ARTICLES OF RESTATEMENT
                                TO THE CHARTER OF
                       BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY


Baltimore Gas and Electric Company,  a corporation  organized and existing under
the laws of the State of Maryland, hereby certifies as follows:

     1.The  corporation  desires to restate  its  Charter as  currently  in
       effect.

     2.The  provisions  of the  Charter  set  forth  in these  Articles  of
       Restatement  are all of the  provisions of the Charter  currently in
       effect.

     3.The  restatement  of the Charter  was  approved by a majority of the
       Executive  Committee of the Board of Directors of the corporation at
       its March 26, 1996 meeting, and was unanimously  approved,  ratified
       and  confirmed  by written  consent of the Board of Directors of the
       corporation.

     4.The Charter is not amended by these Articles of Restatement.

     5.The current  address of the principal  office of the  corporation is
       Gas and Electric  Building,  39 West  Lexington  Street,  Baltimore,
       Maryland 21201.

     6.The names of the corporation's  current resident agents are David A.
       Brune and Stephen J. Rosasco, and the address for both of them is 39
       West Lexington St., Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

     7.The number of  Directors of the  corporation  is 14 and the names of
       those currently in office are as follows:

                          Christian H. Poindexter
                              Edward A. Crooke
                             H. Furlong Baldwin
                              Beverly B. Byron
                                J. Owen Cole
                               Dan A. Colussy
                              James R. Curtiss
                              Jerome W. Geckle
                              Martin L. Grass
                         Freeman A. Hrabowski, III
                               Nancy Lampton
                             George V. McGowan
                           George L. Russell, Jr.
                            Michael D. Sullivan

                                      1


     8.The restated provisions of the charter are as follows:

                                     I

                 The name of the said corporation shall be
                     BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

                                     II

Without in any particular  limiting or restricting any of the objects and powers
of the corporation  hereby formed,  it is expressly  provided that it shall have
power to  manufacture,  buy,  deal in or otherwise  acquire gas, and to furnish,
convey,  distribute,  sell or  otherwise  dispose  of the  same  for any and all
purposes,  public or private;  to generate or otherwise  acquire  electricity or
other mechanical power, and to transmit,  convey,  distribute,  furnish, sell or
otherwise dispose of the same for light, heat, power, refrigeration,  signaling,
traction and any and all other  purposes,  both public and private;  to acquire,
hold, sell or otherwise dispose of all property, real, personal or mixed, useful
in carrying out any lawful purpose  whatsoever;  and to have, enjoy and exercise
all  the  rights,  powers  and  privileges  which  are now or may  hereafter  be
conferred  upon  corporations  organized  under the laws of  Maryland;  and,  in
carrying on its business,  or for the purpose of attaining or furthering  any of
its objects and  purposes,  to do any and all other  things and exercise any and
all other  powers  which now are or  hereafter  may be  permitted  by law. 

It is  expressly  declared  that  the  corporate  purposes  and  powers  of this
corporation,  the  purposes for which it was formed and the business and objects
to be carried on and  promoted by it, and the powers of its Board of  Directors,
include,  among other things,  the making, by this corporation alone or together
with one or more persons or corporations  of this or any state or  jurisdiction,
of any and all contracts and  arrangements  for the purchase or  acquisition  of
electricity  in  this  state  or  elsewhere  from  any one or  more  persons  or
corporations of this or any state or  jurisdiction  and/or the  acquisition,  by
purchase,  subscription or otherwise,  holding, sale and/or other disposition of
all or any part,  whether more or less than a majority,  of the capital stock or
any class  thereof,  bonds,  notes  and/or  other  obligations  of any such last
mentioned persons or corporations and/or the guaranteeing,  whether severally by
this  corporation  or  jointly  and/or  severally  with one or more  persons  or
corporations  of this or any state or  jurisdiction,  of  dividends  on any such
stock aforesaid  and/or  principal of and/or  interest on any such bonds,  notes
and/or other obligations  aforesaid and/or other terms or provisions of any such
stock, bonds, notes and/or other obligations aforesaid and/or mortgages or other
instruments  securing the same. This express  declaration shall not be construed
as implying that the purposes, powers, business and objects of this corporation,
and the powers of its  directors,  do not  already  (without  this  declaration)
include all those herein stated.

                                       2


                                    III

The business and operations of said corporation are to be carried on in the City
of Baltimore,  and in such other place or places within and without the State of
Maryland  as  the  directors  may  determine.  The  principal  offices  of  said
corporation shall be located in the City of Baltimore.

                                     IV

1.The total amount of capital  stock which this  corporation  is  authorized  to
  issue is one hundred eighty-two million,  five hundred thousand  (182,500,000)
  shares,  classified as follows:  (1) one million (1,000,000) shares of the par
  value of one hundred  dollars ($100) each,  with an aggregate par value of one
  hundred  million  dollars  ($100,000,000),  are preferred  stock, of which one
  million  (1,000,000)  shares of the aggregate par value of one hundred million
  dollars  ($100,000,000) are authorized but unissued and unclassified preferred
  stock;  (2) six million,  five  hundred  thousand  (6,500,000)  shares with an
  aggregate par value of six hundred fifty million  dollars  ($650,000,000)  are
  preference  stock,  of which  two  hundred  thousand  (200,000)  shares of the
  aggregate par value of twenty  million  dollars  ($20,000,000)  are issued and
  outstanding  7.78%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1973 Series,  four hundred
  twenty-five  thousand (425,000) shares of the aggregate par value of forty-two
  million,   five  hundred  thousand  dollars   ($42,500,000)   are  issued  and
  outstanding 7.50% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1986 Series, four hundred forty
  thousand  (440,000)  shares of the aggregate  par value of forty-four  million
  dollars  ($44,000,000) are issued and outstanding 6.75% Cumulative  Preference
  Stock,  1987 Series,  five hundred thousand  (500,000) shares of the aggregate
  par value of fifty million  dollars  ($50,000,000)  are issued and outstanding
  7.80%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1989  Series,  three  hundred  thousand
  (300,000)  shares  of the  aggregate  par  value  of  thirty  million  dollars
  ($30,000,000)  are issued and outstanding  8.25% Cumulative  Preference Stock,
  1989 Series,  three hundred ninety thousand  (390,000) shares of the aggregate
  par  value  of  thirty-nine  million  dollars  ($39,000,000)  are  issued  and
  outstanding  8.625% Cumulative  Preference  Stock, 1990 Series,  three hundred
  fifty  thousand  (350,000)  shares of the  aggregate  par value of thirty five
  million  dollars  ($35,000,000)  are issued and outstanding  7.85%  Cumulative
  Preference Stock, 1991 Series,  four hundred thousand  (400,000) shares of the
  aggregate  par value of forty  million  dollars  ($40,000,000)  are issued and
  outstanding  7.125% Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1993 Series,  five hundred
  thousand  (500,000) shares of the aggregate par value of fifty million dollars
  ($50,000,000)  are issued and outstanding  6.97% Cumulative  Preference Stock,
  1993 Series, four hundred thousand (400,000) shares of the aggregate par value
  of forty  million  dollars  ($40,000,000)  are  issued and  outstanding  6.70%
  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1993 Series,  six hundred  thousand  (600,000)
  shares of the aggregate par value of sixty million dollars  ($60,000,000)  are
  issued and outstanding 6.99% Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1995 Series,  one
  million, nine hundred 

                                       3


  ninety-five  thousand  (1,995,000)  shares of the  aggregate  par value of one
  hundred ninety-nine  million five hundred thousand dollars  ($199,500,000) are
  authorized,  but  unissued  and  unclassified  preference  stock;  and (3) the
  balance,  one hundred  seventy-five  million  (175,000,000) shares without par
  value,  is  common  stock of  which  one  hundred  fifty-one  million,  eleven
  thousand,  six hundred and sixty-three  (151,011,663)  shares have either been
  issued  and are now  outstanding  or  have  been  reserved  for  issuance  and
  twenty-three  million,  nine  hundred  eighty-eight  thousand,  three  hundred
  thirty-seven  (23,988,337)  shares are authorized but unissued and unreserved.
  The aggregate par value of all the  authorized  shares of all classes of stock
  having par value, viz., the preference stock and the preferred stock, is seven
  hundred fifty million dollars ($750,000,000).

  The issued and outstanding  shares of common stock without par value mentioned
  in this paragraph  numbered 1 include both the number of such shares for which
  stock  certificates  have been  issued and also the number of shares for which
  new stock  certificates  are now  issuable  in lieu and upon  cancellation  of
  outstanding  certificates  for shares of common  stock of the par value of one
  hundred dollars ($100) each formerly authorized.

2.All  preferred  stock  redeemed  shall  forthwith be cancelled and retired but
  shall  have the  status of  authorized  but  unissued  preferred  stock of the
  corporation.

