Con Edison Prepares for Tropical Storm Hanna

NEW YORK, NY, Sep 05 (MARKET WIRE) --
With a forecast of heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour
this weekend, Con Edison is preparing to mobilize extra crews throughout
New York City and Westchester County to respond to any power outages that
might occur.

The expected high winds and heavy rain could take their toll on trees,
causing them to topple into power lines resulting in power outages. In
addition, extensive flooding from rising levels of seawater can damage
underground electrical equipment in low-lying areas, which could cause
customers to lose electricity.

Additional repair crews and call center personnel will be available to
respond quickly to any outages and service problems that arise.

The company urges customers to report power interruptions or service
problems online at www.conEd.com, or by calling Con Edison's toll-free
customer service number 1-800-75-CON ED (1-800-752-6633). When reporting
an outage, customers should have their Con Edison account number
available, if possible, and report whether their neighbors also have lost
power. Customers can also obtain restoration time and view outage maps
online at http://www.coned.com/sm/outageinfo.asp.

In the event of severe outages, primary distribution feeders will be
restored first, with the highest priority given to lines that supply the
most customers remaining out of service. Next, crews will restore
secondary facilities, such as transformers and secondary cables, with
highest priority given to lines supplying the most customers. Individual
services and lines serving single home will be restored as crews become
available.

Con Edison offers the following storm tips:

-- If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Treat all
downed wires as if they are live. Never attempt to move or touch them with
any object. Be mindful that downed wires can be hidden from view by tree
limbs, leaves, or water.
-- Report all downed wires to Con Edison and your local police department
immediately. If a power line falls on your car while you're in it, stay
inside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel.
-- Exercise extreme caution when entering flooded basements. Rising water
that comes into contact with energized electrical equipment can create
hazardous conditions that present a risk of serious injury.
-- If your power goes out, turn off all lights and appliances to prevent
overloaded circuits when power is restored. Leave at least one light switch
in the on position to alert you when power has been restored.
-- Check to make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios or
televisions are in working order. Use candles and oil lamps with care.
Also, make sure you have a supply of extra batteries. Weather updates and
news about electric service restoration can be heard on most local radio
and television stations.
-- Avoid opening your freezer to see if food is still frozen. Every time
you open the door, room-temperature air enters and speeds the thawing
process. Most fully loaded freezers will keep food frozen for approximately
36 to 48 hours; half-full freezers will keep food frozen for approximately
24 hours.
-- Since cordless phones rely on power charges to operate, customers
should consider maintaining at least one corded, or landline, phone at all
times.

The company will maintain close contact with the New York City Office
of Emergency Management and the Westchester County Department of Emergency
Services to coordinate a response to effects of the storm.

Contact:
Media Relations
(212) 460-4111

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