Press Release

NEW YORK, May 9 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to a request by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), all electric utilities in New York state, including Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Edison) are asking their customers to reduce unnecessary electricity usage until further notice. This public appeal is not because of any problems on Con Edison's transmission and distribution system, but is precautionary and intended to help ensure an adequate electricity supply statewide and regionally.

The NYISO serves as the central commodity market for the wholesale purchasing and selling of electricity in New York state as well as ensuring that the state's power needs are met reliably and safely by managing a coordinated statewide interconnected transmission system. The NYISO also ensures that there is sufficient electricity generated to meet the state's requirements.

The NYISO issued its request through the electric companies participating in the state's power market in order to help maintain the statewide reserve of electricity.

Under NYISO requirements, Con Edison customer service representatives are also contacting large commercial and industrial customers to request voluntary reduction of all non-essential power use and the company is reducing electricity usage at its own facilities as well.

Con Edison suggests that customers wait to use appliances such as washers, dryers, and other energy-intensive equipment until later this evening when the power reserve problem is expected to be resolved. The company also requests that customers turn off air conditioners when leaving their homes or apartments.

The situation is being constantly monitored and new developments will be reported. Con Edison thanks its customers for their cooperation.

Con Edison is in communication with the New York City Mayor's Office of Emergency Management as well as the Westchester County Office of Disaster and Emergency Services. The company will continue to provide updates through the media and its customer and community outreach efforts. SOURCE Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.

CONTACT: Joseph Petta of Con Edison, 212-460-4111/