National Grid Receives National Arbor Day Foundation Environmental Award for 12th Consecutive Year

SYRACUSE, NY (04/26/2011)(readMedia)-- National Grid's thoughtful and responsible approach to tree pruning has won the company its 12th consecutive National Arbor Day Foundation Tree Line USA Utility award in recognition of the company's national leadership and prudent management of trees in the communities it serves.

"Providing reliable service means ensuring that our power lines are clear of trees," said Tom King, president of National Grid in the U.S. "At the same time, we know that communities and homeowners greatly value the beauty their trees provide. This award honors our ability to manage both the needs of our customers and the call to preserve the environment for future generations, two values that are fundamental to our vision."

The distinction covers the company's service areas in New England and upstate New York. National Grid's tree care program and worker training in best tree-care practices, along with its tree-planting, public education, and tree-based energy conservation programs, earn the company the honor from the National Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters.

National Grid urges customers to seek professional advice before planting to determine which trees are best for a given location. Picking the right tree placement and type before planting will help limit the need for future tree pruning. If planting near a utility line can't be avoided, choose trees with a mature height of less than 30 feet. In upstate New York be sure to contact Dig Safe® at 811 or 1-800-962-7962 at least two business days prior to planting trees or shrubs. In New England contact Dig Safe at 811 or 1-888-344-7233, at least three business days prior for customers in New Hampshire and Massachusetts and two business days prior in Rhode Island.

For more information on avoiding tree and utility line conflicts and to view a list of over 100 recommended tree varieties and selections that are appropriate under overhead electric lines customers can visit www.nationalgridus.com and click on "The Environment" and select "Tree Trimming."

The Tree Line USA program is made possible through the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Associate of State Foresters. The National Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization dedicated to tree planting and environmental stewardship. To learn more about the National Arbor Day foundation, please visit www.arborday.org.

National Grid is an international energy delivery company. In the U.S., National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island, and manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island. National Grid also owns over 4,000 megawatts of contracted electricity generation that provides power to over one million LIPA customers.

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