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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July&nbsp;12, 2002  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><B> Registration No. 333-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>UNITED STATES<BR>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Washington, D.C. 20549  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B> FORM S-8<BR>
REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>AQUILA, INC.<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><BR><FONT SIZE=2><B>Delaware</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><B><BR>&nbsp;</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B><BR>
44-0541877</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(State or other jurisdiction<BR>
of incorporation or organization)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(I.R.S. Employer<BR>
Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>20 West Ninth Street<BR>
Kansas City, Missouri 64105<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Address, including zip code, of Principal Executive Offices) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>AQUILA, INC. (NOW KNOWN AS AQUILA MERCHANT SERVICES, INC.)<BR>
2001 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B> AQUILA, INC.<BR>
2002 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Full titles of the plans) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Leslie J. Parrette, Jr., Esq.<BR>
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary<BR>
Aquila,&nbsp;Inc.<BR>
20 West Ninth Street<BR>
Kansas City, Missouri 64105<BR>
(816) 421-6600<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Copy to:<BR>
Tracy D. Mackey, Esq.<BR>
Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin LLP<BR>
Two Pershing Square<BR>
2300 Main Street, Suite&nbsp;1000<BR>
Kansas City, Missouri 64108<BR>
(816) 983-8000  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B> CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE  </B></FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="36%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title of securities<BR>
to be registered</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount to be<BR>
registered (2)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed maximum<BR>
offering price<BR>
per share (1)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed maximum<BR>
aggregate offering<BR>
price</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount of<BR>
registration fee</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="36%"><FONT SIZE=2>Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>2,641,369(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$6.97</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$18,410,341</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$1,694.00</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="36%"><FONT SIZE=2>Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>9,000,000(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$6.97</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$62,730,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$5,771.00</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="36%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>Total</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>11,641,369</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>$6.97</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>$81,140,341</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>$7,465.00</FONT></TD>
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<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Estimated
solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule&nbsp;457(h)&nbsp;under the Securities Act of 1933. The maximum offering price per share is
based on the average of the high and low prices of the Registrant's Common Stock as listed on the New York Stock Exchange on July&nbsp;10, 2001.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Includes
shares issued as a result of a stock split or stock dividend or other anti-dilution provision. Includes a preference stock purchase right attached to each share of common
stock that, prior to the occurrence of certain events, will not be evidenced separately from the common stock.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>These
shares will be issued under the Aquila,&nbsp;Inc. 2001 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>These
shares will be issued under the Aquila,&nbsp;Inc. 2002 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan. </FONT></DD></DL>
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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Part I<BR>  INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a)&nbsp;PROSPECTUS    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The documents containing the information about the Aquila,&nbsp;Inc. 2001 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan and the Aquila,&nbsp;Inc. 2002 Omnibus Incentive
Compensation Plan (collectively the "Plans") specified in Part I of Form&nbsp;S-8 will be sent or given to eligible employees as specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC" or
"Commission") Rule&nbsp;428(b)(1). Such documents and the documents incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement pursuant to Item&nbsp;3 of Part&nbsp;II, taken together, constitute
prospectuses that meet the requirements of Section 10(a)&nbsp;of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. All such documents will be dated and maintained in a "prospectus file" as required by SEC
Rule&nbsp;428(a)&nbsp;and will contain the following legend in a conspicuous place as directed by SEC Rule&nbsp;428(b)(1): </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This
document (or specifically designated portions of this document) constitutes (constitute) part of a prospectus covering securities that have been registered under the Securities Act
of 1933." </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>2</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja3579_part_ii_information_req__ja302482"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja3579_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Part II<BR>  INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja3579_item_3__incorporation_of_documents_by_reference"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja3579_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 3:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Incorporation of Documents by Reference    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following documents filed with the SEC by Aquila,&nbsp;Inc. (the "Company") are incorporated in this Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8 (the
"Registration Statement") by reference: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>1.</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Company's Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K and Form&nbsp;10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2001;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>2.</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Company's Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarter ended March&nbsp;31, 2002;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>3.</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Company's Reports on Form&nbsp;8-K filed on February&nbsp;25, 2002, February&nbsp;27, 2002, March&nbsp;15, 2002, May&nbsp;21, 2002, June&nbsp;19, 2002, June&nbsp;28,
