SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Earliest Event Reported: October 21, 1999
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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As previously reported, in connection with the merger of New
England Electric System (NEES) and The National Grid Group plc
(National Grid), NEES and National Grid filed for merger approval
with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) associated with
NEP's minority ownership interests in six nuclear plants. On
July 20, 1999, three subsidiaries of Northeast Utilities (the
lead owner of two of the nuclear plants) filed a request for
hearing with the NRC raising issues with respect to foreign
ownership and whether NEP will continue to meet financial
qualifications standards under the Atomic Energy Act.
On October 21, 1999, the NRC granted the request for a
hearing on these two issues and directed NEES, National Grid, and
the Northeast Utilities subsidiaries to confer promptly on
whether this proceeding could be settled without the need for a
hearing. In the event the parties do not reach a settlement
satisfactory to the NRC, the hearing is scheduled for January 12,
2000. If a hearing is held, the NRC stated it expects to issue a
final order on the merits by April 3, 2000. NEES and National
Grid believe that they can satisfy the NRC as to the two issues
raised for hearing.
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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
Vice President
Date: October 22, 1999
