HARTFORD, Conn., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- A group of utility companies that provide electricity to customers in several Northeast states have formed the Regional Electric Vehicle Initiative (REVI) to encourage collaboration among entities interested in advancing electric transportation.

    Participating utilities are:  Connecticut Municipal Electrical Energy
                                  Cooperative (CMEEC), Massachusetts
                                  Municipal Wholesale Electric Company
                                  (MMWEC), National Grid, Northeast Utilities
                                  (NU), NSTAR and The United Illuminating
                                  Company (UI).

About REVI: REVI's focus supports regional and state policy goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop alternative fuel resources, utilizing the region's existing electric system as the starting point for the new charging infrastructure of plug-in electric vehicles coming to market beginning in late 2010.

The REVI Utilities Working Group is a voluntary collaborative of interested electric utilities in the Northeast driven by the emergence of plug-in hybrid and battery-only electric vehicles ("EVs" inclusively). The group is organized to exchange information and establish shared positions and priorities for the region's EV infrastructure. EVs have the potential to provide significant economic, environmental and social benefits, such as reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on imported oil, while reducing consumers' energy costs. Member utilities have the potential to play a critical role in advancing the region's EV planning process, policies and dialogue with external stakeholders.

    Media contacts for participating utilities:

    CMEEC (www.cmeec.org)               Michael Cassella  860-965-2526  mobile
    MMWEC (www.mmwec.org)                    Dave Tuohey  413-308-1392  office
    National Grid (www.nationalgridus.com)  Deborah Drew  508-389-2637  office
    NU (www.nu.com)                              Al Lara  860-728-4616  office
    NSTAR (www.nstar.com)                 Caroline Allen  617-424-2460  office
    UI (www.uinet.com)                        Al Carbone  203-499-2247  office

    Related information:  Refer to the Edison Electric Institute's Plug-In
                          Electric Vehicle Market Readiness Pledge announced
                          October 21, 2009, in Detroit.  (Go to www.eei.org
                          for news release)

CONTACT: Jim Owen, 202-256-8447.

SOURCE Regional Electric Vehicle Initiative