3.In the  event  of any  liquidation  or  dissolution  or  winding  up,  whether
  voluntary or  involuntary,  of the  corporation,  the holders of the preferred
  stock shall be entitled to be paid in full both the par amount of their shares
  and an amount equal to the unpaid dividends accrued thereon (whether earned or
  declared or not) adjusted to date of such payment,  before any amount shall be
  paid to either  the  holders  of the  preference  stock or the  holders of the
  common stock.

4.All  payments  to the  holders of the  preferred  stock,  whether  payments of
  dividends or payments in the event of redemption, liquidation,  dissolution or
  winding up, shall be made without  deduction for any tax or taxes,  other than
  income  taxes,  which the  corporation  may be  required or  permitted  to pay
  thereon or to retain  therefrom  under any present or future law of the United
  States of America or of any state, county or municipality therein.

5.The right is hereby  reserved to make from time to time any  amendments of the
  charter of the  corporation  which change the terms of the preferred  stock by
  classification  or sub  classification  of all  or any of the  authorized  but
  unissued preferred stock into one or more series of the preferred stock, which
  series may differ from each other and other series already  outstanding in any
  or all of the following  respects:  (a) the rate and/or payment periods of the
  fixed preferential dividends payable thereon, which rate shall, however, in no
  case exceed eight per cent.  per annum,  (b) whether or not, and if so to what
  extent and on what terms and  conditions,  such series  shall  participate  in
  dividends  in  excess  of the  fixed  preferential  

                                       4


  dividends thereon, or in distribution of assets, upon liquidation, dissolution
  or winding up, in excess of the fixed preferential distribution thereof to the
  holders of the  preferred  stock,  (c) whether or not, and if so on what terms
  and conditions,  such series shall be convertible at the option of the holders
  into other stock (preferred,  preference,  or common),  bonds or securities of
  the corporation,  and (d) the prices and times, if any, of redemption thereof.
  Up to the fixed  preferential  dividends  payable on each series of  preferred
  stock,  all  series of  preferred  stock  shall  participate  (not  before the
  respective  dividend dates of each series of preferred stock) at the same rate
  per cent.  per annum in any payments for, or including  any period  (whether a
  dividend  period  or part of such a  period)  aggregating  less  than the full
  preferential  dividends on all series of preferred  stock for such period;  if
  for any  period  (whether  a  dividend  period or part of such a period)  full
  preferential  dividends  shall not have been paid on any  series of  preferred
  stock when payable,  the deficiency  shall be payable before any dividends for
  any subsequent  dividend period, or part of such a period,  shall be paid upon
  or set apart for any series of the preferred stock. All of the preferred stock
  having identical  characteristics  shall be given the same serial designation.
  Except in the event of a failure to pay full dividends on the preferred  stock
  and/or on the preference  stock,  and the  continuance of such failure for one
  year as hereinafter, in the paragraph numbered 6 hereof, provided, neither the
  preferred  stock nor the preference  stock shall have any voting power and the
  common  stock  shall  have full sole  voting  power  with  respect to any such
  proposed amendment of the charter of the corporation.  The express reservation
  of the right to make,  through the sole voting  power of the common  stock and
  without the vote of any of the preferred stock or any of the preference stock,
  any such amendments of the charter of the corporation as are specified in this
  paragraph, numbered 5, shall not be construed as in any way limiting the right
  to make any other  amendments of the charter of the  corporation in accordance
  with the laws of Maryland and the provisions of the next succeeding paragraph,
  numbered 6, hereof.

6.The common stock shall have full voting  powers,  that is to say, one vote for
  each share with respect to all matters.  Neither the  preferred  stock nor the
  preference  stock shall have any voting power except that:  (a) the  preferred
  stock shall have four votes for each share of preferred stock, with respect to
  any proposed  amendment of the charter of the corporation (other than any such
  amendment  as is specified in the  paragraphs  numbered 5 and 16 hereof),  any
  proposed  consolidation  with  any  other  corporation  or  corporations,  any
  proposed  sale,  lease  or  exchange  of all its  property  and  assets  as an
  entirety,  including  its good  will  and  franchises,  to or with  any  other
  corporation  or any  proposed  dissolution  of the  corporation,  and no  such
  amendment  of the  charter of the  corporation,  consolidation,  sale,  lease,
  exchange or dissolution  shall be authorized,  ratified,  accepted or effected
  without the  affirmative  vote of  two-thirds  of all the shares of  preferred
  stock in favor of such  amendment,  consolidation,  sale,  

                                       5


  lease,  exchange  or  dissolution,  as the  case  may  be;  (b)  whenever  the
  corporation  shall fail to pay full dividends on the preferred  stock and such
  failure shall continue for one year, the preferred  stock shall then have four
  votes for each share of preferred stock with respect to all matters, until and
  unless all such  dividends  shall have been paid in full;  (c) the  preference
  stock shall have one vote for each share of  preference  stock with respect to
  any proposed amendment of the charter of the corporation which would create or
  authorize  any  shares  of stock  ranking  prior  to or on a  parity  with the
  preference  stock as to dividends or as to  distribution  of assets,  or which
  would  substantially  adversely affect the contract  rights,  as expressly set
  forth in the charter,  of the preference  stock,  and no such amendment of the
  charter of the  corporation of the nature  described in this subsection (c) of
  this paragraph 6 shall be authorized,  ratified,  accepted or effected without
  the  affirmative  vote of  two-thirds  of all the shares of  preference  stock
  outstanding in favor of such amendment; and (d) whenever the corporation shall
  fail to pay full  dividends on the  preference  stock and such  failure  shall
  continue for one year, the preference  stock shall then have one vote for each
  share of  preference  stock with respect to all matters,  until and unless all
  such dividends shall have been paid in full.

7.While any shares of preferred stock are outstanding, there shall not be issued
  without  the prior  affirmative  vote or  written  consent  of the  holders of
  two-thirds of the total number of shares of preferred stock then  outstanding,
  any additional  preferred stock if, at the time of issuance of such additional
  preferred  stock and after giving effect to such  issuance,  the aggregate par
  value of the preferred  stock to be  outstanding  after such  issuance,  would
  exceed an amount equal to the aggregate  amount in dollars in the common stock
  account  of  the  corporation   plus  any  capital   surplus   represented  by
  consideration  received for the issuance of common stock,  all as shown on the
  books of account of the  corporation,  provided,  however,  that if  preferred
  stock is issued for the purpose of retiring  outstanding  preferred stock then
  the  preferred  stock to be retired  shall not be counted as  outstanding  for
  purposes of the foregoing  limitation;  nor,  without like affirmative vote or
  written consent,  shall the outstanding  common stock not held or owned by the
  corporation  be reduced by purchase or retirement by the  corporation  or such
  capital surplus be reduced by  distribution,  if and to the extent that, after
  such  reduction,  the aggregate par value of the  outstanding  preferred stock
  would  exceed  the sum of the  dollars  in the  common  stock  account  of the
  corporation plus any capital surplus represented by consideration received for
  the  issuance  of common  stock,  all as shown on the books of  account of the
  corporation.  For the purpose of determining  compliance  with the limitations
  contained in this paragraph,  if the corporation  purchases  common stock, the
  said common stock and capital  surplus  accounts shall be deemed to be thereby
  reduced  by that  portion  of the  total  dollars  in said  accounts  which is
  equivalent  to the ratio of the number of shares of common stock  purchased to
  the number  outstanding and not held or owned by the  corporation  immediately
  before such  purchase,  but in such a case if the common stock so purchased is

                                       6


  subsequently  sold or  retired  the said  common  stock  and  capital  surplus
  accounts shall be deemed to be reduced  thereafter  only by the actual charges
  to said accounts.

8.At no time  shall any  preferred  stock be  issued  unless at the time of such
  issuance  the net  earnings  of the  corporation,  over  and  above  operating
  expenses  (including  allowance for depreciation  and other  reserves),  fixed
  charges and any other  deductions from or charges against income ranking prior
  to  dividends  on the  preferred  stock,  for a period  of  twelve  successive
  calendar  months  ending  within the sixty  days  immediately  preceding  such
  issuance  of  preferred  stock,  shall have been at least twice a sum equal to
  full  preferential  dividends for one year on (a) all preferred  stock already
  outstanding at the time of such issuance, and (b) the preferred stock so to be
  issued,  provided  that in the case of  preferred  stock being  issued for the
  purpose of retiring  outstanding  preferred  stock,  the preferred stock to be
  retired shall not be counted as outstanding for purposes of this limitation.

