Press Release

NEW YORK, June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Consolidated Edison Inc. (Con Edison) has become the first electric utility to join the HomePlug Powerline Alliance (HomePlug), a not-for-profit corporation that is working to promote the development of networked products and services for the home that will utilize electric power lines for communications and data transmission. As a HomePlug Participant member, Con Edison will be in the forefront of powerline technology and will work with other HomePlug members, including Cisco Systems, Intel, Motorola, Compaq and Texas Instruments, to promote the acceptance of "the connected home."

Networking via powerlines gives customers the convenience of using existing power outlets throughout the home to connect many kinds of communications and control devices, enabling new products to deliver entertainment, information and telephony services with high levels of performance and convenience.

"Powerline technology holds the promise of easy, reliable and cost effective solutions to customers' rapidly growing communication needs," said Joan S. Freilich, Con Edison's executive vice president and chief financial officer. "Internet usage in the home is exploding, along with the market for smart appliances. Con Edison recognizes the tremendous potential of this market and is excited to be part of the alliance that is setting the standard for the future."

HomePlug and its members are working together to develop the necessary specifications for home powerline networking products and services and to accelerate demand for these products and services through market and user education programs. Additional information on the HomePlug Alliance is available at: http://www.homeplug.org.

Consolidated Edison, Inc. is one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $7.5 billion in annual revenues and more than $15 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. SOURCE Consolidated Edison Inc.

CONTACT: Brenda Perez of Con Edison, 212-460-4111/