Press Release

NEW YORK, March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Edison) has mobilized emergency personnel and equipment for a major winter storm expected to hit the New York City area later today and possibly lasting until Tuesday. Approximately 140 crews have been scheduled to address electric power outages that may arise in the five boroughs and Westchester County.

Con Edison is in close contact with the New York City Office of Emergency Management and the Westchester County Office of Emergency Services to coordinate storm response.

Con Edison has also offered the following precautions to help customers cope with the possible effects of the storm:

• If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Treat all downed wires as if they are live. Never attempt to move them or touch them with any object. Be mindful that downed wires can be hidden from view by tree limbs, leaves or water. Report all downed wires to Con Edison and your local police department immediately. If a power line falls on your car while you're in it, it is recommended that you stay inside the vehicle and wait for expert help.

• If your power goes out, turn off all lights and appliances to prevent overloaded circuits when power is restored. To report a power interruption at your home, call Con Edison's toll-free customer service number 1-800-75-CON ED (1-800-752-6633). When reporting an outage, have your Con Edison account number available, if possible, and report whether your neighbors have also lost power. Leave at least one light switch in the on position to alert you when power has been restored.

• Check to make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios or televisions are in working order, and use candles with care. Also, make sure you have a supply of extra batteries. Weather updates and news on restorations of electrical service can be heard on most local radio and television stations.

• Avoid opening your freezer to see if food is still frozen. Every time you open the door, room-temperature air enters and speeds the thawing process. Most fully loaded freezers will keep food frozen for approximately 36 to 48 hours; half-full freezers will keep food frozen for about approximately 24 hours.

Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., (NYSE: ED) one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $9 billion in annual revenues and $16 billion in assets. The utility provides electric, gas and steam service to more than three million customers in New York City and Westchester County, New York. For additional financial, operations and customer service information, visit Con Edison's web site at http://www.coned.com. SOURCE Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.

CONTACT: Brenda Perez for Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., 212-460-4111/