9.Subject to and upon compliance with all the provisions foregoing,  the capital
  stock of the corporation, preferred, preference, and common, may be issued and
  disposed of as and when such issuance  may,  pursuant to the laws of Maryland,
  be  authorized  by the Board of  Directors.  The Board of  Directors is hereby
  empowered  to  authorize  the  issuance  from time to time of shares of common
  stock without par value and securities convertible into shares of common stock
  without par value and rights to purchase  the same for such  consideration  as
  said Board of Directors may deem  advisable.  The Board of Directors is hereby
  empowered by  resolution  to authorize the issuance of any number of shares of
  stock of one or more  classes  and/or  any  amount of  convertible  securities
  and/or  rights to purchase the same from time to time for such  considerations
  as said  Board of  Directors  may deem  advisable.  The  holders  of shares of
  capital  stock of the  corporation  shall have no  preferential  or preemptive
  right,   as   stockholders,   to  subscribe  for,   purchase  or  receive  any
  proportionate  or other part of any issue of  additional  capital stock of any
  class,  now or hereafter  authorized,  which may be issued by the corporation,
  except such right,  if any, as may be  conferred  by the Board of Directors in
  authorizing such issuance.  In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers
  already vested in the corporation or the Board of Directors,  the corporation,
  through the Board of Directors,  may authorize  from time to time the issuance
  and disposition,  pursuant to the laws of Maryland,  of shares of common stock
  to any or all of its employees,  including officers,  or to trustees on behalf
  of such employees for such  considerations as said Board of Directors may deem
  advisable.  Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Charter, the
  Board of Directors of the  corporation  may authorize the issue of some or all
  of the shares of any or all classes or series of stock  authorized  under this
  Charter to be issued without  certificates.  This authorization may not affect
  shares  already  represented  by  certificates   outstanding  until  they  are
  surrendered to the corporation.

                                       7


10. The Board of Directors is hereby  empowered from time to time to classify or
  reclassify all or any of the authorized but unissued  preferred stock into one
  or more series of the preferred stock, which series may differ from each other
  and other series already  outstanding in any or all of the following respects:
  (a) the rate  and/or  payment  periods  of the  fixed  preferential  dividends
  payable thereon,  which rate shall, however, in no case exceed eight per cent.
  per annum,  (b) whether or not, and if so on what terms and  conditions,  such
  series  shall be  convertible  at the option of the  holders  into other stock
  (preferred,  preference,  or common),  bonds or securities of the corporation,
  and (c) the prices and times, if any, of redemption  thereof.  Up to the fixed
  preferential  dividends  payable on each series of preferred stock, all series
  of preferred stock shall participate (not before the respective dividend dates
  of each series of preferred stock) at the same rate per cent. per annum in any
  payments for, or including,  any period  (whether a dividend period or part of
  such  period)  aggregating  less than the full  preferential  dividends on all
  series of  preferred  stock for such  period;  if for any  period  (whether  a
  dividend  period or part of such a period) full  preferential  dividends shall
  not have  been  paid on any  series  of  preferred  stock  when  payable,  the
  deficiency shall be payable before any dividends for any subsequent  dividends
  period,  or part of such a  period,  shall be paid  upon or set  apart for the
  preferred stock.  All of the preferred stock having identical  characteristics
  shall be given the same serial designation.

11. Subject  to the  provisions  of  paragraph  6  hereof,  notwithstanding  any
  provision  of law  requiring  any  action  to be  taken or  authorized  by the
  affirmative vote of the holders of a majority or other  designated  proportion
  of the shares of stock of the corporation or of the shares of each class or to
  be  otherwise  taken  or  authorized  by  vote  of  the  stockholders  of  the
  corporation,  such action shall be effective  and valid if taken or authorized
  by such vote of its stockholders as is hereby required for such action,  viz.,
  by the  affirmative  vote of the  holders  of a majority  or other  designated
  proportion of all of the shares of preferred stock outstanding and entitled to
  vote thereon voting as a class,  and the affirmative  vote of the holders of a
  majority  or  other  designated  proportion  of the  shares  of  common  stock
  outstanding and entitled to vote thereon,  voting as a class, the same (in the
  case of  preferred  stock and common  stock  respectively)  as the majority or
  other  designated  proportion  of the shares of each class of stock  otherwise
  required by law; the requisite number of affirmative  votes in any case not to
  be less than a majority  in number of the  aggregate  number of votes to which
  the holders of all of the shares of preferred  stock  outstanding and entitled
  to vote thereon  shall be entitled  and a majority in number of the  aggregate
  number  of votes to which the  holders  of all of the  shares of common  stock
  outstanding and entitled to vote thereon shall be entitled, except in cases in
  which the law authorizes such action to be taken or authorized by a less vote;
  the requisite number of affirmative  votes in any case not to be less than the
  affirmative  vote, if any, of 

                                       8


  shares of  preferred  stock  required  in such case by the  provisions  of the
  paragraph numbered 6 hereof.

12. The preference stock shall entitle the holders thereof to receive,  when and
  as  declared,  from the  surplus or net profits of the  corporation  remaining
  after the preferential  dividend  requirements  for the outstanding  preferred
  stock have been  provided  for yearly  dividends  payable at such times and at
  such rates as  hereinafter  provided.  The dividends on the  preference  stock
  shall be  cumulative  and shall be payable  before any  dividend on the common
  stock shall be paid or set apart.

13. In the event of any  liquidation  or  dissolution  or  winding  up,  whether
  voluntary or involuntary,  of the  corporation,  the holders of the preference
  stock shall be  entitled to be paid in full,  from any assets and funds of the
  corporation  remaining  after payment to the holders of the preferred stock as
  provided in paragraph  numbered 3 hereof,  both the par amount of their shares
  and an amount equal to the unpaid dividends accrued thereon (whether earned or
  declared or not)  adjusted to date of such payment  before any amount shall be
  paid to the holders of the common stock;  and after the payment to the holders
  of the  preference  stock of its par value and an amount  equal to the  unpaid
  dividends accrued thereon, the remaining assets and funds shall be divided and
  paid to the holders of the common stock according to their respective shares.

14. All preference  stock redeemed shall  forthwith be cancelled and retired but
  shall have the  status of  authorized  but  unissued  preference  stock of the
  corporation.

15. The Board of Directors is hereby  empowered from time to time to classify or
  reclassify all or any of the authorized,  but unissued  preference  stock into
  one or more  series of  preference  stock,  which  series may differ from each
  other and other  series  already  outstanding  in any or all of the  following
  respects: (a) the rate or rates of the preferential dividends payable thereon,
  and, if  applicable,  the manner in which such dividends are  determined,  (b)
  whether or not, and if so, on what terms and conditions,  such series shall be
  convertible at the option of the holders into other stock, bonds or securities
  of the corporation,  (c) the prices and times, if any, of redemption  thereof,
  (d) the sinking fund provisions,  if any, applicable thereto, (e) the date(s),
  or the method of determining the date(s),  on which such dividends are payable
  thereon,  and (f) the par  value  thereof.  Up to the  preferential  dividends
  payable on each series,  all series of preference  stock shall  participate at
  the same rate per cent per annum,  in any  payments  for,  or  including,  any
  period (whether a dividend period or part of such a period)  aggregating  less
  than the full  preferential  dividends on all series of  preference  stock for
  such period;  if for any period  (whether a dividend  period or part of such a
  period) full preferential  dividends shall not have been paid on any series of
  preference  stock when payable,  the  deficiency  shall be payable  before any
  dividends for any subsequent dividend period,or part of such a period,shall be

                                       9


  paid upon or set apart for the preference  stock.  All of the preference stock
  having identical characteristics shall be given the same serial designation.

16. The right is hereby  reserved  to make from time to time  amendments  of the
  charter  of the  corporation  to  provide  that  one  or  more  series  of the
  authorized but unissued preference stock shall, and to what extent and on what
  terms  and  conditions,  participate  in  dividends  in  excess  of the  fixed
  preferential   dividends   thereon,   or  in  distribution  of  assets,   upon
  liquidation,  dissolution,  or winding up, in excess of the fixed preferential
  distribution  thereof to the holders of preference stock.  Except in the event
  of a  failure  to pay full  dividends  on the  preferred  stock  and/or on the
  preference stock, and the continuance of such failure for one year as provided
  in paragraph numbered 6 hereof, neither the preferred stock nor the preference
  stock  shall have any voting  power and the common  stock shall have full sole
  voting power with respect to any such proposed amendment of the charter of the
  corporation.

17. At no time shall any  preference  stock be issued unless at the time of such
  issuance  the net  earnings  of the  corporation,  over  and  above  operating
  expenses  (including  allowance for depreciation  and other  reserves),  fixed
  charges and any other  deductions  from or charges  against income  (including
  dividend  requirements on stock ranking prior to preference  stock) which rank
  prior to dividends on the preference  stock, for a period of twelve successive
  calendar months ending within the three calendar months immediately  preceding
  the month in which such preference  stock is issued,  shall have been at least
  twice a sum  equal  to full  preferential  dividends  for one  year on (a) all
  preference stock already outstanding at the time of such issuance, and (b) the
  preference stock so to be issued.

