NRC Approves Merger with New England Electric

National Grid Group PLC
13 December 1999


The National Grid Group plc (NGG)

NGG/NEES MERGER RECEIVES NRC APPROVAL

The National Grid Group plc (NGG) and New England
Electric System (NEES) today announced that the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved their proposed
merger.

The NRC approval was required because NEES has minority
interests in six nuclear power plants of which three are
operational.  NEES has stated its intention to sell its
holdings in these plants.

The merger of NGG and NEES was announced on 14 December
1998 and is expected to complete by early 2000 once
approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission has
been received.

Contact

NGG Investor Relations        + 44 (0) 171 620 9191
Jill Sherratt                 mobile: [phone]
Diane Boddy

Citigate Dewe Rogerson        + 44 (0) 171 638 9571
Anthony Carlisle             mobile: + 44 (0) 973 611 888
Sue Pemberton