Document:

Exhibit 4.8

Exhibit 4.8

Dated 28th April 2003

National Grid Transco plc

National Grid Company plc

And

Nicholas Winser

Service Agreement

	Index	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 	Index	 	1	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	1	Interpretation	 	2	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	2	Commencement of Employment	 	2	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	3	Appointment and Duties of the Executive	 	2	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	4	Hours	 	3	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	5	Interests of the Executive and Code

    	 	4	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	6	Location	 	4	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	7	Salary and Benefits

    	 	4	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	8	Expenses	 	6	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	9	Confidentiality	 	6	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	10	Intellectual Property Rights	 	7	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	11	Termination and Suspension 	 	8	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	12	Garden Leave	 	10	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	13	Protection of Interests of the Company and the Group	 	11	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	14	Offers on Liquidation	 	13	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	15	Return of Company Property	 	13	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	16	Directorships	 	13	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	17	Notices	 	14	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	18	Statutory Particulars	 	14	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	19	Data Protection Act 1998	 	14	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	20	Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999	 	15	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	21	Miscellaneous	 	15	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 

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	This Agreement is made on 28th April 2003 between

	 	 
	(1)	NATIONAL GRID TRANSCO PLC whose registered office is at 1-3 Strand, London, WC2N 3EH (the “Company”); National Grid Company PLC and

	 	 
	(2)	Nicholas Winser of 19 Pegan Lane, South Natick, Massachusetts, MA 01760, U.S.A (the “Executive”).

This agreement records the terms on which the Executive will serve the Company.

	1.	Interpretation

	 	 
	 	In this agreement (and any schedules to it):

	 	 
	1.1	Definitions

	 	 
	 	“Board” means the board of directors of the Company from time to time or any person or committee nominated by the board of directors as its representative for the purposes of this agreement;

	 	 
	 	“Employment” means the employment governed by this agreement;

	 	 
	 	“Group” means the Company and the Company’s associates (as defined in section 435 of the Insolvency Act 1986) from time to time;

	 	 
	 	“Group Company” means a member of the Group and “Group Companies” will be interpreted accordingly,

	 	 
	 	“Holiday Year” means each 12-month period commencing on 1 April and ending on 31 March;

	 	 
	 	“Listing Rules” means the Listing Rules made by the UK Listing Authority under section 142 of the Financial Services Act I986; “Termination Date” means the date on which the Employment terminates; and

	 	 
	 	“UK Listing Authority” means the Financial Services Authority in its capacity as competent authority under the Financial Services Act 1986.

	 	 
	2	Commencement of Employment

	 	 
	2.1	The Employment will start on 28 April 2003 (the “Commencement Date”). The Employment will continue until termination in accordance with the provisions of this agreement.

	 	 
	2.2	In accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, the Executive’s appointment is subject to ratification by shareholders in General Meeting.

	 	 
	3	Appointment and Duties of the Executive

	 	 
	3.1	The Executive will serve as Group Director, Transmission and Chief Executive, National Grid Company plc, or in any other executive capacity as the Company reasonably may decide from time to time.

	 	 
	3.2	The Executive will:

	 	 	 
	 	3.2.1	(unless prevented from doing so by sickness or injury) devote the whole of his working time, attention and skill to the Employment;

	 	 	 
	 	 	 

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	 	3.2.2	properly perform his duties and exercise his powers;

	 	 	 
	 	3.2.3	accept any offices or directorships as reasonably required by the Board;

	 	 	 
	 	3.2.4	comply with all rules and regulations issued by the Company;

	 	 	 
	 	3.2.5	obey the reasonable directions of the Board;

	 	 	 
	 	3.2.6	act in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company and any relevant Group Company; and

	 	 	 
	 	3.2.7	use his best endeavours to promote the interests and reputation of every Group Company.

	 	 
	3.3	The Executive accepts that:

	 	 	 
	 	3.3.1	the Company may require him to perform duties for any other Group Company whether for the whole or part of his working time. In performing those duties clause 3.2.4 will apply as if references to the Company are to the appropriate Group Company. The
 Company will remain responsible for the payments and benefits he is entitled to receive under this agreement; and

	 	 	 
	 	3.3.2	the Company may appoint any other person to act jointly with him; and

	 	 	 
	 	3.3.3	the Company may transfer the Employment to any other Group Company.