18. (a) The 7.78%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1973 Series ($100 par value),
  shall entitle the holders thereof to receive,  when and as declared,  from the
  surplus or net profits of the  corporation  remaining  after the  preferential
  dividend  requirements for the outstanding  preferred stock have been provided
  for, yearly  dividends at the rate of seven and  seventy-eight  hundredths per
  cent per annum and no more,  payable  quarterly  on the first days of January,
  April,  July,  and  October  in each year  commencing  January  1,  1974.  The
  dividends  on the 7.78%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1973 Series ($100 par
  value),  shall be cumulative  and shall be payable  before any dividend on the
  common  stock  shall be paid or set  apart;  so that,  if in any year or years
  dividends  amounting to seven and seventy-eight  hundredths per cent shall not
  have been paid thereon,  the deficiency  shall be payable before any dividends
  shall be paid upon or set  apart  for the  common  stock.  Dividends  on 7.78%
  Cumulative  Preference Stock,  1973 Series ($100 par value),  will accrue from
  November 28, 1973.  

  (b) The 7.78% Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1973 Series ($100 par value), or
  any portion  thereof,  may whenever the Board of Directors shall so determine,
  be  redeemed  by the  payment to the  holders  thereof of the sum  hereinafter
  specified as the redemption price at the time of

                                       10


  redemption,  in cash,  for  each  share  thereof,  together  with all  accrued
  dividends.  The redemption price shall be one hundred eight dollars ($108) per
  share at any time prior to December 1, 1978, then one hundred five dollars and
  fifty cents  ($105.50)  per share prior to December 1, 1983,  then one hundred
  three dollars  ($103) per share prior to December 1, 1988, and one hundred one
  dollars ($101) per share thereafter;  provided,  however, that the corporation
  will not, prior to December 1, 1978, redeem any shares of the 7.78% Cumulative
  Preference  Stock,  1973 Series ($100 par value), if such redemption is a part
  of or in anticipation of any refunding  operation  involving the  application,
  directly or  indirectly,  of borrowed funds or the proceeds of an issue of any
  stock ranking prior to or on a parity with 7.78% Cumulative  Preference Stock,
  1973 Series ($100 par value) if such  borrowed  funds have an interest rate or
  cost to the  corporation  (calculated in accordance  with  generally  accepted
  financial  practice),  or  such  stock  has a  dividend  rate  or  cost to the
  corporation  (so  calculated),  less than the  dividend  rate per annum of the
  7.78% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1973 Series ($100 par value). In case less
  than all of the preference stock of this series at the time being  outstanding
  is so redeemed, the shares to be redeemed shall be, as nearly as is reasonably
  practicable  without creating  fractional  shares, a proportionate part of the
  holdings  of each  holder  of  preference  stock of this  series,  or shall be
  selected in whole or in part, by lot. At least thirty (30) days written notice
  of the  election of the  corporation  to redeem the  preference  stock of this
  series, or any part thereof,  and (in case less than all is to be redeemed) of
  the  shares  thereof  so to be  redeemed,  shall be given  to each  holder  of
  preference stock of this series so to be redeemed by mailing the same, postage
  prepaid,  and  addressed to him at his address as it appears upon the books of
  the  corporation.  When such notice shall have been so given and the funds for
  payment  of the  redemption  price  plus  accrued  dividends  shall  have been
  provided and set apart,  the  dividends on the shares of  preference  stock of
  this  series so called  for  redemption  and all other  rights of the  holders
  thereof,  except  the right to  receive  the  redemption  price  plus  accrued
  dividends, shall cease.

19. (a) The 7.50%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1986 Series ($100 par value),
  shall entitle the holders thereof to receive,  when and as declared,  from the
  surplus or net profits of the  corporation  remaining  after the  preferential
  dividend  requirements for the outstanding  preferred stock have been provided
  for, yearly dividends at the rate of seven and one half per cent per annum and
  no more,  payable  quarterly on the first days of January,  April,  July,  and
  October in each year  commencing  January 1, 1987.  The dividends on the 7.50%
  Cumulative Preference Stock, 1986 Series ($100 par value), shall be cumulative
  and shall be payable  before any dividend on the common stock shall be paid or
  set apart; so that, if in any year or years  dividends  amounting to seven and
  one half per cent shall not have been paid thereon,  the  deficiency  shall be
  payable  before any  dividends  shall be paid upon or set apart 

                                       11


  for the common stock.  Dividends on 7.50% Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1986
  Series ($100 par value) will accrue from and including the date of issuance.

  (b) The 7.50% Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1986 Series ($100 par value), or
  any portion  thereof,  may whenever the Board of Directors shall so determine,
  be  redeemed  by the  payment to the  holders  thereof of the sum  hereinafter
  specified as the redemption price at the time of redemption, in cash, for each
  share thereof, together with all accrued dividends. The redemption price shall
  be one hundred seven  dollars and fifty cents  ($107.50) per share at any time
  prior to October 1, 1991, then one hundred five dollars ($105) per share prior
  to October 1, 1996, then one hundred two dollars and fifty cents ($102.50) per
  share  prior to October  1, 2001,  and one  hundred  dollars  ($100) per share
  thereafter;  provided, however, that prior to October 1, 1991, the corporation
  will not redeem  any shares of the 7.50%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1986
  Series ($100 par value), if such redemption is a part of or in anticipation of
  any refunding operation involving the application,  directly or indirectly, of
  borrowed funds or the proceeds of an issue of any stock ranking prior to or on
  a parity with 7.50% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1986 Series ($100 par value),
  if such  borrowed  funds  have  an  interest  rate or cost to the  corporation
  (calculated in accordance with generally accepted financial practice), or such
  stock has a dividend rate or cost to the  corporation  (so  calculated),  less
  than the dividend  rate per annum of the 7.50%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,
  1986 Series ($100 par value). In case less than all of the preference stock of
  this series at the time being  outstanding  is so  redeemed,  the shares to be
  redeemed  shall be, as nearly as is reasonably  practicable  without  creating
  fractional  shares,  a  proportionate  part of the  holdings of each holder of
  preference stock of this series, or shall be selected, in whole or in part, by
  lot.  At  least  thirty  (30)  days  written  notice  of the  election  of the
  corporation  to  redeem  the  preference  stock  of this  series  (or any part
  thereof,  in which case the notice shall specify the  particular  shares to be
  redeemed) shall be given to each holder of the preference stock of this series
  so to be redeemed by mailing the same,  postage prepaid,  and addressed to him
  at his  address as it  appears  upon the books of the  corporation.  When such
  notice  shall have been so given and the funds for  payment of the  redemption
  price plus  accrued  dividends  shall have been  provided  and set apart,  the
  dividends  on the  shares of  preference  stock of this  series so called  for
  redemption  and all other rights of the holders  thereof,  except the right to
  receive the redemption  price plus accrued  dividends,  shall cease. 

  (c) On or  before  October  1 of each  year  commencing  October  1,  1992 and
  continuing  through October 1, 2025,  there shall be provided and set apart by
  the  corporation a sum  sufficient  for the sinking fund  redemption of 15,000
  shares of 7.50% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1986 Series ($100 par value). On
  October 1 of each year  commencing  October  1,  1992 and  continuing  through
  October 1, 2025, the corporation shall make sinking fund redemptions of

                                       12


  15,000 shares of the 7.50% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1986 Series ($100 par
  value) by the  payment  to the  holders  thereof,  in cash,  of the sum of one
  hundred dollars and no cents  ($100.00) for each share thereof,  together with
  all accrued dividends. Shares shall be selected for sinking fund redemption by
  lot.  At least  thirty  (30) days  written  notice of the  shares of the 7.50%
  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1986 Series ($100 par value) so to be redeemed
  shall be given to the respective  holders thereof by mailing the same, postage
  prepaid,  and  addressed  to such holder at the address as it appears upon the
  books of the corporation.  When such notice shall have been so given and funds
  for the payment of the sinking fund redemption price, plus accrued  dividends,
  shall have been  provided and set apart by the  corporation,  the dividends on
  the shares of the 7.50%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1986 Series ($100 par
  value) so called  for  sinking  fund  redemption  and all other  rights of the
  holders thereof, except the right to receive the sinking fund redemption price
  plus accrued dividends, shall cease.

  The  corporation  may,  at its option,  in  connection  with any sinking  fund
  redemption,  increase by not more than  15,000  shares the number of shares of
  7.50% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1986 Series ($100 par value) to be redeemed
  for the sinking  fund,  at such sinking  fund  redemption  price,  on any such
  sinking  fund  redemption  date,  together,  in every  case,  with all accrued
  dividends;  provided,  however, that the right to make such optional increases
  shall not be cumulative.

