Basslink Project Bid Win Valued at £200 Million

National Grid Group PLC
28 February 2000

                            
       National Grid wins bid to build electricity
    interconnector in Australia between Tasmania and
                        Victoria



The  National Grid Group plc has been chosen to build and
operate the Basslink Project in Australia, valued at some
A$500  million  (£200  million),  which  will  link   the
Tasmanian and Victorian electricity transmission networks
across  the  Bass Strait.  Construction  is  expected  to
start  in  2001  and  the  interconnector  will  commence
operations two years later.

Recent power shortages highlight the potential benefit of
the  Basslink  interconnector  which  will  be  able   to
transmit  up  to  600MW of electricity to  help  maintain
security  of  supply  in the national  electricity  grid,
particularly in Victoria.

Commenting  on  the  project, David  Jones,  Group  Chief
Executive said:

     'We  are  delighted  to  be selected  to  build  and
     operate   Basslink,  a  project  which  will   bring
     benefits to consumers in both Victoria and Tasmania.
     National Grid will bring its extensive international
     transmission  and interconnector experience  to  the
     project.   We  will  continue to  apply  these  core
     skills  to  selected projects around the world  that
     add  value to our growing portfolio of international
     ventures.'
     

     
Contact

National Grid Investor Relations     [phone]
Jill Sherratt                        (mobile [phone])
Diane Boddy                          [phone]
Elizabeth Ross-Roberts               [phone]

Citigate Dewe Rogerson               [phone]
Anthony Carlisle                     (mobile [phone])