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                                                                EXHIBIT (99)-7

From:  Mary Carpenter
       Dec. 29, 1995

   Done Deal--Wisconsin Electric/Wisconsin Natural Merger Official January 1

      MILWAUKEE--With all regulatory matters cared for, the merger between
Wisconsin Electric Power Co. and Wisconsin Natural Gas Co. becomes official
Jan. 1, 1996.  The name "Wisconsin Natural Gas Company" will no longer be used
when the natural gas operations becomes a business unit of Wisconsin Electric
Power Co.

      Both companies are subsidiaries of Wisconsin Energy Corp. (WEC)  The
merger was announced by WEC in January 1994 shortly after Wisconsin Natural
acquired Wisconsin Southern Gas Co. as a way to further position the company
for an evolving competitive energy marketplace.  "Both the natural gas and the
electric industries are experiencing significant regulatory changes pointing
toward increased competition," says Chuck Govin, recently named vice president
of gas operations.  "The merger of the two companies will allow us to take
advantage of cost-savings and enable us to offer customers better energy
services at competitive prices."

      Customers previously served by both Wisconsin Natural and Wisconsin
Electric will receive electric and gas service as customers of Wisconsin
Electric.  "Although the two companies officially become one on January 1,
many service-related changes have actually been phased in over the last two
years so many customers are already acclimated to the changes," says Kristine
Rappe, vice president, customer services.  "For instance, phone calls for both
electric and gas service have been handled by Wisconsin Electric."

      Some vehicles, buildings, and clothing worn by gas operation employees
will continue to display old logos and signs until the planned merger between
WEC and Northern States Power Co. to form Primergy is finalized.  "We will
continue to communicate with our customers in many ways in the coming months
so that ongoing changes are less confusing," adds Rappe.  "We expect to
maintain a high level of service quality to all customers throughout the
changes."

      As a combined gas and electric provider, Wisconsin Electric serves about
2.3 million people in southeastern Wisconsin (including the Milwaukee area),
the Appleton area, the Prairie du Chien area, and portions of northeastern
Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

                                     # # #

TIMELINE

Jan. 1, 1994     - Racine-headquartered, Wisconsin Natural Gas Co. acquires
                   Wisconsin Southern Gas Co.

January 24, 1994 - WEC announces plans to merge Wisconsin Electric Power Co.
                   and Wisconsin Natural

May 1, 1995      - WEC announces plans to merge with Northern States Power Co.

Jan. 1, 1996     - WE/WN merger complete.  Wisconsin Natural name is retired.
                   Electric and gas services are provided by Wisconsin
                   Electric.