	 	 
	3.4	The Executive will keep the Board (and, where appropriate the board of directors of any other Group Company) fully informed of his conduct of the business, finances or affairs of the Company or any other Group Company in a prompt and timely manner. He will provide
 information to the Board in writing if requested.

	 	 
	3.5	The Executive will promptly disclose to the Board full details of any wrongdoing by any employee of any Group Company where that wrongdoing is material to that employee’s employment by the relevant company or to the interests or reputation of any Group Company.

	 	 
	3.6	At any time during
          the Employment the Company may require the Executive to undergo a medical
          examination by a medical practitioner appointed by the Company. Subject
          to prior disclosure and consultation with the Executive, the Executive
          authorises that medical  practitioner to disclose to the Company any
          report or test results prepared or obtained as a result of that examination
          and to discuss with it any matters arising out of the examination which
          are relevant to the Employment or which might prevent the Executive
          properly
 performing the duties of the Employment.

	 	 
	4	Hours

	 	 
	4.1	The Executive will comply with the Company’s normal hours of work and will also work any additional hours which may be reasonably necessary to perform his duties to the satisfaction of the Board. He will not receive any further remuneration for any hours worked in
 addition to the normal working hours.

	 	 
	4.2	The Executive and the Company agree that the Executive is a managing executive for the purposes of the Working Time Regulations 1998 (the “Regulations”) and is able to determine the duration of his working time himself. As such, the exemptions in Regulation 20 of the
 Regulations will apply to the Employment.

	 	 
	 	 

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	5	Interests of the Executive and Code

	 	 
	5.1	The Executive will disclose promptly in writing to the Board all his interests and those of his spouse and dependent children (for example, shareholdings or directorships) (whether or not of a commercial or business nature) except his interests in any Group Company.

	 	 
	5.2	Subject to clause 5.3, during the Employment the Executive will not be directly or indirectly engaged or concerned in the conduct of any business activity (except as a representative of the Company or with the written consent of the Board).

	 	 
	5.3	The Executive may not hold or be interested in investments which amount to more than three per cent of the issued investments of any class of any one company whether or not those investments are listed or quoted on any recognised stock exchange.

	 	 
	5.4	The Executive will
          (and will procure that his spouse and dependent children) comply with
          all rules of law, including Part V of the Criminal Justice Act 1993,
          the Model Code as set out in the appendix to Chapter 16 of the Listing
          Rules as amended from time to time and rules  or policies applicable
          to the Company from time to time in relation to the holding or trading
          of securities including compliance with the spent as well as the letter
          of those rules. In relation to overseas dealings, he will also comply
          with all laws of the state and all regulations of
 the stock exchange, market on dealing system in which such dealings take place.

	 	 
	5.5	The Company’s Code of Corporate Governance provides that the Executive, in furtherance of his duties as a director of the Company, may take independent professional advice, if necessary, at the Company’s expense. This step should only be taken if it is in the best interests
 of the Company to do so and, in any event, the Chairman or Group Company Secretary should be notified.

	 	 
	5.6	As a director, the Executive is bound by the provisions of company law and to the Stock Exchange Listing requirements, details of which are available from the Group General Counsel and Group Company Secretary. The Executive should seek the advice of the Chairman on
 the interpretation of these provisions in the event of any uncertainty.

	 	 
	6	Location

	 	 
	6.1	The executive will
          initially be based at the offices of National Grid USA, 25 Research
          Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts, MA 01582, USA until he can complete
          his relocation to the United Kingdom. The Executive will then work
          at National Grid UK’s offices in Coventry
 (with a move to Warwick due prior to the end of 2003) or anywhere else within
          the United Kingdom required by the Board. He may be required to travel
          and work outside the United Kingdom from time to time but may not be
          required to relocate his residence outside of the  United Kingdom (or
          for three years from the date hereof from any permanent residence in
          the U.K. occupied by him).

