Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them may become subject under the Act or otherwise ("Indemnified Holder"), and to reimburse the Holders and such controlling Person or Persons, if any, for any legal or other expenses incurred by them in connection with defending any action, suit or proceeding (including governmental investigations) as provided in Section 8(c) hereof, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions, suits or proceedings (including governmental investigations) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement, or, if any Registration Statement shall be amended or supplemented, in the Registration Statement as so amended or supplemented, or arise out of or are based upon any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions arise out of or are based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission which was made in the Registration Statement or in the Registration Statement as so amended or supplemented, in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by any Holder expressly for use therein. The Company's indemnity agreement contained in this Section 8(a), and the covenants, representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Person, and the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 8 shall survive any termination of this Agreement. The liabilities of the Company in this Section 8 are in addition to any other liabilities of the Company under this Agreement or otherwise. (b) Each Holder agrees, severally and not jointly, to the extent permitted by law, to indemnify, hold harmless and reimburse the Company and each Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, to the same extent and upon the same terms as the indemnity agreement of the Company set forth in Section 8(a) hereof, but only with respect to alleged untrue statements or omissions made in the Registration Statement or in the Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented (if applicable), in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder expressly for use therein. The indemnity agreement on the part of each Holder contained in this Section 8(b) shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Company or any other Person, and the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 8(b) shall survive any termination of this Agreement. (c) If a claim is made or an action, suit or proceeding (including governmental investigations) is commenced or threatened against any person as to which indemnity may be 18 sought under Section 8(a) or 8(b) hereof, such Person (the "Indemnified Person") shall notify the Person against whom such indemnity may be sought (the "Indemnifying Person") promptly after any assertion of such claim threatening to institute an action, suit or proceeding or, if such an action, suit or proceeding is commenced against such Indemnified Person, promptly after such Indemnified Person shall have been served with a summons or other first legal process, giving information as to the nature and basis of the claim. Failure to so notify the Indemnifying Person shall not, however, relieve the Indemnifying Person from any liability which it may have on account of the indemnity under Section 8(a) or 8(b) hereof if the Indemnifying Person has not been prejudiced in any material respect by such failure. Subject to the immediately succeeding sentence, the Indemnifying Person shall assume the defense of any such litigation or proceeding, including the employment of counsel and the payment of all expenses, with such counsel being designated, subject to the immediately succeeding sentence, in writing by a majority in principal amount of the Holders in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 8(b) hereof and by the Company in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 8(a) hereof. Any Indemnified Person shall have the right to participate in such litigation or proceeding and to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Person unless (i) the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel or (ii) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include (x) the Indemnifying Person and (y) the Indemnified Person and, in the written opinion of counsel to such Indemnified Person, representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or likely conflicts of interest between them, in either of which cases the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel (including disbursements) for such Indemnified Person shall be reimbursed by the Indemnifying Person to the Indemnified Person. If there is a conflict as described in clause (ii) above, and the Indemnified Persons have participated in the litigation or proceeding utilizing separate counsel whose fees and expenses have been reimbursed by the Indemnifying Person, and the Indemnified Persons, or any of them, are found to be solely liable, such Indemnified Person shall repay to the Indemnifying Parties such fees and expenses of such separate counsel as the Indemnifying Person shall have reimbursed. It is understood that the Indemnifying Person shall not, in connection with any litigation or proceeding or related litigation or proceedings in the same jurisdiction as to which the Indemnified Persons are entitled to such separate representation, be liable under this Agreement for the reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses of more than one separate firm (together with not more than one appropriate local counsel) for all such Indemnified Persons. Subject to the next paragraph, all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed by payment to the Indemnified Persons of such reasonable fees and expenses of counsel promptly after payment thereof by the Indemnified Persons. In furtherance of the requirement above that fees and expenses of any separate counsel for the Indemnified Persons shall be reasonable, the Holders and the Company agree that the Indemnifying Person's obligations to pay such fees and expenses shall be conditioned upon the following: (1) in case separate counsel is proposed to be retained by the Indemnified Persons pursuant to clause (ii) of the preceding paragraph, the Indemnified Persons shall in good faith fully consult with the Indemnifying Person in advance as to the selection of such counsel; 19 (2) reimbursable fees and expenses of such separate counsel shall be detailed and supported in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Indemnifying Person (but nothing herein shall be deemed to require the furnishing to the Indemnifying Person of any information, including, without limitation, computer print-outs of lawyers' daily time entries, to the extent that, in the judgment of such counsel, furnishing such information might reasonably be expected to result in a waiver of any attorney-client privilege); and (3) the Company and the Holders shall cooperate in monitoring and controlling the fees and expenses of separate counsel for Indemnified Persons for which the Indemnifying Person is liable hereunder, and the Indemnified Person shall use every reasonable effort to cause such separate counsel to minimize the duplication of activities as between themselves and counsel to the Indemnifying Person. The Indemnifying Person shall not be liable for any settlement of any litigation or proceeding effected without the written consent of the Indemnifying Person, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment against the Indemnified Person, the Indemnifying Person agrees, subject to the provisions of this Section 8, to indemnify the Indemnified Person from and against any loss, damage, liability or expenses by reason of such settlement or judgment. The Indemnifying Person shall not, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Persons, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened litigation, proceeding or claim in respect of which indemnity has been properly sought by the Indemnified Persons hereunder, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release by the claimant of all Indemnified Persons from all liability with respect to claims which are the subject matter of such litigation, proceeding or claim. (d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 8 is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an Indemnified Person under this Section 8 in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions, suits or proceedings (including governmental investigations) in respect thereof) referred to therein, then each Indemnifying Person under this Section 8 shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Person as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Indemnifying Person on the one hand and the Indemnified Person on the other from the sale of the Transfer Restricted Securities. