CMP, Energy East Bring Tall Ships to Maine.

Business Editors

AUGUSTA, Maine--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 25, 2000

Officials of Central Maine Power Co. and its future corporate parent Energy East Corporation are proud to be principal sponsors of OpSail Maine 2000. The July 28-31 event will bring sailing vessels from around the world to Portland Harbor, and is expected to draw thousands of tourists to the area.

"The importance of OpSail Maine goes well beyond a simple waterfront festival," said CMP President Sara J. Burns. "It's the beginning of a year-round effort to promote the importance and understanding of Maine's maritime heritage through education of our children, communities, and visitors. It also provides an ideal opportunity to introduce Energy East, our new corporate parent, to the people of Maine."

"CMP, Energy East, and the other sponsors are delighted with the opportunity to promote an understanding of a vital part of Maine's history, first through this spectacular event, and for the long term through the Maine Maritime Heritage Trail," added CMP Group President and CEO David T. Flanagan. "A coalition of maritime museums, historical societies, historical sites such as forts and lighthouses, and other public and private entities, the Trail will be a lasting cultural and educational resource for Maine long after the tall ships sail away from Portland Harbor."

"We are proud to play a major role in bringing the Tall Ships to Portland," said Energy East chairman, president, and chief executive officer Wes Von Schack. "This event provides a great chance for us to get to know Maine through its rich maritime culture and history, and for Maine people to get to know us."

OpSail Maine will feature a parade of more than 20 ships on Friday, July 28 from noon to 3 p.m. Many of the ships will be docked along Portland's waterfront for tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Music, food, and exhibits will be available throughout the Old Port all weekend.

"CMP and Energy East have been tremendously supportive of our endeavor to bring the Tall Ships of the world to Maine," said Rear Admiral Richard I. Rybacki, USCG (Retired) and OpSail Maine 2000 Board President. "It is gratifying to know that these companies recognize the significance of the event and the importance of Maine's maritime heritage."

Central Maine Power Co. serves more than 540,000 customers in an 11,000-square-mile service territory in central and southern Maine. It is the principal subsidiary of CMP Group, which is expected to complete its merger with Energy East this summer.

Energy East Corporation (NYSE: NEG) is a super-regional energy services and delivery company in the Northeast. Energy East provides superior customer service and promotes competition. By focusing on customer service, competition and growth, Energy East and its subsidiaries will continue to be valuable assets to the communities they serve.

Upon completion of its mergers with CMP Group (NYSE:CTP), CTG Resources (NYSE:CTG) and Berkshire Energy Resources (NASD:BERK), Energy East will serve 2 million customers (1.4 million electricity and 600,000 natural gas) in upstate New York and New England.