Exhibit 12.1



                             Boston Edison Company
               Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
                         Year ended December 31, 1996
                                (in thousands)


                                                    
Net income from continuing operations                  $141,546

Income taxes                                             87,982

Fixed charges                                           120,359
                                                       --------

     Total                                             $349,887
                                                       ========

Interest expense                                       $109,374
Interest component of rentals                            10,985
                                                       --------

     Total                                             $120,359
                                                       ========


Ratio of earnings to fixed charges                         2.91
                                                           ====