WIRE:06/27/2000 09:23:00 ET Power watch declared for New England

HOLYOKE, Mass., (Reuters) - ISO New England and the utilities that serve the region issued a power watch to consumers early on Tuesday. Hot, humid weather blanketed the region from Connecticut north to Maine and from Vermont through Massachusetts.

ISO New England, the newly formed Independent Systems Operator of the region's bulk electricity generation and transmission system, said the hot weather and routine power plant shutdowns were to blame for the power watch.

Customers were urged to reduce electricity usage through the day and Wednesday.

Central Maine Power Co., a unit of CMP Group Inc. ; Northeast Utilities System ; and Central Vermont Public Service Co. were among the utilities asking customers to conserve

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-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), June 27, 2000