-----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, TRYgQZulXez4Q1jGph+HIbxKvyDji/6ySOmOeRx6MLsr0K+Vz2V9WTPhCci2huQ6 R6tq2Tne4Ue/TFPnzGKg0Q== 0000891836-99-000848.txt : 19991201 0000891836-99-000848.hdr.sgml : 19991201 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000891836-99-000848 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-A12B PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 FILED AS OF DATE: 19991130 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: NIAGARA MOHAWK POWER CORP /NY/ CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000071932 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTRIC & OTHER SERVICES COMBINED [4931] IRS NUMBER: 150265555 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NY FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-A12B SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-02987 FILM NUMBER: 99766519 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 300 ERIE BLVD W CITY: SYRACUSE STATE: NY ZIP: 13202 BUSINESS PHONE: 3154741511 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 300 ERIE BLVD W CITY: SYRACUSE STATE: NY ZIP: 13202 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: CENTRAL NEW YORK POWER CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19710419 8-A12B 1 FORM 8-A SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 --------------------------- FORM 8-A FOR REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN CLASSES OF SECURITIES PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation ----------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) New York 15-0265555 - -------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- (State of Incorporation or Organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 300 Erie Boulevard West Syracuse, NY 13202 - -------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- (Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code) If this form relates to the registration of a If this form relates to the registration of a class of securities pursuant to Section class of securities pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and is effective 12(g) of the Exchange Act and is effective pursuant to General Instruction A.(c), pursuant to General Instruction A.(d), check the following box. |X| check the following box. |_|
Securities Act registration statement file number to which this form relates: No. 33-51073 --------------- (If applicable) Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Name of each exchange on which to be so registered each class is to be registered ------------------- ------------------------------ FixedAdjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred The New York Stock Exchange Stock, Series D ($25 par value) ($50 Liquidation Preference) ================================================================================ Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None ------------------------------------------------------------ (Title of Class) INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF REGISTRANT'S SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED. Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 a prospectus supplement dated November 22, 1999 to a prospectus dated June 1, 1998 (the "Prospectus") relating to the FixedAdjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D ($25 par value)($50 liquidation preference) (the "Preferred Stock") to be registered hereunder included in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 33-51073) filed with the Commission on November 17, 1993 and declared effective by the Commission on November 17, 1993. A description of the Preferred Stock contained in the Prospectus is hereby incorporated by reference into this Form 8-A. Copies of such description will be filed with the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. ITEM 2. EXHIBITS. In the following exhibit list, NMPC refers to the Company. Each document referred to below is incorporated by reference to the files of the Commission, unless the reference to the document in the list is preceded by an asterisk. Reference Report Name - --------- ----------- e NMPC Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1994 n NMPC Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 1998 o NMPC Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 1998 Incorporation by Reference ------------------------ Previous Exhibit Previous Exhibit No. Description of Instrument Filing Designation - ------- ------------------------- -------- ----------- 3(a)(1) Certificate of Consolidation of New York Power and Light Corporation, Buffalo Niagara Electric Corporation and Central New York Power Corporation, filed in the office of the New York Secretary of State, January 5, 1950 e 3(a)(1) Incorporation by Reference ------------------------ Previous Exhibit Previous Exhibit No. Description of Instrument Filing Designation - ------- ------------------------- -------- ----------- 3(a)(2) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC, filed in the office of the New York Secretary of State, January 5, 1950 e 3(a)(2) 3(a)(3) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC, pursuant to Section 36 of the Stock Corporation Law of New York, filed August 22, 1952, in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(3) 3(a)(4) Certificate of NMPC pursuant to Section 11 of the Stock Corporation Law of New York filed May 5, 1954 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(4) 3(a)(5) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC, pursuant to Section 36 of the Stock Corporation Law of New York, filed January 9, 1957 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(5) 