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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, DC 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 May 21, 2010 (Date of earliest event reported) Corning Natural Gas Corporation (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) New York 000-00643 16-0397420 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
330 West William Street, Corning, New York |
14830 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
(Zip Code) |
(607) 936-3755
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
On May 21, 2010, Corning Natural Gas Corporation (the "Company") entered into a revised and restated gas transportation agreement with Talisman Energy USA Inc. ("Talisman"), which was formerly known as Fortuna Energy Inc. The Negotiated 311 Transportation Service Agreement, by and between Corning Natural Gas Corporation and Talisman Energy USA Inc., dated May 13, 2010 (the "Revised Agreement"), revises certain provisions of the original agreement between the Company and Talisman that was entered into in January 2010. Under the terms of the Revised Agreement, and subject to various conditions, the Company has agreed to transport certain amounts of Talisman's gas across the Company's system and into Dominion Transmission Inc.'s pipeline. Under the Revised Agreement, Talisman will pay the Company a volumetric transportation fee with minimum monthly payments during an initial term.
The Revised Agreement, which is for a term of fifteen years, subject to extension and early termination, also provides for the Company to acquire a 6" pipeline from Talisman for nominal consideration. The Revised Agreement provides for construction of a compressor station on Company property. Talisman has agreed to construct the compressor station for nominal consideration. The 6" pipeline and compressor station are necessary for Corning to provide the 311 transportation.
At the end of the term of the Revised Agreement, Talisman has the option to purchase and remove the equipment at the compressor station and to repurchase the 6" pipeline for nominal consideration on prior written notice to the Company.
Certain provisions of the Revised Agreement are subject to regulatory filings with or approvals of applicable federal and state authorities including, among others, the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC') and the New York Public Service Commission ("NYPSC"). In addition, the Company will need NYPSC approval of the amendment of, and transfer to the Company from Talisman of, certain certificates for the construction and operation of the facilities required for the Company to perform under the Revised Agreement. The Company anticipates flowing gas and receiving revenue under this agreement in the second quarter of 2010.
The Company and Talisman are also parties to other agreements relating to the transportation of gas and the construction and maintenance of pipelines, interconnects and related equipment, none of which, in the opinion of the Company, is material.
The Company will request an order from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, seeking confidential treatment for selected portions of the Revised Agreement. Accordingly, confidential portions have been omitted from the Revised Agreement filed as an exhibit to this Form 8-K and will be filed separately with the SEC.
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Item 8.01. Other Events.
The disclosure under Item 1.01 of this Current Report is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9.01. Exhibits and Financial Statements.
(d) Exhibits.
Exhibit 10.1 |
Negotiated 311 Transportation Service Agreement between the Company and Talisman Energy USA Inc., dated May 13, 2010. Confidential information omitted and filed separately with the SEC. |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Corning Natural Gas Corporation
By: /s/ Stanley G. Sleve
Vice President - Administration & Corporate Secretary
Dated: June 3, 2010
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. |
Document |
10.1 |
Negotiated 311 Transportation Service Agreement between the Company and Talisman Energy USA Inc., dated May 13, 2010. Confidential information omitted and filed separately with the SEC. |
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Exhibit 10.1
CONFIDENTIAL - Redacted. Confidential Treatment of redacted portions requested of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
NEGOTIATED 311 TRANSPORTATION SERVICE AGREEMENT
between
CORNING NATURAL GAS CORPORATION and TALISMAN ENERGY USA Inc.
Revised and Restated
NEGOTIATED 311 TRANSPORTATION SERVICE AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
CORNING NATURAL GAS CORPORATION
AND
TALISMAN ENERGY USA INC.
THIS AGREEMENT, dated May 13, 2010 between Corning Natural Gas Corporation ("CNGC" and a "Party" hereto), a New York Corporation, and Talisman Energy USA Inc. ("Talisman" and a "Party" hereto), a Delaware Corporation, modifies amends and supersedes the "negotiated 311 transportation service agreement by and between Corning Natural Gas Corporation and Fortuna Energy Inc." dated January 11, 2010 and any other agreement or understanding, oral or written, between the parties. This agreement is for natural gas transportation service to be provided to Talisman by CNGC on the CNGC natural gas system.
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to enter into a transportation agreement. In order to accomplish this goal, the Parties contemplate that Talisman will deliver natural gas to be transported hereunder and that CNGC will provide transportation service for such natural gas supplies from the Receipt Point to the Delivery Point (as said terms hereafter are defined); and
WHEREAS, Talisman or its agent/supplier has made or will have made arrangements for transportation of said supply of natural gas to said facilities of CNGC:
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises made herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
The following capitalized terms are used in this Agreement as defined below.
"Access Agreement" refers to a contract between CNGC and Fortuna Energy Inc. (a predecessor corporation to Talisman) dated April 1, 2006, that specifies the obligation of both parties with respect to Talisman having access to the CNGC transmission and distribution system.
