Exhibit 12.1 
 
 
                            Boston Edison Company 
              Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 
                      Twelve Months Ended June 30, 1996 
                                (in thousands) 
 
 
                                                  
Net income from continuing operations               $119,101 
 
Income taxes                                          70,154 
 
Fixed charges                                        123,996 
                                                    -------- 
 
     Total                                          $313,251 
                                                    ======== 
 
Interest expense                                    $114,857 
Interest component of rentals                          9,139 
                                                    -------- 
 
     Total                                          $123,996 
                                                    ======== 
 
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges                      2.53 
                                                        ====