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EXHIBIT (24)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
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Each of the undersigned directors of New England Power Company
(the "Company"), individually as a director of the Company, hereby
constitutes and appoints John G. Cochrane, Kirk L. Ramsauer, and
Geraldine M. Zipser, individually, as attorney-
in-fact to execute on behalf of the undersigned the Company's
transition report on Form 10-K for the period ended March 31, 2000 to
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and to execute
any appropriate amendment or amendments thereto as may be required by
law.
Dated this 20th day of June, 2000.
s/L. Joseph Callan s/Peter G. Flynn
_________________________ _________________________
L. Joseph Callan Peter G. Flynn
s/Michael E. Jesanis s/Cheryl A. LaFleur
_________________________ _________________________
Michael E. Jesanis Cheryl A. LaFleur
s/Robert G. Powderly s/Terry L. Schwennesen
_________________________ _________________________
Robert G. Powderly Terry L. Schwennesen
s/Richard P. Sergel s/Philip R. Sharp
_________________________ _________________________
Richard P. Sergel Philip R. Sharp