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law, then each Indemnifying Person shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Person in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of each Indemnifying Person, if any, on the one hand and the Indemnified Person on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions, suits or proceedings (including governmental investigations) in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company on the one hand or the Holders on the other and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company and the Holders agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 8 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Holders were treated as one entity for such 20 purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 8. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Person as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions, suits or proceedings (including governmental proceedings) in respect thereof) referred to in this Section 8 shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with investigating or defending any such actions, suits or proceedings (including governmental proceedings) or claims, provided that the provisions of this Section 8 have been complied with (in all material respects) in respect of any separate counsel for such Indemnified Person. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8, no Holder shall be required to contribute any amount greater than the excess of the amount by which the total received by such Holder with respect to the sale of its Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement exceeds the sum of (A) the amount paid by such Holder for such Transfer Restricted Securities plus (B) the amount of any damages which such Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Holders' obligations in this Section 8 to contribute are several in proportion to their respective obligations and not joint. The agreement with respect to contribution contained in this Section 8 shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Company or any Holder, and shall survive any termination of this Agreement. SECTION 9. RULE 144A The Company hereby agrees with each Holder, for so long as any Transfer Restricted Securities remain outstanding and during any period in which the Company is not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, to make available, upon request of any Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities, to any Holder or beneficial owner of Transfer Restricted Securities in connection with any sale thereof and any prospective purchaser of such Transfer Restricted Securities designated by such Holder or beneficial owner, the information required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Act in order to permit resales of such Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to Rule 144A. SECTION 10. UNDERWRITTEN REGISTRATIONS No Holder may participate in any Underwritten Registration hereunder unless such Holder (a) agrees to sell such Holder's Transfer Restricted Securities on the basis provided in customary underwriting arrangements entered into in connection therewith and (b) completes and executes all reasonable questionnaires, powers of attorney, and other documents required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements. SECTION 11. SELECTION OF UNDERWRITERS For any Underwritten Offering, the investment banker or investment bankers and manager or managers for any Underwritten Offering that will administer such offering will be selected by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Transfer Restricted 21 Securities included in such offering; provided, that such investment bankers and managers must be reasonably satisfactory to the Company. The Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities included in any such Underwritten Offering shall be responsible for paying all underwriting or placement fees charged, or costs or expenses incurred, by such investment bankers and managers in connection with such Underwritten Offering. Such investment bankers and managers are referred to herein as the "underwriters". SECTION 12. MISCELLANEOUS (a) Remedies. Each Holder, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights provided herein, in the Indenture, in the Purchase Agreement or granted by law, including recovery of liquidated or other damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Agreement. The Company agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by the Company of the provisions of this Agreement and hereby agrees to waive the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate. (b) No Inconsistent Agreements. The Company will not, on or after the date of this Agreement, enter into any agreement with respect to its securities that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof. The Company has not previously entered into any agreement granting any registration rights with respect to its securities to any Person. The rights granted to the Holders hereunder do not in any way conflict with and are not inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of the Company's securities under any agreement in effect on the date hereof. (c) Adjustments Affecting the Bonds. The Company will not take any action, or voluntarily permit any change to occur, with respect to the Bonds that would materially and adversely affect the ability of the Holders to Consummate any Exchange Offer. (d) Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to or departures from the provisions hereof may not be given, unless (i) in the case of Section 5 hereof and this Section 12(d)(i), the Company has obtained the written consent of Holders of all outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities and (ii) in the case of all other provisions hereof, the Company has obtained the written consent of Holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or consent to or departure from the provisions hereof that relates exclusively to the rights of Holders whose securities are being tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer and that does not affect directly or indirectly the rights of other Holders whose securities are not being tendered pursuant to such Exchange Offer may be given by the Holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities subject to such Exchange Offer. (e) Notices. All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, first-class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), telecopier, or air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery: 22 (i) if to a Holder, at the address set forth on the records of the Registrar under the Indenture, with a copy to the Registrar; and (ii) if to the Company: Consumers Energy Company One Energy Plaza Jackson, Michigan 49201 Telecopier No.: (517) 788-2186, Attention: Chief Financial Officer With a copy at the same address to: Robert C. Shrosbree, Esq. Telecopier No.: (313) 436-9225 All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt acknowledged, if telecopied; and on the next Business Day, if timely delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery. Copies of all such notices, demands or other communications shall be concurrently delivered by the Person giving the same to the Trustee at the address specified in the Indenture. (f) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of each of the parties, including, without limitation and without the need for an express assignment, subsequent Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not inure to the benefit of or be binding upon a successor or assign of a Holder unless and to the extent such successor or assign acquired Transfer Restricted Securities directly from such Holder. (g) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. (h) Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof. (i) Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAW RULES THEREOF. (j) Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not be affected or impaired thereby. 23 (k) Entire Agreement. This Agreement is intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein, with respect to the registration rights granted with respect to the Transfer Restricted Securities. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter. 24 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above. CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY By: /s/ Thomas J. Webb ----------------------------- Name: Thomas J. Webb Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer BARCLAYS CAPITAL INC. CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC. MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. ABN AMRO INCORPORATED BNP PARIBAS SECURITIES CORP. COMERICA SECURITIES, INC. FIFTH THIRD SECURITIES, INC. HUNTINGTON CAPITAL CORP. J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC. WEDBUSH MORGAN SECURITIES INC. BY: BARCLAYS CAPITAL INC. By:/s/ Pamela Kendall ------------------------------- Name: Pamela Kendall Title: Director -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----