3(a)(6) Certificate of NMPC pursuant to Section 11 of the Stock Corporation Law of New York, filed May 22, 1957 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(6) 3(a)(7) Certificate of NMPC pursuant to Section 11 of the Stock Corporation Law of New York, filed February 18, 1958 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(7) 3(a)(8) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York, filed May 5, 1965 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(8) Incorporation by Reference ------------------------ Previous Exhibit Previous Exhibit No. Description of Instrument Filing Designation - ------- ------------------------- -------- ----------- 3(a)(9) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York, filed August 24, 1967 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(9) 3(a)(10) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York, filed August 19, 1968 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(10) 3(a)(11) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York, filed September 22, 1969 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(11) 3(a)(12) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York, filed May 12, 1971 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(12) 3(a)(13) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York, filed August 18, 1972 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(13) 3(a)(14) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York, filed June 26, 1973 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(14) Incorporation by Reference ------------------------ Previous Exhibit Previous Exhibit No. Description of Instrument Filing Designation - ------- ------------------------- -------- ----------- 3(a)(15) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York, filed May 9, 1974 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(15) 3(a)(16) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York, filed March 12, 1975 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(16) 3(a)(17) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York, filed May 7, 1975 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(17) 3(a)(18) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York, filed August 27, 1975 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(18) 3(a)(19) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York, filed May 7, 1976 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(19) 3(a)(20) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed September 28, 1976 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(20) Incorporation by Reference ------------------------ Previous Exhibit Previous Exhibit No. Description of Instrument Filing Designation - ------- ------------------------- -------- ----------- 3(a)(21) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed January 27, 1978 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(21) 3(a)(22) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed May 8, 1978 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(22) 3(a)(23) Certificate of Correction of the Certificate of Amendment filed May 7, 1976 of the Certificate of Incorporation under Section 105 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed July 13, 1978 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(23) 3(a)(24) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed July 17, 1978 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(24) 3(a)(25) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed March 3, 1980 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(25) 3(a)(26) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed March 31, 1981 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(26) Incorporation by Reference ------------------------ Previous Exhibit Previous Exhibit No. Description of Instrument Filing Designation - ------- ------------------------- -------- ----------- 3(a)(27) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed March 31, 1981 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(27) 3(a)(28) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed April 22, 1981 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(28) 3(a)(29) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed May 8, 1981 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(29) 3(a)(30) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed April 26, 1982 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(30) 3(a)(31) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed January 24, 1983 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(31) 3(a)(32) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed August 3, 1983 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(32) Incorporation by Reference ------------------------ Previous Exhibit Previous Exhibit No. Description of Instrument Filing Designation - ------- ------------------------- -------- ----------- 3(a)(33) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed December 27, 1983 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(33) 3(a)(34) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed December 27, 1983 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(34) 3(a)(35) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed June 4, 1984 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(35) 3(a)(36) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed August 29, 1984 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(36) 3(a)(37) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed April 17, 1985, in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(37) 