  The  corporation  may, at its option,  satisfy its  obligation to make sinking
  fund redemptions  provided for in the first paragraph of this Section 19(c) by
  crediting shares of 7.50% Cumulative  Preference  Stock, 1986 Series ($100 par
  value) acquired by purchase in the open market, by redemption  (otherwise than
  by reason of the required  sinking fund  redemption  provided for by the first
  paragraph of this Section 19(c)) or otherwise.  Notwithstanding  the foregoing
  provisions  of this Section  19(c),  the  obligation to redeem shares of 7.50%
  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1986 Series  ($100 par value) by reason of the
  sinking fund  redemption  (provided for in the first paragraph of this Section
  19(c)) annually commencing on October 1, 1992 shall be cumulative,  and unless
  full cumulative  redemptions of shares of 7.50% Cumulative  Preference  Stock,
  1986 Series  ($100 par value) for the sinking fund  required  hereby have been
  made, no dividends shall be declared nor any  distribution  made on the Common
  Stock, except dividends paid in stock of the corporation ranking junior to the
  7.50% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1986 Series ($100 par value), nor shall any
  purchase  or other  acquisition  for value of such Common  Stock be made.  The
  provisions  of this  Section  19(c) shall apply so long as any shares of 7.50%
  Cumulative Preference Stock, 1986 Series ($100 par value) are outstanding.

20. (a) The 6.75%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1987 Series ($100 par value),
  shall entitle the holders thereof to receive,  when and as declared,  from the
  surplus or net profits of the  

                                       13


  corporation  remaining after the  preferential  dividend  requirements for the
  outstanding  preferred stock have been provided for,  yearly  dividends at the
  rate of six and  seventy  five  hundredths  per  cent per  annum  and no more,
  payable  quarterly on the first days of January,  April,  July, and October in
  each year  commencing  April 1, 1987.  The  dividends on the 6.75%  Cumulative
  Preference Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par value),  shall be cumulative and shall
  be payable before any dividend on the common stock shall be paid or set apart;
  so that, if in any year or years  dividends  amounting to six and seventy five
  hundredths per cent shall not have been paid thereon,  the deficiency shall be
  payable  before any  dividends  shall be paid upon or set apart for the common
  stock.  Dividends on 6.75% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par
  value), will accrue from and include January 22, 1987.
  
  (b) The 6.75% Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1987 Series ($100 par value), or
  any portion  thereof,  may whenever the Board of Directors shall so determine,
  be  redeemed  by the  payment to the  holders  thereof of the sun  hereinafter
  specified as the redemption price at the time of redemption, in cash, for each
  share thereof, together with all accrued dividends. The redemption price shall
  be one hundred six dollars and  seventy-five  cents ($106.75) per share at any
  time prior to April 1, 1992,  then one  hundred  four  dollars and fifty cents
  ($104.50)  per share prior to April 1, 1997,  then one hundred two dollars and
  twenty-five  cents ($102.25) per share prior to April 1, 2002, and one hundred
  dollars ($100) per share thereafter; provided, however, that prior to April 1,
  1992,  the  corporation  will not redeem  any  shares of the 6.75%  Cumulative
  Preference  Stock,  1987 Series ($100 par value), if such redemption is a part
  of or in anticipation of any refunding  operation  involving the  application,
  directly or  indirectly,  of borrowed funds or the proceeds of an issue of any
  stock ranking prior to or on a parity with 6.75% Cumulative  Preference Stock,
  1987 Series ($100 par value),  if such borrowed funds have an interest rate or
  cost to the  corporation  (calculated in accordance  with  generally  accepted
  financial  practice),  or  such  stock  has a  dividend  rate  or  cost to the
  corporation  (so  calculated),  less than the  dividend  rate per annum of the
  6.75% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par value). In case less
  than all of the preference stock of this series at the time being  outstanding
  is so redeemed, the shares to be redeemed shall be, as nearly as is reasonably
  practicable  without creating  fractional  shares, a proportionate part of the
  holdings  of each  holder  of  preference  stock of this  series,  or shall be
  selected,  in whole or in part,  by lot.  At least  thirty  (30) days  written
  notice of the election of the  corporation to redeem the  preference  stock of
  this series (or any part  thereof,  in which case the notice shall specify the
  particular  shares  to be  redeemed)  shall  be given  to each  holder  of the
  preference stock of this series so to be redeemed by mailing the same, postage
  prepaid,  and  addressed to him at his address as it appears upon the books of
  the  corporation.  When such notice shall have been so given and the funds for
  payment  of the  redemption  price  plus  accrued  dividends  shall  have been
  provided and set apart,  the  dividends on the shares of  preference  stock of
  this series so

                                       14


  called for redemption and all other rights of the holders thereof,  except the
  right to receive the redemption price plus accrued dividends, shall cease.

  (c) On or before April 1 of each year commencing  April 1, 1993 and continuing
  through  April  1,  2026,  there  shall  be  provided  and  set  apart  by the
  corporation a sum sufficient for the sinking fund  redemption of 15,000 shares
  of  6.75%  Cumulative   Preference   Stock,  1987  Series  ($100  par  value).
  Thereafter,  on April 1 of each year  commencing  April 1, 1993 and continuing
  through April 1, 2026, the corporation  shall make sinking fund redemptions of
  15,000 shares of the 6.75% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par
  value) by the  payment  to the  holders  thereof,  in cash,  of the sum of one
  hundred dollars and no cents  ($100.00) for each share thereof,  together with
  all accrued dividends. Shares shall be selected for sinking fund redemption by
  lot.  At least  thirty  (30) days  written  notice of the  shares of the 6.75%
  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1987 Series ($100 par value) so to be redeemed
  shall be given to the respective  holders thereof by mailing the same, postage
  prepaid,  and  addressed  to such holder at the address as it appears upon the
  books of the corporation.  When such notice shall have been so given and funds
  for the payment of the sinking fund redemption price, plus accrued  dividends,
  shall have been  provided and set apart by the  corporation,  the dividends on
  the shares of the 6.75%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1987 Series ($100 par
  value) so called  for  sinking  fund  redemption  and all other  rights of the
  holders thereof, except the right to receive the sinking fund redemption price
  Plus accrued dividends, shall cease.

  The  corporation  may,  at its option,  in  connection  with any sinking  fund
  redemption,  increase by not more than  15,000  shares the number of shares of
  6.75% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par value) to be redeemed
  for the sinking  fund,  at such sinking  fund  redemption  price,  on any such
  sinking  fund  redemption  date,  together,  in every  case,  with all accrued
  dividends;  provided,  however, that the right to make such optional increases
  shall not be cumulative.

  The  corporation  may, at its option,  satisfy its  obligation to make sinking
  fund redemptions  provided for in the first paragraph of this Section 20(c) by
  crediting shares of 6.75% Cumulative  Preference  Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par
  value) acquired by purchase in the open market, by redemption  (otherwise than
  by reason of the required  sinking fund  redemption  provided for by the first
  paragraph of this Section 20(c)) or otherwise.  Notwithstanding  the foregoing
  provisions  of this Section  20(c),  the  obligation to redeem shares of 6.75%
  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1987 Series  ($100 par value) by reason of the
  sinking fund  redemption  provided for in the first  paragraph of this Section
  20(c),  annually  commencing on April 1, 1993 shall be cumulative,  and unless
  full cumulative  redemptions of shares of 6.75% Cumulative  Preference  Stock,
  1987 Series  ($100 par value) for the sinking fund  required  hereby have been
  made, no dividends shall be declared nor any distribution made on the

                                       15


  common stock, except dividends paid in stock of the corporation ranking junior
  to the 6.75% Cumulative  Preference Stock,  1987 Series ($100 par value),  nor
  shall any  purchase or other  acquisition  for value of such  common  stock be
  made.  The  provisions of this section 20(c) shall apply so long as any shares
  of 6.75%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1987  Series  ($100 par  value)  are
  outstanding.

21. (a) The 7.80%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1989 Series ($100 par value),
  shall entitle the holders thereof to receive,  when and as declared,  from the
  surplus or net profits of the  corporation  remaining  after the  preferential
  dividend  requirements for the outstanding  preferred stock have been provided
  for, yearly dividends at the rate of seven and eighty  hundredths per cent per
  annum and no more,  payable  quarterly  on the first days of  January,  April,
  July,  and October in each year  commencing  October 1, 1989. The dividends on
  the 7.80% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value), shall be
  cumulative  and shall be payable before any dividend on the common stock shall
  be paid or set apart; so that, if in any year or years dividends  amounting to
  seven and eighty  hundredths  per cent shall not have been paid  thereon,  the
  deficiency  shall be payable  before any  dividends  shall be paid upon or set
  apart for the common stock.  Dividends on 7.80% Cumulative  Preference  Stock,
  1989 Series ($100 par value) will accrue from and include  June 22, 1989.  

