GridAmerica begins operations

National Grid Transco PLC
01 October 2003



1 October 2003


                             National Grid Transco

GridAmerica begins operations



GridAmerica, the first US for-profit multi-system Independent Transmission
Company, began operations in the Midwest of the United States today.


GridAmerica, a subsidiary of National Grid Transco, operates within the Midwest
Independent System Operator (Midwest ISO) and will initially manage the
transmission assets of American Transmission Systems Incorporated (a subsidiary
of FirstEnergy Corporation) and Northern Indiana Public Service Company (a
subsidiary of NiSource). In addition, Ameren's transmission assets will be
integrated into GridAmerica following approval from state regulators.


The GridAmerica transmission system will manage 28,000 megawatts of generation
capacity, 27,000 megawatts of load, and 14,000 miles of transmission lines
across 46,000 square miles of service territory in five states.


'This is an important step forward for National Grid Transco and for bringing
the benefits of an integrated transmission system to the US' said Nick Winser,
National Grid Transco's Group Director of Transmission. 'By pooling the
transmission assets of power companies within a region and managing them as one
operation, we are confident that we can create significant improvements in
reliability and efficiency. We see this as the beginning of an important,
long-term change in the structure and practice of US transmission and are
delighted to be able to bring to bear our experience and expertise.'




Contacts


Investors

Marcy Reed          [phone]     [phone](m)

Terry McCormick     [phone]     [phone](m)

Louise Clamp     [phone]     [phone](m)


Media

Gillian Home          [phone]

Clive Hawkins     [phone]


Citigate Dewe Rogerson     [phone]

Anthony Carlisle     [phone](m)




Notes to editors


About GridAmerica

Based in Cleveland, Ohio, GridAmerica LLC is a regulated, for-profit Independent
Transmission Company focused on providing superior electric transmission service
within the footprint of the Midwest ISO to power generators, marketers and
load-serving entities; investing in top-rate management, operators and
facilities; and seeking approval for appropriate transmission pricing to support
the competitive electricity marketplace. Grid America, a National Grid Transco
subsidiary, will manage the electricity transmission systems of Northern Indiana
Public Service Company, American Transmission Systems, Inc., and Ameren (pending
state approvals). The GridAmerica footprint includes a total of four million
customers, 14,000 miles of transmission lines, and a 46,000 square-mile service
territory spanning five states. www.gridamericallc.com.


About Midwest ISO

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the Midwest ISO as the
nation's first Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) on December 20, 2001.
Midwest ISO, in its role as a regional transmission organization, monitors
electric reliability throughout much of the Midwest - an area that encompasses
more than 111,000 miles of interconnected high voltage transmission lines in 15
states and one Canadian province. Midwest ISO is responsible for coordinating
the operation of the wholesale electric transmission system and ensuring fair
access to the grid. For more information on Midwest ISO, visit
www.midwestiso.org

About National Grid Company

In England and Wales National Grid Company owns 4,500 miles of high-voltage
overhead lines and 400 miles of underground cable. England and Wales comprises
around 58,000 square miles. www.ngtgroup.com




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