Directorate Change

National Grid Transco PLC
27 October 2003

27 October 2003

                  RETIREMENT AND APPOINTMENT OF A DIRECTOR TO

                       THE BOARD OF NATIONAL GRID TRANSCO



The Board of National Grid Transco (NGT) today announces that Rick Sergel has
decided to retire as an Executive Director of NGT, effective next summer.

Rick Sergel was appointed Executive Director of National Grid Group
(subsequently NGT) following its acquisition of New England Electric System
(NEES) in March 2000. He is President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of
NGUSA and has Board responsibility for US gas and electricity distribution.
Previously, he was President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of NEES and
had been with the company for 25 years.

NGT also announces that, with effect from Rick Sergel's retirement in 2004, Mike
Jesanis will be appointed as an Executive Director of NGT in his place and will
take over his executive responsibilities within NGT. In the meantime, Mike will
become President of NGUSA with effect from 1st November 2003, and continues as
Chief Operating Officer.

Mike Jesanis is currently NGUSA's Chief Operating Officer and has been
responsible for the day-to-day operations within NGUSA since January 2001. He
was previously Chief Financial Officer of NGUSA and NEES.

Commenting on the changes, Sir John Parker, Chairman of NGT, said, 'Rick
continues to contribute significantly to National Grid Transco and the Group's
success. His part in the development of our business in the US through his
knowledge of the US utility scene, the regulatory and political environment and
his vision in driving forward de-regulation and unbundling of the industry has
been key to the Group. I look forward to Mike joining the Board in due course
and wish him every success in continuing Rick's good work.'





Enquiries:

Investors:

Marcy Reed                [phone]           [phone](m)

Terry McCormick           [phone]           [phone](m)

Louise Clamp              [phone]           [phone](m)

Bob Seega                 [phone]

Media:

Gillian Home              [phone]

Jackie Barry              [phone]

 Citigate Dewe Rogerson:  [phone]

Anthony Carlisle          [phone](m)


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