May 29,2009

National Grid officials today said the supply of electricity in its upstate New York service area should be adequate to meet summer demand.

“We expect to have a sufficient supply of electricity to meet our customers’ needs throughout the summer months, assuming normal weather and scheduled performance of the region’s power plants,” said Susan Crossett, vice president for energy solutions in upstate New York.

National Grid is again promoting New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) programs targeted at demand reduction by commercial and industrial customers during peak periods. The NYISO programs provide financial incentives to participating customers for emergency curtailment programs.

To help meet demand during potential heat waves or unanticipated loss of supply, National Grid has reinstated its successful Summer Energy Watch Advisory program. The advisory program alerts customers, primarily through the broadcast media, of requests by the New York Independent System Operator for voluntary reductions in electricity use.

“Our own Energy Watch and NYISO demand response programs have proven to be effective tools in managing electricity demand during past heat waves,” Crossett said. “Also, even on days that do not require announced appeals, it helps for our customers to be mindful of their energy use.”

For 2009, National Grid residential customers will be served from a portfolio of supply sources that is approximately 80 percent hedged, making the cost of electricity for residential customers subject to far less variability than the wholesale spot market price. Hedging is a common financial strategy often used to control risk and reduce market exposure.

National Grid is an international energy delivery company. In the U.S., National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island, and manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island. National Grid also owns over 4,000 megawatts of contracted electricity generation that provides power to over one million LIPA customers.