	 	 
	7	Salary and Benefits

	 	 
	7.1	The Company will pay the Executive a salary of £300,000 per annum. Salary will be paid monthly in arrears by bank credit transfer and will accrue from day to day. Salary will be reviewed annually commencing in 2004. The review will usually take place in April of each
 year.

	 	 
	 	 

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	7.2	The salary referred to in clause 7.1 includes director’s fees from the Group Companies and any other companies in which the Executive is required to accept a directorship under the terms of this Employment. To achieve this:

	 	 	 
	 	7.2.1	the Executive will repay any fees he receives to the Company; or

	 	 	 
	 	7.2.2	his salary will be reduced by the amount of those fees; or

	 	 	 
	 	7.2.3	a combination of the methods set out in clauses 7.2.1 and 7.2.2 will be applied.

	 	 
	7.3	The Executive’s current terms of membership of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme will remain unchanged as at the commencement date. However, pension benefits for Directors are under review and these terms, including the age for normal retirement may
 subsequently be changed.

	 	 
	7.4	The Company will provide a death in service lump sum of 4 x the Executive’s basic pay to be paid if he dies in service. The Company may insure that benefit and/or set up a trust to provide that benefit if it thinks fit.

	 	 
	7.5	Without prejudice to the Company’s right to terminate the Employment at any time in accordance with clause 11, if the Executive complies with any eligibility or other conditions set by the Company and any insurer appointed by the Company from time to time (the
 “Insurer”), the Executive will be provided with permanent health insurance. The terms upon which this insurance is provided and the level of cover will be in accordance with Company policy from time to time. The Executive understands and agrees that if the Insurer fails
 or refuses to provide him with any benefit under the insurance arrangement provided by the Company, the Executive will have no right of action against the Company in respect of such failure or refusal.

	 	 
	 	If the Executive complies with any eligibility requirements or other conditions set by the Company and any insurer appointed by the Company, the Executive and his spouse and children under 18 years of age may participate in the Company’s private health insurance
 arrangements at the Company’s expense and subject to the terms of those arrangements from time to time. The Company reserves the right at any time to withdraw this benefit or to amend the terms upon which it is provided.

	 	 
	7.6	The Executive, will, during the Employment, be provided with personal accident insurance cover subject to in accordance with the rules of the relevant scheme from time to time in force. Details of these arrangements are available from Group Human Resources.

	 	 
	7.7	The Company will reimburse
          the Executive in full for subscriptions for any professional memberships
          which, in the opinion of the Company, are relevant to the Executive’s
          employment.

	 	 
	7.8	The Executive is entitled to 31 days’ paid holiday each Holiday Year (in addition to English Bank and other public holidays) to be taken at times approved in advance by the Board. Holidays may not be carried  forward from one Holiday Year to the next. The Executive
 agrees that the provisions of Regulations 15(1)-(4) inclusive of the Regulations (dates on which leave is taken) do not apply to the Employment.

	 	 
	 	Holiday entitlement
          will accrue from day to day. For part years, the Executive’s
          holiday entitlement for the year will be pro-rated to the length of
          his service in that year. The Executive will be paid for any accrued
          holiday not taken at the Termination Date. The Company may require
          the Executive to take any accrued holiday during any notice period.
          If on the Termination Date the Executive has exceeded his accrued holiday
          entitlement, the excess may be deducted from any sums due to him. The
          formula for calculating the amount of holiday due to the Executive
          and any payments or repayments to be made is 1/260 of the Executive’s
    annual basic salary.

	 	 
	 	 

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	7.9	Without prejudice to the Company’s right to terminate the Employment at any time in accordance with clause 11:

	 	 	 
	 	7.9.1	salary payable and benefits provided to the Executive under this agreement will cease after 180 consecutive days of absence or an aggregate of 130 working days in any period of 365 days from work due to illness or injury; and

	 	 	 
	 	7.9.2	the amount of any
          benefit which the Executive is entitled to claim during that period
          of absence under any Social Security or National Insurance Scheme and/or
          any scheme of which the Executive is a non-contributory member by virtue
          of the Employment will be deducted from any salary paid to him. The
          Company will pay the Executive statutory sick pay under the Social
          Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 (as amended) and any salary
          paid to him will be deemed to include statutory sick pay. The Company
          reserves the right to offset the amount of these benefits against salary
          paid to the Executive even if the Executive has not recovered them.

