However, notwithstanding the vesting requirement, you will become vested if you terminate Board service as a result of death, disability, or other circumstances as deemed appropriate by the Board, or if there is a Change in Control of the Corporation (as hereinafter defined) while you are actively serving on the Board.
Q3. HOW MANY DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS MAY I SELECT AND IN WHAT AMOUNTS?
A. You may recommend one organization to receive a $250,000 donation, or up to two organizations to receive aggregate donations of $250,000. Each recommended organization must be recommended to receive a donation of at least $100,000. If you recommend more than one organization to receive a donation, each recommended organization will receive a prorated portion of each annual installment. Each annual installment payment for your vested donation amount will be divided among the recommended organizations in the same proportions as the total donation amount has been allocated among the organizations.
For example, if you are vested and you recommend one organization to receive a $150,000 donation and another organization to receive $100,000, the $150,000 organization will receive 60% of each annual installment and the other organization will receive 40% of each installment.
Q4. ARE THERE ANY LIMITATIONS AS TO THE TYPES OF ORGANIZATIONS WHICH I CAN NAME TO RECEIVE DONATIONS?
A. In order to be eligible to receive a donation, a recommended organization must qualify to receive income tax-deductible donations under the Internal Revenue Code, and must be reviewed and approved by the Compensation and Management Succession Committee of the Corporation (the "Committee"). In addition, 100% of your donation amount must be allocated to qualifying organization(s) located within a state in which an Energy East Corporation affiliate operates. A recommendation will be approved unless it is determined, in the exercise of good faith judgment, that a donation to the organization would be detrimental to the best interests of the Corporation. A Director's private foundation is not eligible to receive a donation under the Program.
Q5. CAN I CHANGE MY BENEFICIARY RECOMMENDATION LATER IF I CHANGE MY MIND?
A. Yes, you may substitute a new recommendation to replace a prior one by completing a new Beneficiary Recommendation Form and filing it with the Corporation.
Q6. WHEN WILL THE CHARITABLE DONATIONS BE MADE?
A. The donation made on your behalf will be made in ten equal annual installments, with the first installment made as soon as is practicable following your death. Subsequent installments will be made during a pre-determined month each year.
Q7. WHY IS LIFE INSURANCE INVOLVED IN THE PROGRAM?
A. The Corporation intends to fund its Director's Charitable Giving Program donations by purchasing life insurance contracts on your life and on the lives of the other Directors.
Q8. WHO WILL OWN THE LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES?
A. The Corporation will be the sole owner and beneficiary of any life insurance policies. Neither you nor your recommended charitable organizations will have any rights or interest in the policies.
Q9. WHO WILL PAY THE LIFE INSURANCE PREMIUMS?
A. The Corporation will pay all premiums. You will have no financial obligation or commitment under the Program and will not give up any other current compensation or benefits to participate.
Q10. IS THIS PROGRAM EFFECTED BY SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002, SINCE IT UTILIZES LIFE INSURANCE?
A.No. Sarbanes-Oxley contains provisions which negatively impact an ownership arrangement of life insurance commonly referred to as split-dollar. Since the Program does not utilize split-dollar life insurance, Sarbanes-Oxley does not apply from an insurance perspective.
Q11. MAY I SELECT A CHARITY I AM EMPLOYED BY OR DONATE TIME TO?
A.Yes.
Q12. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE AND MEDICAL HISTORY FORM WHICH I MUST COMPLETE TO ENROLL IN THE PROGRAM?
A.It is necessary for you to complete this form in order to provide the information needed by the Corporation to apply for insurance on your life. It is the Corporation's intention to use this insurance to fund the donations which will be made under the Program. You will submit your completed form directly to The Ayco Company, L.P., a consulting firm we have retained to conduct the installation of the Program. They will prepare the insurance application based on the information you provide on your form.
Q13. WILL I NEED TO TAKE A PHYSICAL IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM?
A. You may have to submit to a physical examination; even if you do not need a physical, some minor tests may be required. Your requirements will be determined by the insurance company when they review your health and medical history information. The insurance company will pay for any required physical or tests.
Q14. WILL HEALTH PROBLEMS MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM?
A. No.
Q15. WILL I INCUR ANY CURRENT TAX LIABILITY AS A RESULT OF PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM OR FROM THE PREMIUMS PAID TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY?
A. No, there is no tax cost or any other cost to you under current tax laws. Likewise, you and your estate will not receive a tax deduction as a result of the contributions made under this Program.
Q16. WHO WILL ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM?
A. The Program will be administered by the Compensation and Management Succession Committee of the Corporation. The installation of the Program will be conducted by The Ayco Company, L.P., a consulting firm employed by the Corporation.
Q17. WHAT HAPPENS IN THE EVENT OF A CHANGE IN CONTROL?
A. All persons actively serving as Directors of the Corporation at the time of a Change in Control of the Corporation (as hereinafter defined) will become immediately vested upon the Change in Control.
Q18. CAN THE PROGRAM BE CHANGED?
A. Yes, the Board of Directors of the Corporation may, at any time, without the consent of the Directors participating in the Program, amend, suspend, or terminate the Program. However, if a Director becomes vested in the Program, as a result of a Change in Control of the Corporation, the Program may not be amended or terminated with respect to such Director.
Q19. WHEN IS THE PROGRAM EFFECTIVE?
A.In order to participate in the Program, an eligible Director must complete all required enrollment forms and procedures, including providing any requested health and medical history information and submitting to any required medical exams or tests (if life insurance is acquired). The Program will not be effective for any Director until he or she completes all enrollment procedures.