Press Release

NEW YORK, July 21, 2006 - Based on last night's visual inspection of the damage to cables in northwest Queens and block-by-block surveys, Con Edison estimates that 25,000 customers in the area are without power. Previous estimates were based on the number of customers who had called the company to say they were without electricity.

Con Edison continues to encourage customers to call 1-800-75 CONED to report outages.

The company has more than 500 splicers, troubleshooters, mechanics, and support personnel working around the clock to restore power in the affected areas. Crews have been inspecting more than 2,000 manholes, approximately 5,000 service boxes, more than 600 transformers, and nearly 500 miles of cable, and are repairing or replacing damaged equipment.

All of the primary cables in the grid serving that section of Queens have been re-energized, and crews are repairing secondary wires -- those that deliver electricity from the primary system to homes and businesses. Throughout this week, Con Edison has focused on restoring the high voltage-primary cables to ensure outages were not more widespread in the area.

Con Edison will be working around the clock, through the weekend, to restore all customers.

Con Edison Media Relations
Contact: Michael Clendenin
Telephone: 1-212-460-4111