2002, and July&nbsp;11, 2002.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>4.</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
description of common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;8-B dated May&nbsp;5, 1987 (File No.&nbsp;001-03562) and the description of the preference
stock purchase rights set forth in the Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;8-A dated March&nbsp;4, 1997 (File No.&nbsp;001-03562). </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All
documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Sections&nbsp;13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d)&nbsp;of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, prior to the filing of a
post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereunder have been sold or which deregisters all of the securities offered then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be
incorporated herein by reference and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Company's financial statements incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement were audited by Arthur Andersen&nbsp;LLP ("Andersen"). Effective May&nbsp;21, 2002, the
Company's Board of Directors approved the dismissal of Andersen as the Company's independent auditors and the appointment of KPMG LLP to serve as the Company's independent auditors. The Company has
been unable to obtain, after reasonable efforts, Andersen's written consent to incorporate by reference Andersen's reports on the financial statements. Under these circumstances, Rule&nbsp;437a
under the Securities Act of 1933 permits this Registration Statement to be filed without a written consent from Andersen. The absence of such written consent from Andersen may limit your ability to
assert claims against Andersen under Section 11(a)&nbsp;of the Securities Act of 1933 for any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the financial statements audited by Andersen or any
omissions to state a material fact required to be stated therein. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja3579_item_4__description_of_securities"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja3579_3"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 4:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Description of Securities    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja3579_item_5__interests_of_named_experts_and_counsel"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja3579_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 5:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interests of Named Experts and Counsel    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja3579_item_6__indemnification_of_directors_and_officers"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja3579_5"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 6:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Indemnification of Directors and Officers    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section&nbsp;145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law confers broad powers upon corporations incorporated in that state with respect to indemnification of
any person against liabilities incurred by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation
as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or other business entity. The provisions of Section 145 are not exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification
may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement or otherwise. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company contains a provision that eliminates the personal liability of the Company's directors to the Company or its stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of fiduciary duty to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Company has a dual phase insurance policy providing directors and officers with indemnification, subject to certain exclusions and to the extent not otherwise indemnified by the
Company, against loss
(including expenses incurred in the defense of actions, suits or proceedings in connection therewith) arising from any negligent act, error, omission or breach of duty while acting in their capacity
as directors and officers of the Company. The policy also reimburses the Company for liability incurred in the indemnification of its directors and officers. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Bylaws of the Company entitle officers and directors to be indemnified by the Company against costs or expenses, attorneys' fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement that
are actually and reasonably incurred in connection with an action, suit or proceeding, including actions brought by or in the right of the Company, to which such persons are made or threatened to be
made a party, by reasons of their being a director or officer. Such right, however, may be made only as authorized by (i)&nbsp;a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested directors, or
(ii)&nbsp;if such quorum is not obtainable or, if obtainable, a majority thereof so directs, by independent legal counsel, or (iii)&nbsp;by the stockholders of the Company, upon a determination
that the person seeking indemnification acted in good faith and in the manner that he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the Company's best interest, or, if the action is criminal
in nature, upon a determination that the person seeking indemnification had no reasonable cause to believe that such person's conduct was unlawful. This provision also requires the Company, upon
authorizations by the board of directors, to advance costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees, reasonably incurred in defending such actions; provided, that any person seeking such an advance
must first provide the Company with an undertaking to repay any amount as to which it may be determined such person is not entitled. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja3579_item_7__exemption_from_registration_claimed"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja3579_6"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 7:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exemption from Registration Claimed    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja3579_item_8__exhibits"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja3579_7"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 8:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exhibits    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>4.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2>Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3(a)(1) to Aquila,&nbsp;Inc.'s Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2001).</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Bylaws, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3(b) to Aquila, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2001).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.3</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Form of Rights Agreement between UtiliCorp United&nbsp;Inc. and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;4 to UtiliCorp United&nbsp;Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the period