"Commencement Date" shall mean the date that CNGC notifies Talisman that CNGC stands ready to transport gas from the Receipt Point to the Delivery Point(s) pursuant to this Agreement.
"Compressor Station" shall mean the compressor station that Talisman will construct for CNGC on CNGC's property at the location specified on the attached facilities map, which station is also referred to as the Maxwell Compressor Station.
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"Delivery Point(s)" shall mean the interconnection of CNGC's pipelines and the Dominion Transmission, Inc. ("DTI") System (or other systems that qualify under this Agreement) downstream of the Maxwell Compressor Station, or any other point on the CNGC system mutually agreed to by the parties.
"Gas" shall mean natural gas that is received by CNGC at the Receipt Points and delivered by CNGC to the Delivery Point(s) for Talisman.
"Incremental Revenue" refers to a combination of 1) monthly revenue received in the Root Agreement over and above volumetric revenue generated by the first [*] mmbtu/day and 2) monthly revenue received in this Agreement.
"Interruption" shall mean the total or partial cessation of Transportation Service, whether due to capacity constraints, force majeure or any other cause whatsoever.
"Interstate Transmission System" shall mean the DTI or any other piping network that CNGC would connect to requiring it to utilize its FERC approved section 311 Certificate.
"Line 6 upgrade" means [*].
"Maximum Daily Transportation Quantity" or "MDTQ" shall mean the maximum daily quantity of Gas which CNGC agrees to transport from the Receipt Point. The MDTQ shall be [*] MMBtu per day at the commencement date [*]. This volume shall be subject to annual review and may be revised in the form of a contract addendum. The MDTQ shall be a higher volume if it is determined by both parties that incremental volume can be transported from the Receipt Point to the Delivery Point through the existing pipeline infrastructure and the interconnection points on the Interstate Transmission Systems.
"Receipt Point" shall mean the interconnection of CNGC's Root pipeline and CNGC's Line 4.
"Root Agreement" refers to a particular previously executed agreement between CNGC and Talisman that specifies the construction, operational, financial and transport obligations of each party associated with the creation and operation of the so-called "Root Well Interconnect." This agreement was executed November 1, 2008.
"Tap Agreement(s)" refers to one or more contracts between CNGC and Talisman that is specific to an interconnect point within the CNGC Gas transportation system. A Tap Agreement articulates the construction and operational responsibilities of each interconnecting party.
[*] = CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT, MARKED BY BRACKETS, HAS BEEN OMITTED FROM PUBLIC FILING PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT SUBMITTED TO THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THE OMITTED INFORMATION, WHICH HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED WITH THE SYMBOL "[*]," HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO RULE 24B-2 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED.
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"Transportation Quantity" refers to the quantity of Gas that may be delivered each day during the term of this Agreement to CNGC which CNGC agrees to transport and deliver.
"Transportation Service" shall mean transportation of gas over the CNGC system from the receipt point for re-delivery into the DTI system or other pipeline systems that qualify under the FERC approved section 311 Certificate or any other point on the CNGC system mutually agreed to by the parties.
CNGC will be responsible for securing and will obtain all necessary regulatory approvals and permits required for its full performance under this Agreement.
[*] Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
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Gas shall remain the property of Talisman, its agent or designee while being transported and delivered by CNGC. Gas shall be deemed to be in the control and possession of CNGC after such Gas shall have been received at the Receipt Point by CNGC and until Gas is delivered to the Delivery Point by CNGC. Talisman agrees that CNGC shall not be responsible for Gas when Gas is not in CNGC's control or possession. CNGC shall be responsible for Gas when the Gas is in CNGC's control and possession.
[*] Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
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[*] Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
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To facilitate performance of 311 transportation under this Agreement CNGC will own and maintain the Compressor Station and the 6" diameter pipeline that runs from the Talisman Maxwell interconnect property to the DTI Ryers Creek interconnect property (referred to in Section 2(d) above).
In the event that one or both Parties may claim an event of default or breach of this Agreement by the other Party, the injured Party is required to provide to the other Party Notice of the event of default of breach pursuant to Section 20 herein below. Within twenty five (25) days of the receipt of such Notice, both Parties shall meet to review the circumstances of the claimed event of default or breach. In the event that the Parties are not able to resolve the issue(s) giving rise to the claim of default or breach, upon agreement by both Parties, they may pursue an alternate dispute resolution process through Commercial Mediation with an independent mediator in lieu of the right to seek relief through litigation in the Court system.
