FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    2000-36

                                
     Order for the National Grid Group plc, et al. Available
                     on Commission's Website

     Washington, DC, March 17, 2000 - On March 15, 2000, the
Commission issued an order under the Public Utility Holding
Company Act of 1935 approving, among other things, the
acquisition of New England Electric Company, a registered public-
utility holding company, by The National Grid Group plc, a U.K.
holding company.  The Commission has not previously considered an
acquisition of a domestic registered holding company by a foreign
holding company that would require the foreign company to
register under the Act.  See Holding Co. Act Release No. 27154;
International Series Release No. 1217.  The order is available on
the Commission's web site at www.sec.gov.
     
     
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