3(a)(38) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed May 3, 1985, in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(38) Incorporation by Reference ------------------------ Previous Exhibit Previous Exhibit No. Description of Instrument Filing Designation - ------- ------------------------- -------- ----------- 3(a)(39) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed December 24, 1986 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(39) 3(a)(40) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed June 1, 1987 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(40) 3(a)(41) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed July 16, 1987 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(41) 3(a)(42) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed May 27, 1988 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(42) 3(a)(43) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed September 27, 1990 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(43) 3(a)(44) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed October 18, 1991 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(44) Incorporation by Reference ------------------------ Previous Exhibit Previous Exhibit No. Description of Instrument Filing Designation - ------- ------------------------- -------- ----------- 3(a)(45) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed May 5, 1994 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(45) 3(a)(46) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed August 5, 1994 in the office of the New York Secretary of State e 3(a)(46) 3(a)(47) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed June 29, 1998 in the office of the New York Secretary of State o 3(a)(47) *3(a)(48) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of NMPC under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law of New York filed November 29, 1999 in the office of the New York Secretary of State 3(b)(1) By-Laws of NMPC, as amended April 23, 1998 n 3(i) *4(a) Specimen of the Preferred Stock Series D SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized. Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation By: /s/ Kapua A. Rice ---------------------------------- Name: Kapua A. Rice Title: Secretary Date: November 23rd, 1999 -12- EX-3.(A)(48) 2 AMENDMENT OF CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION 3(a)(48) ================================================================================ CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT of the CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION of NIAGARA MOHAWK POWER CORPORATION Under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law ------------ State of New York Department of State Filed: November 29, 1999 Tax: # None Dated: November 29, 1999 ================================================================================ SULLIVAN & CROMWELL 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006-5805 CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT of the CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION of NIAGARA MOHAWK POWER CORPORATION Under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law ----------- Pursuant to the provisions of Section 805 of the BUSINESS CORPORATION LAW, the undersigned, being the Vice President-Treasurer and the Secretary of NIAGARA MOHAWK POWER CORPORATION, hereby certify: I. The name of the Corporation is Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation. It was originally incorporated under the name of Niagara Hudson Public Service Corporation. II. The Certificate of Consolidation forming the Corporation was filed in the Department of State on July 31, 1937. A Certificate of Change of Name of Niagara Hudson Public Service Corporation to Central New York Power Corporation was filed in the Department of State on September 15, 1937. A "Certificate of Consolidation of New York Power and Light Corporation and Buffalo Niagara Electric Corporation and Central New York Power Corporation into Central New York Power Corporation which is to survive the consolidation and be named Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation" was filed in the Department of State on January 5, 1950. Said Certificate of Consolidation is hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "1950 Certificate of Consolidation". Pursuant to Sections 26-a and 36 of the Stock Corporation Law, a Certificate of Amendment was filed in the Department of State on January 5, 1950 to effect certain changes authorized in subdivision 2 of Section 35 of the Stock Corporation Law. Said Certificate of Amendment is hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "1950 Certificate of Amendment". In accordance with the provisions of Subdivision (I) of Paragraph (5) of Part D of Article IV, under the heading "General Provisions Applicable to All Series of Preferred Stock", of the 1950 Certificate of Consolidation, the holders of record of at least a majority of votes which may be cast by the holders of shares of Preferred Stock of all series then outstanding consented in writing, as requested by a Consent Statement first mailed by the Corporation on or about October 28, 1997, to permit the Corporation to incur up to $5 billion in unsecured indebtedness in excess of the unsecured indebtedness otherwise permitted by the provisions of Subdivision (E) of Paragraph (5) of Part D of Article IV of the 1950 Certificate of Amendment, as modified by the resolution of the holders of Preferred Stock adopted on December 5, 1956. III The Certificate of Incorporation, as heretofore amended, is hereby further amended by the addition of the following provisions