Press Release

NEW YORK, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Consolidated Edison, Inc. (Con Edison) today announced the election of Dr. George W. Sarney, chairman of Spirent plc, to the company's Board of Directors and to the Board of Trustees of Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. Dr. Sarney was elected at the January 18 board meeting.

"Dr. Sarney brings a wealth of broad-based skills and international business experience to Con Edison. His knowledge of public utilities in global markets, combined with his command of existing and emerging technologies makes him a valuable addition to our board," said Eugene R. McGrath, chairman and CEO of Con Edison.

On accepting his appointment Dr. Sarney said, "This is a wonderful opportunity to join a world-class organization in an industry in which I have extensive interest and experience. Con Edison is an industry leader with a strong financial base and an unlimited future. I am looking forward to joining an outstanding board of directors."

In September 1999, Dr. Sarney was appointed chairman of Spirent plc, (formerly Bowthorpe plc) based in the United Kingdom. The firm is a world leader in advanced telecommunications testing systems and network products, providing state-of-the-art electronic solutions with a focus on high growth, high margin, and high technology activities.

Dr. Sarney joined the firm's board in 1996 and was appointed senior independent non-executive director in October 1998. He was formerly chief executive of the Intelligent Automation Division of Invensys plc in London, England.

A native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Dr. Sarney was raised in Buffalo, New York. He received a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Buffalo. He started his career at the General Electric Company Inc. (GE), which sponsored him through his master's and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute. Dr. Sarney became one of GE's youngest corporate vice presidents at the age of 42. While at the company, he gained international experience in Europe, Japan, South America, Taiwan and the Philippines.

From 1986 to 1993, Dr. Sarney was senior vice president and group executive for the Raytheon Energy and Environmental Group. In 1994 he joined Siebe plc, which subsequently became Invensys plc.

Dr. Sarney lives in Osterville, Massachusetts with his wife, Elaine. The couple has two children.

Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE: ED) is one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $9 billion in annual revenues and $16 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: D. Joy Faber of Consolidated Edison, Inc., 212-460-4111/