American Chestnut Foundation

In September 2006, Northeast Utilities began offering its shareholders a unique opportunity - a chance to benefit local forests, reduce environmental waste and make voting faster and easier - all by signing up for electronic delivery of its Annual Report and proxy materials.

For every shareholder who signed up, the company pledged to donate five dollars to the American Chestnut Foundation, an organization devoted to restoring the American Chestnut tree to local Connecticut forests. At a recent shareholder meeting, NU President and Chief Executive Officer Charles Shivery announced that investors have enthusiastically responded to this opportunity.

"I want to thank the nearly 2,000 shareholders who have signed up for electronic delivery of proxy materials thus far. We're excited about this opportunity to further recognize the importance of our natural habitats," said Shivery.

On behalf of the shareholders, Shivery presented a donation in the amount of $8,385 dollars to The American Chestnut Foundation - earmarked to support the American Chestnut Orchard at Great Mountain Forest in Norfolk.

Leila Pinchot, The American Chestnut Foundation's New England Regional Science Coordinator, was on hand to accept the donation. Ms. Pinchot is the great granddaughter of Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service who grew up near Simsbury.

NU's work with the American Chestnut Foundation is just one example of the work the company is doing to maintain and improve the environment throughout Connecticut.