stating the number, designation, relative rights, preferences, and limitations of a twenty-seventh additional series of Preferred Stock, to consist of 3,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock of the Corporation of the par value of $25 per share of the authorized 19,600,000 shares of Preferred Stock of the Corporation of the par value of $25 per share, as fixed by the Board of Directors before the issuance of such series, such provisions so added to be designated as paragraph (4AA) (of Part D of Article IV of the Certificate of Consolidation as amended by Article V of the 1950 Certificate of Amendment and subsequent amendments). Particular Provisions Applicable to FixedAdjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D (4AA) The number, designation, relative rights, preferences and limitations of the additional series of Preferred Stock of the Corporation as fixed by the Board of Directors (in addition to those set forth under the heading "Provisions Applicable to All Series of Preferred Stock" in Paragraph (5) of Part D of Article IV of the 1950 Certificate of Consolidation as amended by Article V of the 1950 Certificate of Amendment and subsequent amendments) are as follows: (A) The number of shares to constitute the twenty-seventh series shall be 3,000,000 shares, and the designation of such series shall be "FixedAdjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D" (hereinafter called, for purposes of this paragraph 4AA only, the "Series D Preferred Stock"). Defined terms used in this paragraph 4AA shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this paragraph only for purposes of this paragraph 4AA. -2- (B) (i) Cumulative cash dividends will be payable on each share of Series D Preferred Stock when, as, and if declared by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof, out of assets legally available therefor. The initial dividend for the dividend period commencing on November 30, 1999 to December 31, 1999 will be $0.2877 per share and will be payable, as if and when declared by the Board of Directors of the Corporation on December 31, 1999. Thereafter, dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock will be payable quarterly, as, if and when declared by the Board of Directors of the Corporation on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year (each a "Dividend Payment Date") at the annual rate of $3.4525 per share through December 31, 2004. After December 31, 2004, dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock will be payable on each Dividend Payment Date, as, if and when declared by the Board of Directors of the Corporation at the Applicable Rate from time to time in effect. If a Dividend Payment Date is not a business day, dividends (if declared) on the Series D Preferred Stock will be paid on the next business day, without interest. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as they appear on the stock books of the Corporation on the record date fixed by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, which will not be more than 60 days nor less than 10 days preceding the payment date thereof. Accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock shall cumulate as of the Dividend Payment Date on which they first become payable, but no interest shall accrue on accumulated but unpaid dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock. (ii) The "Applicable Rate" per annum for each dividend period beginning after December 31, 2004 will be equal to 1.625% plus the Effective Rate (as defined below) for such dividend period, but not less than 7.655% nor greater than 13.655% except as provided below in this paragraph. The "Effective Rate" for each dividend period beginning after December 31, 2004 will be equal to the highest of the Treasury Bill Rate, the Ten Year Constant Maturity Rate and the Thirty Year Constant Maturity Rate (each as defined below) for such dividend period. In the event that the Corporation determines in good faith that for any reason: (A) any one of the Treasury Bill Rate, the Ten Year Constant Maturity Rate or the Thirty Year Constant Maturity Rate cannot be determined for any dividend period, then the Effective Rate for such dividend period will be equal to the higher of whichever two of such rates can be so determined; (B) only one of the Treasury Bill Rate, the Ten Year Constant Maturity Rate or the Thirty Year Constant Maturity Rate can be determined for any dividend period, then the Effective Rate for such dividend period will be equal to whichever such rate can be so determined; or (C) none of the Treasury Bill Rate, the Ten Year Constant Maturity Rate or the Thirty Year Constant Maturity Rate can be determined for any dividend period, then the Effective Rate for the preceding dividend period will be continued for the succeeding dividend period. -3- The "Treasury Bill Rate" will be the arithmetic average of the two most recent weekly per annum market discount rates (or the one weekly per annum market discount rate, if only one such rate is published during the relevant Calendar Period (as defined below)) for three-month U.S. Treasury bills, as published weekly by the Federal Reserve Board (as defined below) during the Calendar Period immediately preceding the last ten calendar days preceding the dividend period for which the dividend rate on the Series D Preferred Stock is being determined, except as described below in this paragraph. In the event that the Federal Reserve Board does not publish such a weekly per annum market discount rate during any such Calendar Period, then the Treasury Bill Rate for such dividend period will be the arithmetic average of the