ended September&nbsp;30, 1996).</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.4</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Amendment to the Rights Agreement between Aquila,&nbsp;Inc. and UMB Bank,&nbsp;N.A., as successor Rights Agent dated March&nbsp;15, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;4(d) to Aquila,&nbsp;Inc.'s Post-Effective Amendment No.&nbsp;1
Registration Statement No.&nbsp;333-29657).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
5.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Opinion of Christopher Reitz,&nbsp;Esq.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Christopher Reitz,&nbsp;Esq. (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
24.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Power of Attorney (included in the signature page&nbsp;to the Registration Statement).</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>4</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja3579_item_9__undertakings"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja3579_8"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 9:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Undertakings    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The undersigned Company hereby undertakes: </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;To
file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement: </FONT></P>

<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;To
include any prospectus required by Section&nbsp;10(a)(3)&nbsp;of the Securities Act of 1933; </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;To
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof)
which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of
securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may
be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule&nbsp;424(b)&nbsp;if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the
maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement; </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;&nbsp;To
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement; </FONT></P>

</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>Provided,
however, that paragraphs (i)&nbsp;and (ii)&nbsp;do not apply if the registration statement is on Form&nbsp;S-3, Form&nbsp;S-8 or Form&nbsp;F-3 and the information required to be
included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Company pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or
Section&nbsp;15(d)&nbsp;of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;That,
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration
statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;To
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
undersigned Company hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Company's annual report pursuant to
Section&nbsp;13(a)&nbsp;or Section&nbsp;15(d)&nbsp;of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to
Section&nbsp;15(d)&nbsp;of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Company in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Company will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>5</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="jc3579_signatures"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_jc3579_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SIGNATURES    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Company certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements
for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Kansas City, State of Missouri, on
July&nbsp;12, 2002. </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3><FONT SIZE=2><B>AQUILA, INC.</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DAN STREEK</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Dan Streek<BR>
Chief Financial Officer<BR>
(Principal Financial<BR>
and Accounting Officer)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
undersigned directors of Aquila,&nbsp;Inc. appoint Richard C. Green, Jr. and Leslie&nbsp;J. Parrette, Jr., our true and lawful attorneys with power to each of them to sign for us
this registration statement and any and all amendments to this registration statement, and generally do all such things in our names and in our capacities as directors to enable Aquila,&nbsp;Inc. to
comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with this&nbsp;offering. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed below on July&nbsp;12, 2002 by the following persons in the capacities
indicated: </FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="42%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Signature</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="42%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><BR><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="48%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="42%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>RICHARD C. GREEN, JR.</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Richard C. Green, Jr.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>Chairman of the Board</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="42%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DAN STREEK</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Dan Streek</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Chief Financial Officer<BR>
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="42%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>ROBERT K. GREEN</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Robert K. Green</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director<BR>
(Principal Executive Officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="42%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>JOHN R. BAKER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> John R. Baker</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="42%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>HERMAN CAIN</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Herman Cain</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="42%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><BR><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="48%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>6</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<TD WIDTH="42%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>IRVINE O. HOCKADAY</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Irvine O. Hockaday</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="42%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>HEIDI HUTTER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Heidi Hutter</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="42%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>STANLEY O. IKENBERRY</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Stanley O. Ikenberry</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="42%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>ROBERT F. JACKSON, JR.</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Robert F. Jackson, Jr.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="42%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>L. PATTON KLINE</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> L. Patton Kline</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="42%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>GERALD L. SHAHEEN</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Gerald L. Shaheen</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>7</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ka3579_index_of_exhibits"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ka3579_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>INDEX OF EXHIBITS    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit<BR>