  (b) The 7.80% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value) shall
  be redeemed in whole on July 1, 1997 by the payment to the holders thereof, in
  cash, of the sum of one hundred  dollars and no cents ($100.00) for each share
  thereof,  together  with all  accrued  dividends.  At least  thirty  (30) days
  written notice shall be given to each holder of the  preference  stock of this
  series so to be redeemed by mailing the same,  postage prepaid,  and addressed
  to him at his address as it appears  upon the books of the  corporation.  When
  such  notice  shall  have  been so given  and the  funds  for  payment  of the
  redemption  price plus  accrued  dividends  shall have been  provided  and set
  apart,  the  dividends  on the shares of  preference  stock of this  series so
  called for redemption and all other rights of the holders thereof,  except the
  right to receive the redemption price plus accrued dividends, shall cease.

22. (a) The 8.25%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1989 Series ($100 par value),
  shall entitle the holders thereof to receive,  when and as declared,  from the
  surplus or net profits of the  corporation  remaining  after the  preferential
  dividend  requirements for the outstanding  preferred stock have been provided
  for, yearly dividends at the rate of eight and twenty-five hundredths per cent
  per annum and no more, payable quarterly on the first days of January,  April,
  July,  and October in each year  commencing  January 1, 1990. The dividends on
  the 8.25% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value), shall be
  cumulative  and shall be payable before any dividend on the common stock shall
  be paid or set apart; so that, if in any year or years dividends  amounting to
  eight and  twenty-five  hundredths  per cent shall not 

                                       16


  have been paid thereon,  the deficiency  shall be payable before any dividends
  shall be paid upon or set apart for the common  stock.  Dividends on the 8.25%
  Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value) will accrue from and
  include November 21, 1989.

  (b) On or  before  October  1 of each  year  commencing  October  1,  1995 and
  continuing  through  October 1, 1999 (or such earlier October 1 on which there
  remain any shares of 8.25% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par
  value) outstanding),  there shall be provided and set apart by the corporation
  a sum  sufficient  for the sinking fund  redemption of 100,000 shares of 8.25%
  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1989 Series ($100 par value).  Thereafter,  on
  October 1 of each year  commencing  October  1,  1995 and  continuing  through
  October 1, 1999 (or such earlier October 1 on which there remain any shares of
  8.25% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value) outstanding),
  the corporation  shall make sinking fund  redemptions of 100,000 shares of the
  8.25% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value) by the payment
  to the holders  thereof,  in cash,  of the sum of one  hundred  dollars and no
  cents ($100.00) for each share thereof,  together with all accrued  dividends.
  Shares shall be selected for sinking fund  redemption  by lot. At least thirty
  (30) days  written  notice of the  shares of the 8.25%  Cumulative  Preference
  Stock,  1989 Series  ($100 par value) so to be redeemed  shall be given to the
  respective holders thereof by mailing the same, postage prepaid, and addressed
  to such holder at the address as it appears upon the books of the corporation.
  When such  notice  shall  have been so given and funds for the  payment of the
  sinking  fund  redemption  price,  plus  accrued  dividends,  shall  have been
  provided and set apart by the corporation,  the dividends on the shares of the
  8.25% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value) so called for
  sinking fund  redemption and all other rights of the holders  thereof,  except
  the right to receive the sinking fund redemption price plus accrued dividends,
  shall cease.

  The  corporation  may,  at its option,  in  connection  with any sinking  fund
  redemption,  increase by not more than 100,000  shares the number of shares of
  8.25% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value) to be redeemed
  for the sinking  fund,  at the sinking  fund  redemption  price of one hundred
  dollars and no cents  ($100.00)  for each share  thereof,  on any such sinking
  fund redemption  date,  together,  in every case, with all accrued  dividends;
  provided, however, that the right to make such optional increases shall not be
  cumulative.

  The  corporation  may, at its option,  satisfy its  obligation to make sinking
  fund redemptions  provided for in the first paragraph of this Section 22(b) by
  crediting shares of 8.25% Cumulative  Preference  Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par
  value)  acquired by purchase in the open market or otherwise.  Notwithstanding
  the  foregoing  provisions  of this section  22(b),  the  obligation to redeem
  shares of 8.25% Cumulative  Preference  Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value) by
  reason of the sinking fund redemption  (provided for in the first paragraph of
  this

                                       17


  Section  22(b)),  annually  commencing on October 1, 1995 shall be cumulative,
  and  unless  full  cumulative   redemptions  of  shares  of  8.25%  Cumulative
  Preference  Stock,  1989 Series ($100 par value) for the sinking fund required
  hereby have been made,  no dividends  shall be declared  nor any  distribution
  made on the common stock,  except  dividends paid in stock of the  corporation
  ranking junior to the 8.25% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par
  value),  nor shall any purchase or other  acquisition for value of such common
  stock be made. The provisions of this section 22(b) shall apply so long as any
  shares of 8.25% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value) are
  outstanding.

23. (a) The 8.625%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1990 Series ($100 par value)
  shall entitle the holders thereof to receive,  when and as declared,  from the
  surplus or net profits of the  corporation  remaining  after the  preferential
  dividend  requirements for the outstanding  preferred stock have been provided
  for,  yearly  dividends  at the rate of eight and six hundred and  twenty-five
  thousandths  per cent per annum and no more,  payable  quarterly  on the first
  days of January,  April,  July,  and October in each year  commencing  July 1,
  1990. The dividends on the 8.625%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1990 Series
  ($100 par value) shall be cumulative  and shall be payable before any dividend
  on the common  stock  shall be paid or set apart;  so that,  if in any year or
  years dividends amounting to eight and six hundred and twenty-five thousandths
  per cent shall not have been paid  thereon,  the  deficiency  shall be payable
  before any  dividends  shall be paid upon or set apart for the  common  stock.
  Dividends on the 8.625%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1990 Series ($100 par
  value) will accrue from and include  June 7, 1990.  

  (b) On or before July 1 of each year commencing on July 1, 1996 and continuing
  through July 1, 2000, there shall be provided and set apart by the corporation
  a sum sufficient  for the sinking fund  redemption of 130,000 shares of 8.625%
  Cumulative Preference Stock, 1990 Series ($100 par value). Thereafter, on July
  1 of each year  commencing  July 1, 1996 and continuing  through July 1, 2000,
  the corporation  shall make sinking fund  redemptions of 130,000 shares of the
  8.625%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1990  Series  ($100 par  value) by the
  payment to the holders thereof, in cash, of the sum of one hundred dollars and
  no  cents  ($100.00)  for  each  share  thereof,  together  with  all  accrued
  dividends.  Shares shall be selected for sinking  fund  redemption  by lot. At
  least thirty (30) days written  notice of the shares of the 8.625%  Cumulative
  Preference  Stock,  1990 Series  ($100 par value) so to be  redeemed  shall be
  given to the respective  holders thereof by mailing the same, postage prepaid,
  and  addressed  to such holder at the address as it appears  upon the books of
  the  corporation.  When  such  notice  shall  have been so given and funds for
  payment of the sinking fund redemption  price, plus accrued  dividends,  shall
  have been  provided  and set apart by the  corporation,  the  dividends on the
  shares of the 8.625% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1990 Series ($100 par value)
  so called

                                       18


  for sinking  fund  redemption  and all other  rights of the  holders  thereof,
  except the right to receive the sinking  fund  redemption  price plus  accrued
  dividends, shall cease.

  The  corporation  may,  at its option,  in  connection  with any sinking  fund
  redemption,  increase by not more than 130,000  shares the number of shares of
  8.625%  cumulative  Preference  stock,  1990  Series  ($100  par  value) to be
  redeemed for the sinking  fund,  at the sinking fund  redemption  price of one
  hundred  dollars and no cents  ($100.00) for each share  thereof,  on any such
  sinking  fund  redemption  date,  together,  in every  case,  with all accrued
  dividends;  provided,  however, that the right to make such optional increases
  shall not be cumulative.

  The  corporation  may, at its option,  satisfy its  obligation to make sinking
  fund redemptions  provided for in the first paragraph of this Section 23(b) by
  crediting shares of 8.625% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1990 Series ($100 par
  value)  acquired by purchase in the open market or otherwise.  Notwithstanding
  the  foregoing  provisions  of this Section  23(b),  the  obligation to redeem
  shares of 8.625% cumulative  Preference Stock, 1990 Series ($100 par value) by
  reason of the sinking fund  redemption  provided for in the first paragraph of
  this Section 23(b),  annually  commencing on July 1, 1996 shall be cumulative,
  and  unless  full  cumulative  redemptions  of  shares  of  8.625%  Cumulative
  Preference  Stock,  1990 Series ($100 par value) for the sinking fund required
  hereby have been made,  no dividends  shall be declared  nor any  distribution
  made on the common stock,  except  dividends paid in stock of the  corporation
  ranking junior to the 8.625%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock, 1990 Series ($100
  par  value),  nor shall any  purchase or other  acquisition  for value of such
  common stock be made. The provisions of this Section 23(b) shall apply so long
  as any shares of 8.625%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1990 Series ($100 par
  value) are outstanding.