two most recent weekly per annum market discount rates (or the one weekly per annum market discount rate, if only one such rate is published during the relevant Calendar Period) for three-month U.S. Treasury bills, as published weekly during such Calendar Period by any Federal Reserve Bank or by any U.S. Government department or agency selected by the Corporation. In the event that a per annum market discount rate for three-month U.S. Treasury bills is not published by the Federal Reserve Board or by any Federal Reserve Bank or by any U.S. Government department or agency during such Calendar Period, then the Treasury Bill Rate for such dividend period will be the arithmetic average of the two most recent weekly per annum market discount rates (or the one weekly per annum market discount rate, if only one such rate is published during the relevant Calendar Period) for all of the U.S. Treasury bills then having remaining maturities of not less than 80 nor more than 100 days, as published during such Calendar Period by the Federal Reserve Board or, if the Federal Reserve Board does not publish such rates, by any Federal Reserve Bank or by any U.S. Government department or agency selected by the Corporation. In the event that the Corporation determines in good faith that for any reason no such U.S. Treasury Bill Rates are published as provided above during such Calendar Period, then the Treasury Bill Rate for such dividend period will be the arithmetic average of the per annum market discount rates based upon the closing bids during such Calendar Period for each of the issues of marketable non-interest-bearing U.S. Treasury securities with a remaining maturity of not less than 80 nor more than 100 days from the date of each such quotation, as chosen and quoted daily for each business day in New York City (or less frequently if daily quotations are not generally available) to the Corporation by at least three recognized dealers in U.S. Government securities selected by the Corporation. In the event that the Corporation determines in good faith that for any reason the Corporation cannot determine the Treasury Bill Rate for any dividend period as provided above in this paragraph, the Treasury Bill Rate for such dividend period will be the arithmetic average of the per annum market discount rates based upon the closing bids during such Calendar Period for each of the issues of marketable interest-bearing U.S. Treasury securities with a remaining maturity of not less than 80 nor more than 100 days, as chosen and quoted daily for each business day in New York City (or less frequently if daily quotations are not generally available) to the Corporation by at least three recognized dealers in U.S. Government securities selected by the Corporation. -4- The "Ten Year Constant Maturity Rate" will be the arithmetic average of the two most recent weekly per annum Ten Year Average Yields (as defined below) (or the one weekly per annum Ten Year Average Yield, if only one such yield is published during the relevant Calendar Period), as published weekly by the Federal Reserve Board during the Calendar Period immediately preceding the last ten calendar days preceding the dividend period for which the dividend rate on the Series D Preferred Stock is being determined, except as described below in this paragraph. In the event that the Federal Reserve Board does not publish such a weekly per annum Ten Year Average Yield during such Calendar Period, then the Ten Year Constant Maturity Rate for such dividend period will be the arithmetic average of the two most recent weekly per annum Ten Year Average Yields (or the one weekly per annum Ten Year Average Yield, if only one such yield is published during the relevant Calendar Period), as published weekly during such Calendar Period by any Federal Reserve Bank or by any U.S. Government department or agency selected by the Corporation. In the event that a per annum Ten Year Average Yield is not published by the Federal Reserve Board or by any Federal Reserve Bank or by any U.S. Government department or agency during such Calendar Period, then the Ten Year Constant Maturity Rate for such dividend period will be the arithmetic average of the two most recent weekly per annum average yields to maturity (or the one weekly per annum average yield to maturity, if only one such yield is published during the relevant Calendar Period) for all of the actively traded marketable U.S. Treasury fixed interest rate securities (other than Special Securities (as defined below)) then having remaining maturities of not less than eight nor more than twelve years, as published during such Calendar Period by the Federal Reserve Board or, if the Federal Reserve Board does not publish such yields, by any Federal Reserve Bank or by any U.S. Government department or agency selected by the Corporation. In the event that the Corporation determines in good faith that for any reason the Corporation cannot determine the Ten Year Constant Maturity Rate for any dividend period as provided above in this paragraph, then the Ten Year Constant Maturity Rate for such dividend period will be the arithmetic average of the per annum average yields to maturity based upon the closing bids during such Calendar Period for each of the issues of actively traded marketable U.S. Treasury fixed interest rate securities (other than Special Securities) with a final maturity date not less than eight nor more than twelve years from the date of each such quotation, as chosen and quoted daily for each business day in New York City (or less frequently if daily quotations are not generally available) to the Corporation by at least