	 	 
	7.10	If the Executive is absent from work due to sickness or injury which is caused by the fault of another person, and as a consequence recovers from that person or another person any sum representing compensation for loss of salary under this agreement, the Executive will
 repay to the Company any money it has paid to him as salary in respect of the same period of absence.

	 	 
	7.11	If the Executive is absent from work as a result of sickness or injury, he will:

	 	 	 
	 	(i)	notify the Company by telephone on the first day of his absence, or in the event of being unable to do so, as soon as practicable thereafter;

	 	 	 
	 	(ii)	if the period of absence is less than 8 consecutive calendar days, provide to the Company, on his return, a self-completed certificate of sickness;

	 	 	 
	 	(iii)	if absent for 8 consecutive
          calendar days or more, provide to the Company, without delay, a medical
          certificate signed by a practising medical practitioner in respect
          of each week of absence after the first.

	 	 
	8	Expenses

	 	 
	8.1	The Company will refund to the Executive all reasonable expenses properly incurred by him in performing his duties under this agreement, provided that these are incurred in accordance with Company policy from time to time. The Company will require the Executive to
 produce receipts or other documents as proof that he has incurred any expenses he claims.

	 	 
	9	Confidentiality

	 	 
	9.1	Without prejudice
          to the common law duties which he owes to the Company the Executive
          agrees that he will not, except in the proper performance of his duties,
          copy, use or disclose to any person any of the Company’s
          trade secrets or confidential information. This restriction will continue
          to apply after the termination of the Employment without limit in time
          but will not apply to trade secrets or confidential information which
          become public other than through unauthorised disclosure by the Executive.
          The Executive will use his best endeavours to prevent the unauthorised
          copying use or disclosure of such information.

	 	 
	 	 

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	 	For the purposes of this agreement trade secrets and confidential information include but will not be limited to business plans, Company and Group Company forecasts, details of trading levels, customer and other third party contracts, pricing structures and
 arrangements, and any other information in whatever form (written, oral, visual and electronic) concerning the confidential affairs of the Company.

	 	 
	9.2	In the course of the
          Employment the Executive is likely to obtain trade secrets and confidential
          information belonging or relating to other Group Companies and other
          persons. He will treat such information as if it falls within the terms
          of clause 9.1 and clause 9.1 will apply  with any necessary amendments
          to such information. If requested to do so by the Company the Executive
          will enter into an agreement with other Group Companies and any other
          persons in the same terms as clause 9.1 with any amendments necessary
          to give effect to this
 provision.

	 	 
	9.3	Nothing in this agreement will prevent the Executive from making a “protected disclosure” in accordance with the provisions of the Employment Rights Act 1996.

	 	 
	10	Intellectual Property Rights
	 	 
	10.1	The Executive will promptly inform the Company if he makes or is involved in making an Invention during the Employment and will give the Company sufficient details of it to allow the Company to assess the Invention and to decide whether the Invention belongs to the
 Company. The Company will treat any Invention which does not belong to it as confidential.

	 	 
	 	“Invention” means any invention (whether patentable or not within the meaning of the Patents Act 1977 or other applicable legislation in any other country) relating to or capable of being used in the business of the Company.

	 	 
	10.2	If an Invention belongs
          to the Company, the Executive will act as a trustee for the Company
          in relation to that Invention and will, at the request and expense
          of the Company, do everything necessary to vest all right, title and
          interest in it in the Company or its nominee with full title guarantee
          and to secure full patent or other appropriate protection
          anywhere in the world.

	 	 

	10.3	If the Executive creates or is involved in creating any Work during the Employment, the Executive will promptly give the Company full details of it.

	 	 
	 	“Work” means any discovery, design, database or other work (whether registrable or not and whether a copyright work or not) which is not an Invention and which the Executive creates or is involved in creating:

	 	 	 
	 	10.3.1	in connection with his Employment; or

	 	 	 
	 	10.3.2	relating to or capable of being used in those aspects of the businesses of the Group Companies in which he is involved.

