16
 
                                                               Exhibit 12.2 
 
 
                            Boston Edison Company 
              Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 
                  and Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements 
                       Twelve Months Ended March 31, 1997 
                                (in thousands) 
 
 
 
                                                  
Net income from continuing operations               $137,278 
 
Income taxes                                          85,429 
 
Fixed charges                                        117,567
                                                    -------- 
 
     Total                                          $340,274
                                                    ======== 
 
Interest expense                                    $108,319 
Interest component of rentals                          9,248
                                                    -------- 
 
     Subtotal                                        117,567
                                                    -------- 
 
Preferred stock dividend requirements                 24,617
                                                    -------- 
 
     Total                                          $142,184
                                                    ======== 
 
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred 
stock dividend requirements                             2.39
                                                        ====