Exhibit 12.1



                             Boston Edison Company
               Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
                         Year ended December 31, 1997
                                (in thousands)


                                                    
Net income from continuing operations                  $144,642

Income taxes                                             82,455

Fixed charges                                           116,258
                                                       --------

     Total                                             $343,355
                                                       ========

Interest expense                                       $106,899
Interest component of rentals                             9,359
                                                       --------

     Total                                             $116,258
                                                       ========


Ratio of earnings to fixed charges                         2.95
                                                           ====