	 	 
	10.4	The Executive:

	 	 	 
	 	10.4.1	assigns to the Company to the extent allowed by law with full title guarantee all his right, title and interest in any current or future Work (whether now existing or brought into being in the future); and

	 	 	 
	 	 	 

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	 	10.4.2	will act as a trustee for the Company in relation to all such Works;

	 	 
	 	and will in either case at the request and expense of the Company do everything necessary to vest all right, title and interest in any Work in the Company or its nominees and to defend its rights in those works and to secure appropriate protection anywhere in the world.

	 	 
	10.5	If the Executive generates any Information or is involved in generating any Information during the Employment he will promptly give to the Company full details of it and he acknowledges that such Information belongs to the Company.

	 	 
	 	“Information” means
          any idea, method or information, which is not an Invention or Work
          generated by the Executive either:

	 	 	 
	 	10.5.1	in the course of his Employment; or

	 	 	 
	 	10.5.2	outside the course of his Employment but relating to the business, finance or affairs of any Group Company.

	 	 
	10.6	If the Executive becomes aware of any infringement or suspected infringement of any intellectual property right in any Invention, Work or Information he will promptly notify the Company in writing.

	 	 
	10.7	The Executive will not copy disclose or make use of any Invention, Work or Information without the Company’s prior written consent unless the disclosure is necessary for the proper performance of his duties.

	 	 
	10.8	So far as permitted by law the Executive irrevocably waives any rights he may have under Chapter IV (Moral Rights) of Part 1 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and any foreign corresponding rights in respect of all Works.

	 	 
	10.9	Rights and obligations under clause 10 will continue after the termination of this agreement in respect of all Inventions, Works and Information made or obtained during the Employment and will be binding on the personal representatives of the Executive.

	 	 
	10.10	The Executive agrees that he will not by his acts or omissions do anything which would or might prejudice the rights of the Company under clause 10.

	 	 
	10.11	The Executive will
          not make copies of any computer files belonging to any Group Company
          or their service providers and will not introduce any of his own computer
          files into any computer used by any Group Company in breach of any
          Group Company policy, unless he has  obtained the consent of the Board.

	 	 
	10.12	By entering into this
          agreement the Executive irrevocably appoints the Company to act on
          his behalf to execute any document and do anything in his name for
          the purpose of giving the Company (or its nominee) the full benefit
          of the provision of clause 10 or the Company’s
 entitlement under statute. If there is any doubt as to whether such a document
          (or other. thing) has been carried out within the authority conferred
          by this clause 10.12, a certificate in writing (signed by any director
          or the secretary of the Company) will be sufficient to prove  that
          the act or thing falls within that authority.

	 	 
	11	Termination and Suspension

	 	 
	11.1	The Employment will continue until terminated by either party giving written notice as set out in clause 11.2.

	 	 
	 	 

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	11.2	Either party may terminate the Employment by giving not less than 12 months’ written notice to the other.

	 	 
	11.3	Notwithstanding the other provisions of this agreement and in particular clause 11.2, the Employment will automatically terminate on the last day of the month in which the Executive reaches the age of 63.

	 	 
	11.4	The Company may at its sole and absolute discretion pay any bonus or pay in lieu of benefits (as referred to in clause 7.1, at the rate in force at the time such payment is made) sums due in lieu of any unexpired period of notice (whether given by the Company or Executive)
 (less any deductions the Company is required by law to make) which may be by instalments.

	 	 
	11.5	The Company may terminate the Employment with immediate effect by giving 6 months written notice whether or not the Executive’s entitlement to sick pay, contractual or otherwise, has been exhausted if the Executive does not perform the duties of the Employment for a
 period of 180 consecutive days or 130 working days in any period of 365 days. This notice can be given whilst the Executive continues  not to perform his duties or on expiry of the 180 (or 130) day period. In this clause, ‘days’ includes Saturdays, Sundays and public
 holidays.

