reduction or curtailment of the delivery of electric energy hereunder due to, occasioned by or in consequence of, any of the following causes or contingencies, viz: acts of God, the elements, storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, cyclones, sleet, floods, lightning, earthquakes, landslides, washouts or other revulsions of nature, epidemics, accidents, fires, collisions, explosions, strikes, lockouts, differences with workmen or other industrial disturbances, vandalism, sabotage, riots, inability to secure cars, coal, fuel, or other materials, supplies or equipment, breakage or failure of machinery, generating equipment, electrical lines or equipment, wars, insurrections, blockades, acts of the public enemy, arrests and restraints of rulers and people, civil disturbances, federal, state or other governmental laws, orders, decrees, restraints or regulations, and any other causes or contingencies not within the control of the party whose performance is interfered with, whether of the kind herein enumerated or otherwise.

Settlement of strikes and lockouts shall be wholly within the discretion of the party having the difficulty. Such causes or contingencies affecting performance shall not relieve the Company or Customer of liability in the event of its concurring negligence or in the event of failure of either to use due diligence to remedy the situation and remove the cause in an adequate manner and with all reasonable dispatch, nor shall such causes or contingencies or any thereof relieve either from its obligation to pay amounts due hereunder or to pay Demand Charges or Minimum Bills accruing during such interruption or suspension of service.