Press Release

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 15, 2001--Con Edison Communications, Inc. (CEC) a provider of last mile fiber optic network services in metropolitan New York, has named Louis Gambino, a 20-year fiber optic infrastructure veteran, as Vice President of Network Construction.

Gambino will expedite all facets and phases of CEC's metropolitan network installation, from final completion of the network backbone to all building interconnection work to satisfy lease obligations already negotiated with numerous commercial real estate owners and managers throughout New York.

"Lou is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable fiber optics pioneers in the industry," said Peter Rust, president and CEO of Con Edison Communications. "Bringing Lou on to the CEC team ensures the most effective construction oversight possible for rapid deployment to our carrier partners throughout metro-New York."

Prior to CEC, Gambino managed the engineering group for Global Crossing where he was responsible for $5 million in cost savings through network consolidation. Previously he was responsible for the build out of the US' first 15 Points-of-Presence (POPs) for Level 3 Communications, and served as the company's Business Relations and Carrier Development Director. Prior to Level 3 Communications, Gambino managed engineering and operations teams for Metropolitan Fiber Networks, Ixnet, Metropolitan Fiber Systems of New York, and Cable & Wireless. Mr. Gambino received the highest-obtainable Chairman's Award for superior operations management at Cable & Wireless.

"I am glad to be joining Con Edison Communications at a time when the company is well-positioned in the industry to complete and provide the diverse routing that today's networks need," said Gambino. "I look forward to leading the timely provision and expansion of infrastructure for CEC's growing client base."

About Con Edison Communications, Inc.

Con Edison Communications, Inc. (CEC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. CEC, a carrier's carrier, offers a comprehensive range of value-added products and services designed to enhance the performance of its customers' networks. CEC provides managed data transport services, leased capacity services, and plans to offer in-building optical distribution to multiple classes of customers including long-distance carriers, competitive local exchange carriers and Internet, cable, wireless and video companies. CEC's NYC metro area network is expected to interconnect over 1,000 commercial buildings, POPs and Verizon Central Offices by the end of 2005. Additional information about CEC is available at http://www.electricfiber.com/.

About Consolidated Edison, Inc.

Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED) is one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $10 billion in annual revenues and $17 billion in assets. The company provides a wide range of energy-related products and services to its customers through two regulated utility subsidiaries and four competitive energy and telecommunications businesses. For additional financial, operations and customer service information, visit the Consolidated Edison, Inc. Web site at http://www.conedison.com./.