24. (a) The 7.85%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1991 Series  ($100 par value)
  shall entitle the holders thereof to receive,  when and as declared,  from the
  surplus or net profits of the  corporation  remaining  after the  preferential
  dividend  requirements for the outstanding  preferred stock have been provided
  for, yearly dividends at the rate of seven and eighty-five hundredths per cent
  per annum and no more, payable quarterly on the first days of January,  April,
  July, and October in each year  commencing  July 1, 1991. The dividends on the
  7.85%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1991 Series  ($100 par value)  shall be
  cumulative  and shall be payable before any dividend on the common stock shall
  be paid or set apart; so that, if in any year or years dividends  amounting to
  seven and  eighty-five  hundredths  per cent shall not have been paid thereon,
  the deficiency shall be payable before any dividends shall be paid upon or set
  apart for the  common  stock.  Dividends  on the 7.85%  Cumulative  Preference
  Stock, 1991 Series ($100 par value) will accrue from and include May 1, 1991.

                                       19


  (b) On or before July 1 of each year commencing on July 1, 1997 and continuing
  through July 1, 2001, there shall be provided and set apart by the corporation
  a sum  sufficient  for the sinking fund  redemption  of 70,000 shares of 7.85%
  Cumulative Preference Stock, 1991 Series ($100 par value). Thereafter, on July
  I of each year  commencing  July 1, 1997 and continuing  through July 1, 2001,
  the  corporation  shall make sinking fund  redemptions of 70,000 shares of the
  7.85% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1991 Series ($100 par value) by the payment
  to the holders  thereof,  in cash,  of the sum of one  hundred  dollars and no
  cents ($100.00) for each share thereof,  together with all accrued  dividends.
  Shares shall be selected for sinking fund  redemption  by lot. At least thirty
  (30) days  written  notice of the  shares of the 7.85%  Cumulative  Preference
  Stock,  1991 Series  ($100 par value) so to be redeemed  shall be given to the
  respective holders thereof by mailing the same, postage prepaid, and addressed
  to such holder at the address as it appears upon the books of the corporation.
  When such notice shall have been so given and funds for payment of the sinking
  fund redemption  price, plus accrued  dividends,  shall have been provided and
  set  apart by the  corporation,  the  dividends  on the  shares  of the  7.85%
  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1991  Series  ($100 par  value) so called  for
  sinking fund  redemption and all other rights of the holders  thereof,  except
  the right to receive the sinking fund redemption price plus accrued dividends,
  shall  cease.  

  The  corporation  may,  at its option,  in  connection  with any sinking  fund
  redemption,  increase by not more than  70,000  shares the number of shares of
  7.85% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1991 Series ($100 par value) to be redeemed
  for the sinking  fund,  at the sinking  fund  redemption  price of one hundred
  dollars and no cents  ($100.00)  for each share  thereof,  on any such sinking
  fund redemption  date,  together,  in every case, with all accrued  dividends;
  provided, however, that the right to make such optional increases shall not be
  cumulative.

  The  corporation  may, at its option,  satisfy its  obligation to make sinking
  fund redemptions  provided for in the first paragraph of this Section 24(b) by
  crediting shares of 7.85% Cumulative  Preference  Stock, 1991 Series ($100 par
  value)  acquired by purchase in the open market or otherwise.  Notwithstanding
  the  foregoing  provisions  of this Section  24(b),  the  obligation to redeem
  shares of 7.85% Cumulative  Preference  Stock, 1991 Series ($100 par value) by
  reason of the sinking fund  redemption  provided for in the first paragraph of
  this Section 24(b),  annually  commencing on July 1, 1997 shall be cumulative,
  and  unless  full  cumulative   redemptions  of  shares  of  7.85%  Cumulative
  Preference  Stock,  1991 Series ($100 par value) for the sinking fund required
  hereby have been made,  no dividends  shall be declared  nor any  distribution
  made on the common stock,  except  dividends paid in stock of the  corporation
  ranking junior to the 7.85% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1991 Series ($100 par
  value),  nor shall any purchase or other  acquisition for value of such common
  stock be made.

                                       20


  The  provisions  of this  Section  24(b)  shall apply so long as any shares of
  7.85%  Cumulative   Preference   Stock,  1991  Series  ($100  par  value)  are
  outstanding.

25. (a) The 7.125%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock, 1993 Series ($100 par value),
  shall entitle the holders thereof to receive,  when and as declared,  from the
  surplus or net profits of the  corporation  remaining  after the  preferential
  dividend  requirements for the outstanding  preferred stock have been provided
  for,  yearly  dividends  at the  rate of  seven  and one  hundred  twenty-five
  thousandths  per cent per annum and no more,  payable  quarterly  on the first
  days of January,  April,  July, and October in each year commencing October 1,
  1993. The dividends on the 7.125%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1993 Series
  ($100 par value), shall be cumulative and shall be payable before any dividend
  on the common  stock  shall be paid or set apart;  so that,  if in any year or
  years dividends amounting to seven and one hundred twenty-five thousandths per
  cent shall not have been paid thereon,  the deficiency shall be payable before
  any dividends shall be paid upon or set apart for the common stock.  Dividends
  on the 7.125% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1993 Series ($100 par value), will
  accrue from and include June 24, 1993.  

  (b) The 7.125%  Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1993 Series ($100 par value), or
  any portion  thereof,  may whenever the Board of Directors shall so determine,
  be  redeemed  by the  payment to the  holders  thereof of the sum  hereinafter
  specified as the redemption price at the time of redemption, in cash, for each
  share thereof,  together with all accrued dividends. The applicable redemption
  prices shall be:

         Redemption Price            Twelve Month Period
            Per Share                 Beginning July 1,
            ---------                 -----------------
             $103.56                         2003
              103.21                         2004
              102.85                         2005
              102.49                         2006
              102.14                         2007
              101.78                         2008
              101.42                         2009
              101.07                         2010
              100.71                         2011
              100.36                         2012
              100.00                         2013 and thereafter

  provided, however, that prior to July 1, 2003, the corporation will not redeem
  any shares of the 7.125%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock, 1993 Series ($100 par
  value). In case less than all of

                                       21


  the  preference  stock of this  series  at the time  being  outstanding  is so
  redeemed,  the  shares to be  redeemed  shall  be, as nearly as is  reasonably
  practicable  without creating  fractional  shares, a proportionate part of the
  holdings  of each  holder  of  preference  stock of this  series,  or shall be
  selected,  in whole or in part,  by lot.  At least  thirty  (30) days  written
  notice of the election of the  corporation to redeem the  preference  stock of
  this series (or any part  thereof,  in which case the notice shall specify the
  particular  shares  to be  redeemed)  shall  be given  to each  holder  of the
  preference stock of this series so to be redeemed by mailing the same, postage
  prepaid,  and  addressed to him at his address as it appears upon the books of
  the  corporation.  When such notice shall have been so given and the funds for
  payment  of the  redemption  price  plus  accrued  dividends  shall  have been
  provided and set apart,  the  dividends on the shares of  preference  stock of
  this  series so called  for  redemption  and all other  rights of the  holders
  thereof,  except  the right to  receive  the  redemption  price  plus  accrued
  dividends, shall cease.

26. (a) The 6.97%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1993 Series ($100 par value),
  shall entitle the holders thereof to receive,  when and as declared,  from the
  surplus or net profits of the  corporation  remaining  after the  preferential
  dividend  requirements for the outstanding  preferred stock have been provided
  for, yearly dividends at the rate of six and ninety-seven  hundredths per cent
  per annum and no more, payable quarterly on the first days of January,  April,
  July,  and October in each year  commencing  October 1, 1993. The dividends on
  the 6.97% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1993 Series ($100 par value), shall be
  cumulative  and shall be payable before any dividend on the common stock shall
  be paid or set apart; so that, if in any year or years dividends  amounting to
  six and ninety-seven hundredths per cent shall not have been paid thereon, the
  deficiency  shall be payable  before any  dividends  shall be paid upon or set
  apart for the  common  stock.  Dividends  on the 6.97%  Cumulative  Preference
  Stock,  1993 Series ($100 par value),  will accrue from and include  August 5,
  1993. 