Number</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="80%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Document</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>4.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="80%"><FONT SIZE=2>Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3(a)(1) to Aquila,&nbsp;Inc.'s Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2001).</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="80%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Bylaws, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3(b) to Aquila,&nbsp;Inc.'s Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2001).</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.3</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="80%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Form of Rights Agreement between UtiliCorp United&nbsp;Inc. and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;4 to UtiliCorp United&nbsp;Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the period
ended September&nbsp;30, 1996).</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.4</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="80%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Amendment to the Rights Agreement between Aquila,&nbsp;Inc. and UMB Bank,&nbsp;N.A., as successor Rights Agent dated March&nbsp;15, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;4(d) to Aquila,&nbsp;Inc.'s Post-Effective Amendment No.&nbsp;1
Registration Statement No.&nbsp;333-29657).</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
5.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="80%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Opinion of Christopher Reitz, Esq.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="80%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Christopher Reitz, Esq. (included in Exhibit 5.1).</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
24.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="80%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Power of Attorney (included in the signature page&nbsp;to the Registration Statement).</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<BR>
<P><br><A NAME="02CHI3579_1">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de3579_1">Part I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja3579_1">Part II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</A></FONT><BR>
<UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja3579_2">Item 3: Incorporation of Documents by Reference</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja3579_3">Item 4: Description of Securities</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja3579_4">Item 5: Interests of Named Experts and Counsel</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja3579_5">Item 6: Indemnification of Directors and Officers</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja3579_6">Item 7: Exemption from Registration Claimed</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja3579_7">Item 8: Exhibits</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja3579_8">Item 9: Undertakings</A></FONT><BR>
</UL>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc3579_1">SIGNATURES</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ka3579_1">INDEX OF EXHIBITS</A></FONT><BR>
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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "AQUILA  INC", "cik": "0000066960", "assigned-sic": "4911", "irs-number": "440541877", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-92294", "film-number": "02701597"}, "business-address": {"street1": "20 WEST NINTH STREET", "street2": "--", "city": "KANSAS CITY", "state": "MO", "zip": "64105-1711", "phone": "8164216600"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "20 WEST NINTH STREET", "city": "KANSAS CITY", "state": "MO", "zip": "64105-1711"}, "former-company": [{"former-conformed-name": "MISSOURI PUBLIC SERVICE CO", "date-changed": "19850516"}, {"former-conformed-name": "UTILICORP UNITED INC", "date-changed": "19920703"}]}
QuickLinks
-- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 12, 2002
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
AQUILA, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
44-0541877
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
20 West Ninth Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64105
(Address, including zip code, of Principal Executive Offices)
AQUILA, INC. (NOW KNOWN AS AQUILA MERCHANT SERVICES, INC.)
2001 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
AQUILA, INC.
2002 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
(Full titles of the plans)
Leslie J. Parrette, Jr., Esq.
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Aquila, Inc.
20 West Ninth Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64105
(816) 421-6600
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
Copy to:
Tracy D. Mackey, Esq.
Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin LLP
Two Pershing Square
2300 Main Street, Suite 1000
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
(816) 983-8000
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of securities
to be registered
Amount to be
registered (2)
Proposed maximum
offering price
per share (1)
Proposed maximum
aggregate offering
price
Amount of
registration fee
Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
2,641,369(3)
$6.97
$18,410,341
$1,694.00
Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
9,000,000(4)
$6.97
$62,730,000
$5,771.00
Total
11,641,369
$6.97
$81,140,341
$7,465.00
(1)
Estimated
solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act of 1933. The maximum offering price per share is
based on the average of the high and low prices of the Registrant's Common Stock as listed on the New York Stock Exchange on July 10, 2001.
(2)
Includes
shares issued as a result of a stock split or stock dividend or other anti-dilution provision. Includes a preference stock purchase right attached to each share of common
stock that, prior to the occurrence of certain events, will not be evidenced separately from the common stock.
