Press Release

NEW YORK, NY, Jul 11, 2007 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) -- As the heat wave breaks, Con Edison crews are preparing for late-afternoon thunderstorms expected across the area today.

Across New York City and Westchester, the company's focus this afternoon will move to addressing any effects of the anticipated thunderstorms and subsequent showers.

Scores of additional repair crews and call center personnel will be available to respond to any outages and service problems that may result.

Tuesday's peak-electric load rose to 12,478 megawatts at 5 p.m., the eighth-highest day ever on the utility's all-time list. The record is 13,141 megawatts, set on August 2 last year at 5 p.m.

The company urges customers to report power interruptions or service problems online at www.conEd.com, or by calling Con Edison's toll-free customer service number 1-800-75-CON ED (1-800-752-6633). When reporting an outage, customers should have their Con Edison account number available, if possible, and report whether their neighbors also have lost power.

In the event of severe outages, primary distribution feeders will be restored first, with the highest priority given to lines that supply the most customers remaining out of service. Next, crews will restore secondary facilities, such as transformers and secondary cables, with highest priority given to lines supplying the most customers. Individual services and lines serving single home will be restored as crews become available.

Con Edison offers the following storm tips:

• If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Treat all downed wires as if they are live. Never attempt to move 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, stay inside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel.
• If your power goes out, turn off all lights and appliances to prevent overloaded circuits when power is restored. 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. Use candles and oil lamps with care. Also, make sure you have a supply of extra batteries. Weather updates and news about electric service restoration 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 approximately 24 hours.
• Since cordless phones rely on power charges to operate, customers should consider maintaining at least one corded, or landline, phone at all times.

The company will maintain close contact with the New York City Office of Emergency Management and the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services to coordinate a response to effects of the storm.

Contact: Michael Clendenin (212) 460-4111