Press Release

NEW YORK, Sep 17, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Edison) has emergency plans in place to respond to power problems caused by strong winds and heavy rains from Hurricane Isabel. Extra crews have been mobilized if there is a need to repair downed utility poles and electric cables, and company employees have been inspecting overhead power lines. Tree-trimming crews are already working to clear branches away from utility cables.

The company has allocated emergency equipment and materials to locations throughout its service area and is making preparations for any flood scenarios that might jeopardize its underground or overhead systems. Additional customer service representatives will also be standing by to handle incoming calls and other storm-related matters.

If the storm approaches our area, Con Edison advises customers to:

• Tape glass windows.
• Secure any loose objects outside the house.
• Check batteries in flashlights and portable radios.
• Store medications in waterproof containers and keep them handy in case of evacuation.
• Contact Con Edison at 1-800-75CONED if someone in your household uses life sustaining equipment. Make sure they have an alternate source of electric power, such as a battery back-up system for such devices.
• Have a seven-day drinking water and non-perishable food supply and be sure to have a manual can opener.

People should remain indoors. If for any reason they must venture outside following the storm, it is imperative that they avoid downed or dangling power lines and any other damaged electrical equipment. Motorists in vehicles that make contact with a downed power cable must not attempt to move the cable, but should remain inside the vehicle until help arrives.

If power outages should occur, crews will first clear downed wires to eliminate public hazards and to expedite service restoration. As quickly as conditions warrant, power will be restored to customers who use life sustaining equipment. Power will also be restored to sensitive customers as quickly as conditions allow. These customers include hospitals, water supply and sewage treatment facilities, nursing homes, police and fire stations, telephone company facilities, radio and television stations and public transportation.

Con Edison remains in close contact with the National Weather Service, the New York City Office of Emergency Management and the Westchester County Office of Emergency Services.

Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE: ED), one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy companies, with $9 billion in annual revenues and approximately $19 billion in assets. The utility provides electric, gas and steam service to more than 3 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 www.coned.com.

SOURCE Con Edison

Brenda Perez of Con Edison, +1-212-460-4111

http://www.coned.com