The following message, beginning on March 13, 2000, will be recorded on The
Con Edison/NU Merger Information Line at 1-800-558-5947:

#800 Update - week of March 13, 2000


As you may know, the Securities and Exchange Commission declared the Con
Edison/NU joint proxy statement effective on March 1.  The proxy statement,
including the proxy card, is in the mail to all Con Edison and NU
shareholders and all shareholders can expect to receive it momentarily.  In
addition, the joint proxy statement is available online at www.nu.com under
the Investor's Corner.

Your vote on these proposals is very important, so please complete, sign,
date and return each proxy card you receive right away.  In order to be
tabulated, your vote must be received by the date stated on your proxy
card(s).  If you miss the deadline, your vote will not count.

Market forces tell us that size matters in the new, competitive energy
business environment, and we urge you to vote FOR the Con Edison/NU merger.
The combined company will have the financial resources that we anticipate
will be needed to grow and prosper in the future. This should help increase
the efficiency of our operations, enhance our ability to deploy advanced
technologies, further strengthen our infrastructure and customer service, and
increase shareholder value through growth in earnings.  In short, we believe
this combination presents greater prospects for a bright future for
employees, a solid investment for our shareholders, and a sound business
choice for our customers.

The next step involves shareholder approval, and a Special Annual Meeting is
scheduled for April 14th.  NU shareholders will be voting on two items:
1. To allow NU to amend its declaration of trust to allow a merger with
another company.  This item must pass for the second to pass.
2. To merge with Con Edison.

Con Edison shareholders will be voting to approve the merger with Northeast
Utilities.

Please be sure to complete and return all proxy cards you receive by the due
date indicated on the card(s).  Every proxy card must be voted for your
shares to be represented.  Not voting is counted as a "no" vote, so please be
sure to vote every proxy you receive.  You will receive a separate proxy for
shares you own in your 401k plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or through
your private holdings.