(3)
These
shares will be issued under the Aquila, Inc. 2001 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan.
(4)
These
shares will be issued under the Aquila, Inc. 2002 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan.
Part I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
The documents containing the information about the Aquila, Inc. 2001 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan and the Aquila, Inc. 2002 Omnibus Incentive
Compensation Plan (collectively the "Plans") specified in Part I of Form S-8 will be sent or given to eligible employees as specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC" or
"Commission") Rule 428(b)(1). Such documents and the documents incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement pursuant to Item 3 of Part II, taken together, constitute
prospectuses that meet the requirements of Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. All such documents will be dated and maintained in a "prospectus file" as required by SEC
Rule 428(a) and will contain the following legend in a conspicuous place as directed by SEC Rule 428(b)(1):
"This
document (or specifically designated portions of this document) constitutes (constitute) part of a prospectus covering securities that have been registered under the Securities Act
of 1933."
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Part II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3:    Incorporation of Documents by Reference
The following documents filed with the SEC by Aquila, Inc. (the "Company") are incorporated in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the
"Registration Statement") by reference:
1.
The
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001;
2.
The
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002;
3.
The
Company's Reports on Form 8-K filed on February 25, 2002, February 27, 2002, March 15, 2002, May 21, 2002, June 19, 2002, June 28,
2002, and July 11, 2002.
4.
The
description of common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-B dated May 5, 1987 (File No. 001-03562) and the description of the preference
stock purchase rights set forth in the Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated March 4, 1997 (File No. 001-03562).
All
documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, prior to the filing of a
post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereunder have been sold or which deregisters all of the securities offered then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be
incorporated herein by reference and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
The
Company's financial statements incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement were audited by Arthur Andersen LLP ("Andersen"). Effective May 21, 2002, the
Company's Board of Directors approved the dismissal of Andersen as the Company's independent auditors and the appointment of KPMG LLP to serve as the Company's independent auditors. The Company has
been unable to obtain, after reasonable efforts, Andersen's written consent to incorporate by reference Andersen's reports on the financial statements. Under these circumstances, Rule 437a
under the Securities Act of 1933 permits this Registration Statement to be filed without a written consent from Andersen. The absence of such written consent from Andersen may limit your ability to
assert claims against Andersen under Section 11(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 for any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the financial statements audited by Andersen or any
omissions to state a material fact required to be stated therein.
Item 4:    Description of Securities
Not applicable.
Item 5:    Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
Item 6:    Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law confers broad powers upon corporations incorporated in that state with respect to indemnification of
any person against liabilities incurred by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation
as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or other business entity. The provisions of Section 145 are not exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification
may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement or otherwise.
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The
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company contains a provision that eliminates the personal liability of the Company's directors to the Company or its stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of fiduciary duty to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law.
The
Company has a dual phase insurance policy providing directors and officers with indemnification, subject to certain exclusions and to the extent not otherwise indemnified by the
Company, against loss
(including expenses incurred in the defense of actions, suits or proceedings in connection therewith) arising from any negligent act, error, omission or breach of duty while acting in their capacity
as directors and officers of the Company. The policy also reimburses the Company for liability incurred in the indemnification of its directors and officers.
The
Bylaws of the Company entitle officers and directors to be indemnified by the Company against costs or expenses, attorneys' fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement that
are actually and reasonably incurred in connection with an action, suit or proceeding, including actions brought by or in the right of the Company, to which such persons are made or threatened to be
made a party, by reasons of their being a director or officer. Such right, however, may be made only as authorized by (i) a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested directors, or
(ii) if such quorum is not obtainable or, if obtainable, a majority thereof so directs, by independent legal counsel, or (iii) by the stockholders of the Company, upon a determination
that the person seeking indemnification acted in good faith and in the manner that he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the Company's best interest, or, if the action is criminal
in nature, upon a determination that the person seeking indemnification had no reasonable cause to believe that such person's conduct was unlawful. This provision also requires the Company, upon
authorizations by the board of directors, to advance costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees, reasonably incurred in defending such actions; provided, that any person seeking such an advance
must first provide the Company with an undertaking to repay any amount as to which it may be determined such person is not entitled.