The Parties hereto shall be excused from performing hereunder and shall not be liable for damages or otherwise if and to the extent they shall be unable to do so or are prevented from doing so by statute or regulation or by action or inaction (including the failure to issue necessary permits) of any court or public authority or regulatory commission having or purporting to have jurisdiction over the substance of this Agreement, provided that
[*] Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
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such government action has been resisted and/or attempted to have been prevented in good faith by all reasonable means; or by reason of storm, flood, fire, earthquake, explosion, civil disturbance, labor dispute, act of God or the public enemy, restraint by court or regulatory agency, or any other cause, whether or not similar thereto, beyond the reasonable control of the affected party; provided however, that the occurrence of any of the foregoing shall not relieve either Party of the obligation to make payments, the obligation with respect to which was incurred prior to the onset of the force majeure event, provided, however, that if Talisman is unable to have Gas delivered at the Receipt Point and CNGC is otherwise able to provide service hereunder, there shall be no reduction in the payments. Talisman shall be excused from making payments or performing hereunder to the extent that CNGC is unable to perform hereunder as a result of a force majeure event. If an occurrence of force majeure renders either Party to this Agreement unable to observe or perform, in whole or in part, any of its covenants or obligations, then the Party subject to the force majeure occurrence will give the other Party notice and full particulars of the occurrence in writing or by telecopies as soon as reasonably possible but not later than two (2) business days following the date of the occurrence. Each party shall have the obligation to act in good faith and use diligent efforts to overcome and remedy the circumstances giving rise to the force majeure.
Each of the Parties will indemnify and hold harmless the other from and against any and all loss, cost, damage, liability, penalty, claim and expense of every kind and nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, court cost, expenses and reasonable attorney's fees) arising out of and in any manner caused by its negligence and/or intentional misconduct, including acts of its employees, agents, or subcontractors pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement, other than any loss, cost, damage, liability, penalty, claim or expense which arises in part out of the contributory negligence of the other Party (in which event, the indemnifying Party will indemnify and hold the other Party harmless only to the extent of the indemnifying Party's contribution to such a loss, cost, damage, liability, penalty, claim or expense) and other than any amounts paid in settlement by Party of any claim or litigation effected without the consent or approval of the other Party (which consent shall not be unrea sonably withheld or delayed). In no event shall either Party hereto be liable to the other Party for indirect, special or consequential damages (including any damages incurred by entities or persons that are not Parties) resulting from a failure to perform hereunder. For the purposes of this clause, neither Party shall not be regarded as the employee, agent or subcontractor of the other.
During the term of the Agreement, CNGC shall maintain insurance coverage at the same, or reasonably comparable levels, as those in place and provided to Talisman on May 13, 2010.
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Any additional taxes, including without limitation, taxes on Transportation of Gas by CNGC, but excluding CNGC's income and property taxes(except as relating to the real property taxes assessable on the compressor station),that are incurred by CNGC as a result of this Agreement shall be the obligation of and paid by Talisman as and when due, except to the extent such taxes exist at the time of execution hereof.
This Agreement is intended to work in conjunction with the existing Tap Agreement(s) between CNGC and Talisman and existing Access Agreement(s) between CNGC and Talisman.
This Agreement may not be modified or amended except in writing signed by or on behalf of both Parties by their duly authorized officers.
All notices required or permitted under this Agreement to be given in writing shall be deemed to have been given when delivered personally or deposited in the mails, by certified mail, addressed to the party to whom notice is being given at its address set forth below. Either Party may change its address by written notice similarly given.
If to CNGC: |
If to Talisman: |
Russ Miller |
Tom Cassetta |
Corning Natural Gas Corporation |
Talisman Energy USA Inc. |
330 West William Street |
337 Daniel Zenker Drive |
Corning, NY 14830 |
Horseheads, NY 14845 |
Phone: 607-936-3755 |
Phone: (607) 562-4017 |
Fax: 607-962-2844 |
|
21. CONTINUING JURISDICTION OF GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY
This Agreement, and all rights, obligations, and performances of the Parties hereunder, are subject to all present and future applicable federal, state, and local laws and to all present and future duly issued and promulgated orders, regulations, requirements and other duly authorized actions of any governmental authority having jurisdiction over the subject matter hereof. Compliance by CNGC with any order of the New York State Public Service Commission or any other federal, state, or local government, authority including FERC, acting under claim of jurisdiction, issued before or after the effective date of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be breach hereof.
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22. SUCCESSORS; ASSIGNMENT
Any Party that shall succeed by purchase, merger or consolidation to the properties, substantially as an entirety, of CNGC or Talisman, as the case may be, shall be entitled to the rights and shall be subject to the obligations of its predecessor in title under this Agreement.
23. RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL TO PURCHASE ASSETS
24. GOVERNING LAW and INTERPRETATION
The interpretation and performance of this Agreement shall be in accordance with and controlled exclusively by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to rules governing a conflict of laws between two or more States or between the Country of Canada and the United States.
[*] Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective representative, thereunto duly authorized, as of the day and date first above-written.
CORNING NATURAL GAS CORPORATION
By: /s/ Russell S. Miller
Russell S. Miller
Vice President Gas Supply & Marketing
Date: May 21, 2010
TALISMAN ENERGY USA INC.
By: /s/ James F. O'Driscoll
James F. O'Driscoll, President
Date: May 13, 2010
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Coming Gathering & Transport Fees for Fortuna Energy Inc.
[*]
[*] Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
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MAXWELL COMPRESSOR SITE
South of County Route 120 & Thurber Road, Town of Caton
[Map of compressor site]
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