Further re Proposed Merger

NATIONAL GRID GROUP PLC
10 August 1999

 
THE NATIONAL GRID GROUP plc
 
NEW HAMPSHIRE APPROVES NATIONAL GRID / NEES MERGER
 
The National Grid Group plc ( National Grid') announces that the
New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (PUC), at its open
meeting yesterday, approved the proposed merger of National Grid
and New England Electric System ( NEES').
 
In an oral statement the PUC recognised the expertise of National
Grid and concluded that the merger will mean a benefit to
customers. The Commissioners are expected to issue a formal
written order within the next few weeks.
 
National Grid's Chief Executive, David Jones said,
'This is a further milestone towards the completion of our
acquisition of NEES. We're delighted that in granting their order
the Commissioners have recognised the benefits that National
Grid's UK experience will bring to customers.'
 
National Grid has now received 8 of the 10 clearances required to
complete its acquisition. Outstanding are clearances from the
Securities and Exchange Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission.
 
 
Contact
 
 
National Grid            [phone]
Margaret Stewart, Director of Corporate Affairs
Steve Cronin, Investor Relations
 
Citigate Dewe Rogerson   [phone]
Anthony Carlisle              (mobile: [phone])
Sue Pemberton
 
 
Notes to Editors:
 
National Grid and NEES announced on 14 December 1998 that,
subject to the required approvals, National Grid would acquire
all the outstanding shares of NEES valued at $3.2 billion. The
merger has already been approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, the Vermont Public Service Board and the Connecticut
Department of Public Utility Control. The Massachusetts
Department of Telecommunications and Energy has certified to the
Securities and Exchange Commission that the merger would not
interfere with its authority or ability to protect customers of
NEES subsidiaries in that state. Competition clearances have been
obtained under Exon Florio and Hart-Scott-Rodino in the US; and
from the OFT in the UK.  Filings for all regulatory and other
consents and approvals in the US and the UK have been submitted. 
Approval for the acquisition has also been granted by National
Grid and NEES shareholders.