three recognized dealers in U.S. Government securities selected by the Corporation. The "Thirty Year Constant Maturity Rate" will be the arithmetic average of the two most recent weekly per annum Thirty Year Average Yields (as defined below) (or the one weekly per annum Thirty Year Average Yield, if only one such yield is published during the relevant Calendar Period), as published weekly by the Federal Reserve Board during the Calendar Period immediately preceding the dividend period for which the dividend rate on the Series D Preferred Stock is being determined except as described below in this paragraph. In the event that the Federal Reserve Board does not publish such a weekly per annum Thirty Year Average Yield during such Calendar -5- Period, then the Thirty Year Constant Maturity Rate for such dividend period will be the arithmetic average of the two most recent weekly per annum Thirty Year Average Yields (or the one weekly per annum Thirty Year Average Yield, if only one such yield is published during the relevant Calendar Period), as published weekly during such Calendar Period by any Federal Reserve Bank or by any U.S. Government department or agency selected by the Corporation. In the event that a per annum Thirty Year Average Yield is not published by the Federal Reserve Board or by any Federal Reserve Bank or by any U.S. Government department or agency during such Calendar Period, then the Thirty Year Constant Maturity Rate for such dividend period will be the arithmetic average of the two most recent weekly per annum average yields to maturity (or the one weekly per annum average yield to maturity, if only one such yield is published during the relevant Calendar Period) for all of the actively traded marketable U.S. Treasury fixed interest rate securities (other than Special Securities) then having remaining maturities of not less than twenty-eight nor more than thirty years, as published during such Calendar Period by the Federal Reserve Board or, if the Federal Reserve Board does not publish such yields, by any Federal Reserve Bank or by any U.S. Government department or agency selected by the Corporation. In the event that the Corporation determines in good faith that for any reason the Corporation cannot determine the Thirty Year Constant Maturity Rate for any applicable dividend period as provided above in this paragraph, then the Thirty Year Constant Maturity Rate for such dividend period will be the arithmetic average of the per annum average yields to maturity based upon the closing bids during such Calendar Period for each of the issues of actively traded marketable U.S. Treasury fixed interest rate securities (other than Special Securities) with a final maturity date not less than twenty-eight nor more than thirty years from the date of each such quotation, as chosen and quoted daily for each business day in New York City (or less frequently if daily quotations are not generally available) to the Corporation by at least three recognized dealers in U.S. Government securities selected by the Corporation. The Treasury Bill Rate, the Ten Year Constant Maturity Rate and the Thirty Year Constant Maturity Rate will each be rounded to the nearest five hundredths of a percent. The Applicable Rate with respect to each dividend period beginning after December 31, 2004 will be calculated as promptly as practicable by the Corporation according to the appropriate method described above. The Corporation will cause notice of the Applicable Rate for the next dividend period to be enclosed with the dividend payment to the holders of Series D Preferred Stock. As used above, the term "Calendar Period" means a period of fourteen calendar days; the term "Federal Reserve Board" means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; the term "Special Securities" means securities which can, at the option of the holder, be surrendered at face value in payment of any Federal estate tax or which provide tax benefits to the holder and are priced to reflect such tax benefits or which were originally issued at a deep or substantial discount; the term "Ten Year -6- Average Yield" means the average yield to maturity for actively traded marketable U.S. Treasury fixed interest rate securities (adjusted to constant maturities of ten years); and the term "Thirty Year Average Yield" means the average yield to maturity for actively traded marketable U.S. Treasury fixed interest rate securities (adjusted to constant maturities of thirty years). (iii) If, prior to May 30, 2001, one or more amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), are enacted which change the percentage of the dividends received deduction as specified in Section 243(a) (1) of the Code or any successor provision (the "Dividends Received Percentage"), the amount of each dividend on each share of the Series D Preferred Stock for dividend payments made on or after the date of enactment of such change will be adjusted by multiplying the amount of the dividend payable determined as described above (before adjustment) by a factor, which will be the number determined in accordance with the following formula (the "DRD Formula"), and rounding the result to the nearest cent: 1 - [.35 (1 - .70)] --------------------------- 1 - [.35 (1 - DRP)] For the purposes of the DRD Formula, "DRP" means the new Dividends Received Percentage applicable to the dividend in question; provided however, that if the Dividends Received Percentage applicable to the dividend in question shall be less than 50%, then the DRP shall equal .50. No amendment to the Code, other than a change in the percentage of the dividends received deduction set forth in Section 243(a) (1) of the Code or any successor provision, will give rise to an adjustment. