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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Earliest Event Reported: April 14, 1997
NEW ENGLAND POWER COMPANY
(exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
Massachusetts 1-6564 04-1663070
(state or other (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
jurisdiction of File No.) Identification No.)
incorporation)
25 Research Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts 01582
(Address of principal executive offices)
(508) 389-2000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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Item 5. Other Events
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On April 14, 1997, the Town of Norwood, Massachusetts filed a
lawsuit against the Company in the United States District Court
for the District of Massachusetts. The Company is the wholesale
electric power supplier for Norwood pursuant to rates approved by
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Norwood alleges that
the Company's proposal to divest its power generation assets
violates the terms of a 1983 agreement settling an antitrust
lawsuit brought by Norwood against the Company. Norwood also
alleges that the Company's proposed divestiture plan and recovery
of stranded investment costs contravene Federal antitrust laws.
Norwood seeks that the Company be permanently enjoined from
refusing to comply with the terms of the 1983 settlement agreement
by divesting its generation facilities or from charging unjust and
unreasonable rates to Norwood. Norwood also seeks to recover
treble damages of $450,000,000. The Company believes that its
divestiture plan will promote competition in the wholesale power
generation market and that it has met and will continue to meet its
contractual commitments to Norwood. Further, the Company believes
that Norwood's lawsuit is without merit and will seek to dismiss
the lawsuit.
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Current Report on
Form 8-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto
duly authorized.
NEW ENGLAND POWER COMPANY
s/Michael E. Jesanis
By
Michael E. Jesanis
Treasurer
Date: April 16, 1997