  (b) The 6.97% Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1993 Series ($100 par value), or
  any portion  thereof,  may whenever the Board of Directors shall so determine,
  be  redeemed  by the  payment to the  holders  thereof of the sum  hereinafter
  specified as the redemption price at the time of redemption, in cash, for each
  share thereof,  together with all accrued dividends. The applicable redemption
  prices shall be:

         Redemption Price           Twelve Month Period
            Per Share               Beginning October 1,
            ---------               --------------------
              $103.49                        2003
               103.14                        2004
               102.79                        2005
               102.44                        2006
               102.09                        2007


                                       22



               101.74                        2008
               101.39                        2009
               101.05                        2010
               100.70                        2011
               100.35                        2012
               100.00                        2013 and thereafter

  provided,  however,  that prior to October 1, 2003, the  corporation  will not
  redeem any shares of the 6.97% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1993 Series ($100
  par value).  In case less than all of the  preference  stock of this series at
  the time being outstanding is so redeemed, the shares to be redeemed shall be,
  as nearly as is reasonably  practicable  without creating fractional shares, a
  proportionate  part of the holdings of each holder of preference stock of this
  series,  or shall be  selected,  in whole or in part,  by lot. At least thirty
  (30) days  written  notice of the  election of the  corporation  to redeem the
  preference stock of this series (or any part thereof, in which case the notice
  shall  specify the  particular  shares to be redeemed)  shall be given to each
  holder of the preference stock of this series so to be redeemed by mailing the
  same, postage prepaid,  and addressed to him at his address as it appears upon
  the books of the  corporation.  When such notice  shall have been so given and
  the funds for payment of the  redemption  price plus accrued  dividends  shall
  have been  provided and set apart,  the  dividends on the shares of preference
  stock of this  series so called  for  redemption  and all other  rights of the
  holders thereof, except the right to receive the redemption price plus accrued
  dividends, shall cease.

27. (a) The 6.70%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1993 Series ($100 par value),
  shall entitle the holders thereof to receive,  when and as declared,  from the
  surplus or net profits of the  corporation  remaining  after the  preferential
  dividend  requirements for the outstanding  preferred stock have been provided
  for, yearly  dividends at the rate of six and seventy  hundredths per cent per
  annum and no more,  payable  quarterly  on the first days of  January,  April,
  July,  and October in each year  commencing  January 1, 1994. The dividends on
  the 6.70% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1993 Series ($100 par value), shall be
  cumulative  and shall be payable before any dividend on the common stock shall
  be paid or set apart; so that, if in any year or years dividends  amounting to
  six and  seventy  hundredths  per cent shall not have been paid  thereon,  the
  deficiency  shall be payable  before any  dividends  shall be paid upon or set
  apart for the  common  stock.  Dividends  on the 6.70%  Cumulative  Preference
  Stock, 1993 Series ($100 par value),  will accrue from and include October 14,
  1993. 

  (b) The 6.70% Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1993 Series ($100 par value), or
  any portion  thereof,  may whenever the Board of Directors shall so determine,
  be  redeemed  by the  payment to the  holders  thereof of the sum  hereinafter
  specified as the redemption price at the time of

                                       23


  redemption,  in cash,  for  each  share  thereof,  together  with all  accrued
  dividends. The applicable redemption prices shall be:

         Twelve Month Period            Redemption Price
         Beginning January 1,              Per Share
         --------------------              ---------
                2004                       $103.35
                2005                        103.02
                2006                        102.68
                2007                        102.35
                2008                        102.01
                2009                        101.68
                2010                        101.34
                2011                        101.01
                2012                        100.67
                2013                        100.34
                2014 and thereafter         100.00

  provided,  however,  that prior to January 1, 2004, the  corporation  will not
  redeem any shares of the 6.70% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1993 Series ($100
  par value).  In case less than all of the  preference  stock of this series at
  the time being outstanding is so redeemed, the shares to be redeemed shall be,
  as nearly as is reasonably  practicable  without creating fractional shares, a
  proportionate  part of the holdings of each holder of preference stock of this
  series,  or shall be  selected,  in whole or in part,  by lot. At least thirty
  (30) days  written  notice of the  election of the  corporation  to redeem the
  preference stock of this series (or any part thereof, in which case the notice
  shall  specify the  particular  shares to be redeemed)  shall be given to each
  holder of the preference stock of this series so to be redeemed by mailing the
  same, postage prepaid,  and addressed to him at his address as it appears upon
  the books of the  corporation.  When such notice  shall have been so given and
  the funds for payment of the  redemption  price plus accrued  dividends  shall
  have been  provided and set apart,  the  dividends on the shares of preference
  stock of this  series so called  for  redemption  and all other  rights of the
  holders thereof, except the right to receive the redemption price plus accrued
  dividends, shall cease.

28. (a) The 6.99%  Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1995 Series ($100 par value),
  shall entitle the holders thereof to receive,  when and as declared,  from the
  surplus or net profits of the  corporation  remaining  after the  preferential
  dividend  requirements for the outstanding  preferred stock have been provided
  for, yearly  dividends at the rate of six and ninety-nine  hundredths per cent
  per annum and no more, payable quarterly on the first days of January,  April,
  July,  and October in each year  commencing  October 1, 1995. The dividends on
  the 6.99% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1995 Series ($100 par value), shall be
  cumulative  and 

                                       24


  shall be payable  before any dividend on the common stock shall be paid or set
  apart;  so  that,  if in any  year or  years  dividends  amounting  to six and
  ninety-nine  hundredths  per  cent  shall  not have  been  paid  thereon,  the
  deficiency  shall be payable  before any  dividends  shall be paid upon or set
  apart for the  common  stock.  Dividends  on the 6.99%  Cumulative  Preference
  Stock, 1995 Series ($100 par value), will accrue from and include September 7,
  1995.

  (b) The 6.99% Cumulative  Preference  Stock,  1995 Series ($100 par value), or
  any portion  thereof,  may whenever the Board of Directors shall so determine,
  be  redeemed  by the  payment to the  holders  thereof of the sum  hereinafter
  specified as the redemption price at the time of redemption, in cash, for each
  share thereof,  together with all accrued dividends. The applicable redemption
  prices shall be:

         Twelve Month Period         Redemption Price
         Beginning October 1,           Per Share
         --------------------           ---------
              2005                       $103.50
              2006                        103.15
              2007                        102.80
              2008                        102.45
              2009                        102.10
              2010                        101.75
              2011                        101.40
              2012                        101.05
              2013                        100.70
              2014                        100.35
              2015 and thereafter         100.00

  provided,  however,  that prior to October 1, 2005, the  corporation  will not
  redeem any shares of the 6.99% Cumulative  Preference Stock, 1995 Series ($100
  par value).  In case less than all of the  preference  stock of this series at
  the time being outstanding is so redeemed, the shares to be redeemed shall be,
  as nearly as is reasonably  practicable  without creating fractional shares, a
  proportionate  part of the holdings of each holder of preference stock of this
  series,  or shall be  selected,  in whole or in part,  by lot. At least thirty
  (30) days  written  notice of the  election of the  corporation  to redeem the
  preference stock of this series (or any part thereof, in which case the notice
  shall  specify the  particular  shares to be redeemed)  shall be given to each
  holder of the preference stock of this series so to be redeemed by mailing the
  same, postage prepaid,  and addressed to him at his address as it appears upon
  the books of the  corporation.  When such notice  shall have been so given and
  the funds for payment of the  redemption  price plus accrued  dividends  shall
  have been  provided and set apart,  the  dividends on the shares of preference
  stock of this  series so called  for  redemption  and all other  rights of the
  holders thereof, except the right to receive the redemption price plus accrued
  dividends, shall cease.

                                       25


                                        V

  A director or officer of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the
  corporation or its  stockholders for monetary damages except (i) to the extent
  that it is proved that the person  actually  received  an improper  benefit or
  profit in money, property, or services for the amount of the benefit or profit
  in money,  property or services actually received or (ii) to the extent that a
  judgment  or other  final  adjudication  adverse to the person is entered in a
  proceeding  based on a finding in the proceeding  that the person's  action or
  failure  to act was the  result of active and  deliberate  dishonesty  and was
  material  to the  cause of action  adjudicated  in the  proceeding.  It is the
  intent of this Article that the liability of directors  and officers  shall be
  limited to the fullest extent  permitted by the Maryland  General  Corporation
  Law, as amended from time to time. 

  Any repeal or modification of the foregoing  paragraph by the  stockholders of
  the  corporation  shall not  adversely  affect  any right or  protection  of a
  director or officer of the corporation  existing at the time of such repeal or
  modification.

  IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  Baltimore  Gas and  Electric  Company  has caused  these
  Articles of  Restatement to its Charter to be signed in its corporate name and
  on its  behalf  by a Vice  President,  and its  corporate  seal  to be  hereto
  affixed,  duly attested by its Assistant Secretary on August 15, 1996 who each
  hereby (1) acknowledge  that the execution of these Articles of Restatement is
  the act of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company,  and (2) state that to the best
  of their respective  knowledge,  information and belief, the matters and facts
  set forth herein are true in all material respects,  such statement being made
  under the penalties for perjury.

BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

                                              By:     /s/ C.W. Shivery
                                                      ----------------
                                                       Vice President


SEAL:   BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY,
        INCORPORATED JUNE 20, 1906


Attest: /s/ T.E. Ruszin, Jr.
       ---------------------
        Assistant Secretary


                                       26