Item 7:    Exemption from Registration Claimed
Not applicable.
Item 8:    Exhibits
4.1
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a)(1) to Aquila, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).
4.2
Bylaws, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) to Aquila, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).
4.3
Form of Rights Agreement between UtiliCorp United Inc. and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to UtiliCorp United Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period
ended September 30, 1996).
4.4
Amendment to the Rights Agreement between Aquila, Inc. and UMB Bank, N.A., as successor Rights Agent dated March 15, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(d) to Aquila, Inc.'s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1
Registration Statement No. 333-29657).
5.1
Opinion of Christopher Reitz, Esq.
23.1
Consent of Christopher Reitz, Esq. (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1
Power of Attorney (included in the signature page to the Registration Statement).
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Item 9:    Undertakings
The undersigned Company hereby undertakes:
(1)  To
file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i)  To
include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii)  To
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof)
which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of
securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may
be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the
maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement;
(iii)  To
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement;
Provided,
however, that paragraphs (i) and (ii) do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3, Form S-8 or Form F-3 and the information required to be
included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Company pursuant to Section 13 or
Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement.
(2)  That,
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration
statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3)  To
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
The
undersigned Company hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Company's annual report pursuant to
Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to
Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Company in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Company will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
5
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Company certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements
for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Kansas City, State of Missouri, on
July 12, 2002.
AQUILA, INC.
By:
/s/
DAN STREEK
Dan Streek
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer)
The
undersigned directors of Aquila, Inc. appoint Richard C. Green, Jr. and Leslie J. Parrette, Jr., our true and lawful attorneys with power to each of them to sign for us
this registration statement and any and all amendments to this registration statement, and generally do all such things in our names and in our capacities as directors to enable Aquila, Inc. to
comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with this offering.
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed below on July 12, 2002 by the following persons in the capacities
indicated:
Signature
Title
/s/
RICHARD C. GREEN, JR.
Richard C. Green, Jr.
Chairman of the Board
/s/
DAN STREEK
Dan Streek
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/
ROBERT K. GREEN
Robert K. Green
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/
JOHN R. BAKER
John R. Baker
Director
/s/
HERMAN CAIN
Herman Cain
Director
6
/s/
IRVINE O. HOCKADAY
Irvine O. Hockaday
Director
/s/
HEIDI HUTTER
Heidi Hutter
Director
/s/
STANLEY O. IKENBERRY
Stanley O. Ikenberry
Director
/s/
ROBERT F. JACKSON, JR.
Robert F. Jackson, Jr.
Director
/s/
L. PATTON KLINE
L. Patton Kline
Director
/s/
GERALD L. SHAHEEN
Gerald L. Shaheen
Director
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INDEX OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
Document
4.1
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a)(1) to Aquila, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).
4.2
Bylaws, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) to Aquila, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).
4.3
Form of Rights Agreement between UtiliCorp United Inc. and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to UtiliCorp United Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period
ended September 30, 1996).
4.4
Amendment to the Rights Agreement between Aquila, Inc. and UMB Bank, N.A., as successor Rights Agent dated March 15, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(d) to Aquila, Inc.'s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1
Registration Statement No. 333-29657).
5.1
Opinion of Christopher Reitz, Esq.
23.1
Consent of Christopher Reitz, Esq. (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1
Power of Attorney (included in the signature page to the Registration Statement).
QuickLinks
Part I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
Part II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3: Incorporation of Documents by Reference
Item 4: Description of Securities
Item 5: Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
Item 6: Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Item 7: Exemption from Registration Claimed
Item 8: Exhibits
Item 9: Undertakings
SIGNATURES
INDEX OF EXHIBITS