April 14, 2004







Securities and Exchange Commission

450 5th Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C.  20549



ATTN:  Wilson Butler



Re: Authorization to Sign Rule 16 Forms



 I am an Executive Officer of General Electric Company ("GE") and, until further written notice, I hereby individually authorize Michael R. McAlevey (GE's Chief Corporate and Securities Counsel), Thomas J. Kim (GE's Corporate and Securities Counsel), Anita Kagna (GE's Associate Securities Counsel), and Eliza W. Fraser (GE's Associate Corporate Counsel) to sign on my behalf the attached Form 3 and any Form 4, Form 5 or related form that I have filed or may file hereafter in connection with my direct or indirect beneficial ownership of General Electric Company securities, and to take any other action of any type whatsoever in connection with the foregoing which in his or her opinion may be of benefit to, in the best interest of, or legally required by me.





  Very truly yours,







  Sir William Castell



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