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, in the event that, with respect to any such amendment, the Corporation shall receive either an unqualified opinion of nationally recognized independent tax counsel selected by the Corporation or a private letter ruling or similar form of authorization from the Internal Revenue Service to the effect that such an amendment does not apply to dividends payable on the Series D Preferred Stock, then any such amendment shall not result in the adjustment provided for pursuant to the DRD Formula. The opinion referenced in the previous sentence must be based upon a specific exception in the legislation amending the DRP or upon a published pronouncement of the Internal Revenue Service addressing such legislation. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to dividends herein shall mean dividends as adjusted by the DRD Formula. The Corporation's calculation of the dividends payable as so adjusted and as certified accurate as to calculation and reasonable as to method by the independent certified public accountants then regularly engaged by the Corporation, shall be final and not subject to review. If any amendment to the Code which reduces the Dividends Received Percentage is enacted after a record date and before the next Dividend Payment Date, the amount of dividend payable on such Dividend Payment Date will not be increased, but instead, an amount equal to the excess of (x) the product of the dividends paid by the -7- Corporation on such Dividend Payment Date and the DRD Formula (where the DRP used in the DRD Formula would be equal to the greater of the Dividends Received Percentage applicable to the dividend in question and .50) over (y) the dividends paid by the Corporation on such Dividend Payment Date, will be payable (if declared) to holders of record on the next succeeding Dividend Payment Date in addition to any other amounts payable on such date. In addition, if any such amendment to the Code is enacted that reduces the Dividends Received Percentage and such reduction retroactively applies to a Dividend Payment Date as to which the Corporation previously paid dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock (each an "Affected Dividend Payment Date"), the Corporation will pay (if declared), additional dividends (the "Additional Dividends") on the next succeeding Dividend Payment Date (or if such amendment is enacted after the dividend payable on such Dividend Payment Date has been declared, on the second succeeding Dividend Payment Date following the date of enactment) to holders of record on such succeeding Dividend Payment Date in an amount equal to the excess of (x) the product of the dividends paid by the Corporation on each Affected Dividend Payment Date and the DRD Formula (where the DRP used in the DRD Formula would be equal to the greater of the Dividends Received Percentage and .50 applied to each Affected Dividend Payment Date) over (y) the dividends paid by the Corporation on each Affected Dividend Payment Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Additional Dividends will not be paid as a result of the enactment of any amendment to the Code 18 months or more after the date of original issuance of the Series D Preferred Stock which retroactively reduces the Dividends Received Percentage, or if such amendment would not result in an adjustment due to the Corporation having received either an opinion of counsel or tax ruling referred to in the third preceding paragraph. The Corporation will make only one payment of Additional Dividends. In the event that the amount of dividend payable per share of the Series D Preferred Stock will be adjusted pursuant to the DRD Formula and/or Additional Dividends are to be paid, the Corporation will cause notice of each such adjustment and, if applicable, any Additional Dividends, to be sent to the holders of the Series D Preferred Stock with the payment of dividends on the next Dividend Payment Date after the date of such adjustment. (C) In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, the holders of shares of Series D Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to stockholders, before any distribution of assets is made on the Corporation's Common Stock or any other class or series of stock of the Corporation ranking junior to the Series D Preferred Stock upon liquidation, liquidating distributions in the amount of $50 per share, plus an amount equal to the sum of all accrued and unpaid dividends including -8- any increase in dividends payable due to changes in the Dividends Received Percentage and Additional Dividends (whether or not earned or declared) for the then current dividend period and all dividend periods prior thereto. (D) Except as provided under the heading "Provisions Applicable to All Series of Preferred Stock" in Paragraph (5) of Part D of Article IV of the 1950 Certificate of Consolidation as amended by Article V of the 1950 Certificate of Amendment and subsequent amendments, the Series D Preferred Stock shall have no voting rights whatsoever. (E) Prior to December 31, 2004, the Series D Preferred Stock is not redeemable. On or after such date, each share of Series D Preferred Stock will be redeemable, in whole or in part at the option of the Corporation at any time and from time to time upon not less than thirty nor more than sixty days' notice, at a redemption price of $50 per share, together in each case with accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) to the date fixed for redemption including any increase in dividends payable due to changes in the Dividends Received Percentage and Additional Dividends. If fewer than all the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock are to be redeemed, the Corporation will select those to be redeemed by lot or pro rata or by any other method as may be determined by the Board of Directors to be equitable, and such redemption shall otherwise be in the manner prescribed under the heading "Provisions Applicable to All Series of Preferred Stock" in Paragraph (5) of Part D of Article IV of the 1950 Certificate of Consolidation as amended by Article V of the 1950 Certificate of Amendment and subsequent amendments. (F) Shares of Series D Preferred Stock redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired by the Corporation shall be cancelled and restored to the status of authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock of the par value $25 per share without serial designation and may be reissued by the Corporation from time to time as Preferred Stock of any other series of the par value of $25 per share as may be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors. (G) The shares of the Series D Preferred Stock shall be subject to the consent set forth in the last subparagraph of Paragraph II of this Certificate to the same extent and with the same effect as all series of Preferred Stock outstanding on October 28, 1997 are so subject. IV The amendments of the Certificate of Incorporation effected by this Certificate were authorized by action of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, pursuant to Section 502 of the Business Corporation Law. -9- IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have made and subscribed this Certificate this 23rd day of November, 1999. By: /s/ Arthur W. Roos ---------------------------------- Name: Arthur W. Roos Title: Vice President-Treasurer By: /s/ Kapua A. Rice ---------------------------------- Name: Kapua A. Rice Title: Secretary [Corporate Seal] -10- STATE OF NEW YORK ) : ss.: COUNTY OF ONODAGA ) Arthur W. Roos, being duly sworn, deposes and says that he is Vice President-Treasurer of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, the corporation named in and described in the foregoing Certificate, that he has read and executed the foregoing Certificate and knows the contents thereof and that the statements contained therein are true. By: /s/ Arthur W. Roos ---------------------------------- Name: Arthur W. Roos Title: Vice President-Treasurer By: /s/ Kapua A. Rice ---------------------------------- Name: Kapua A. Rice Title: Secretary Sworn to before me this 23rd day of November, 1999 Kapua A. Rice - ---------------------------- Notary Public -11- EX-4.(A) 3 SPECIMEN OF STOCK CERTIFICATE EXHIBIT 4(a) Number TAR Shares *0* SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS CUSIP 653522 77 1 NIAGARA MOHAWK POWER CORPORATION -------------------------------- Incorporated Under the Laws of the State of New York THIS CERTIFIES THAT **Specimen** is the owner of **Zero (0)** full-paid and non-assessable shares of par value of $25 each of the FixedAdjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D of NIAGARA MOHAWK POWER CORPORATION -------------------------------- (hereinafter called the Corporation) transferable on the books of the Corporation in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. This Certificate and the shares represented hereby are subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Consolidation forming the Corporation and all certificates of the Corporation filed pursuant to law (copies of which are filed with the Transfer Agent). This Certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent and registered by the Registrar. WITNESS the facsimile seal of the Corporation and the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers. DATED **Specimen** ------------ Countersigned and Registered: [IMPRESSION OF TRUST SEAL] THE BANK OF NEW YORK /s/William E. Davis Transfer Agent and Registrar --------------------------------- Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer /s/ Kapua A. Rice ---------------------------------- Secretary NIAGARA MOHAWK POWER CORPORATION The Corporation will furnish to any shareholder upon request and without charge, a full statement of the designation, relative rights, preferences and limitations of the shares of each class of shares authorized to be issued and the designation, relative rights, preferences and limitations of each series of preferred shares, so far as the same have been fixed, and the authority of the Board of Directors to designate and fix the relative rights, preferences and limitations of other series. The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this Certificate, shall be construed as through they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations: TEN COM - as tenants in common TEN ENT - as tenants by the entireties JT TEM - as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common UNIF GIFT MIN ACT _____ Custodian _______ (Cust) (Minor) Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act of ---------------------------- (State) Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list. FOR VALUE RECEIVED, ___________________ HEREBY SELLS, ASSIGNS AND TRANSFERS UNTO - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS OF ASSIGNEE) ______________________ shares of the capital stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint _________________________Attorney to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named Corporation with full power of substitution in the premises. Dated ____________________ -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----