	 	 
	11.6	The Company may terminate the Employment with immediate effect by giving written notice if the Executive:–

	 	 	 
	 	11.6.1	commits any serious or persistent breach of his obligations under this agreement; or

	 	 	 
	 	11.6.2	does not comply with any material terms of this agreement; or does not comply with any reasonable lawful order or direction given to him by the Board; or

	 	 	 
	 	11.6.3	is guilty of any gross misconduct or conducts himself (whether in connection with the Employment or not) in a way which is harmful to any Group Company; or

	 	 	 
	 	11.6.4	is guilty of dishonesty or is convicted of an offence (other than a motoring offence which does not result in imprisonment) whether in connection with the Employment or not; or

	 	 	 
	 	11.6.5	commits (or is reasonably believed by the Board to have committed) a breach of any legislation in force which may affect or relate to the business of any Group Company; or

	 	 	 
	 	11.6.6	becomes of unsound mind, is bankrupted or has a receiving order made against him or makes any general composition with his creditors or takes advantage of any statute affording relief for insolvent debtors; or becomes disqualified from being a director of a
 company or the Executive’s directorship of the Company terminates without the consent or concurrence of the Company; or

	 	 	 
	 	11.6.7	commits any breach of contract which would entitle the Company to terminate the Employment and this agreement.

	 	 
	11.7	The Executive will have no claim for damages or any other remedy against the Company if the Employment is terminated for any of the reasons set out in clause 11.6.

	 	 
	11.8	When the Employment terminates the Company may deduct from any money due to the Executive (including remuneration) any amount which he owes to any Group Company.

	 	 
	 	 

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	11.9	The Company may suspend the Executive from the Employment on full salary at any time, and for any reason for a reasonable period to investigate any matter in which the Executive is implicated or involved (whether directly or indirectly) and to conduct any related
 disciplinary proceedings.

	 	 
	12	Garden Leave

	 	 
	12.1	At any time after
          notice to terminate the Employment is given by either party under clause
          11 above, or if the Executive resigns without giving due notice and
          the Company does not accept his resignation, the Company may require
          the Executive to comply with any or all of the provisions in clauses
          12.2 and 12.3 for a maximum period of six months (the “Garden Leave Period”).

	 	 
	12.2	The Executive will not, without prior written consent of the Board, be employed or otherwise engaged in the conduct of any business activity during the Garden Leave Period. Further, the Executive will not, unless requested by the Company:

	 	 	 
	 	12.2.1	enter or attend the premises of the Company or any other Group Company; or

	 	 	 
	 	12.2.3	contact or have any communication with any customer or client of the Company or any other Group Company in relation to the business of the Company or any other Group Company; or

	 	 	 
	 	12.2.3	contact or have any communication with any employee, officer, director, agent or consultant of the Company or any other Group Company in relation to the business of the Company or any other Group Company; or

	 	 	 
	 	12.2.4	remain or become involved in any aspect of the business of the Company or any other Group Company except as required by such companies.

	 	 
	12.3	The Company may require the Executive or the Executive may elect:

	 	 	 
	 	12.3.1	to comply with the provisions of clause 15; and

	 	 	 
	 	12.3.2	to immediately resign
          from any directorship which he holds in the Company, any other Group
          Company or any other company where such directorship is held as a consequence
          or requirement of the Employment, unless he is required to perform
          duties to which any such directorship relates in which case he may
          retain such directorships while those duties are ongoing. The Executive
          hereby irrevocably appoints the Company to be his attorney to execute
          any instrument and do anything in his name and on his behalf to effect
          his
 resignation if he fails to do so in accordance with this clause 12.3.2.

	 	 
	12.4	During the Garden
          Leave Period, the Executive will be entitled to receive his salary
          and all contractual benefits in accordance with the terms of this agreement.
          Any unused holiday accrued at the commencement of the Garden Leave
          Period and any holiday accrued during any  such Period will be deemed
          to be taken by the Executive during the Garden Leave Period.

	 	 
	12.5	At the end of, or at any time during, the Garden Leave Period, the Company may, at its sole and absolute discretion, pay the Executive salary in lieu of the balance of any period of notice given by the Company or the Executive, (less any deductions the Company is required
 by law to make).

	 	 
	 	 

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	12.6	All duties of the Employment (whether express or implied), including without limitation the Executive’s duties of fidelity, good faith and exclusive service, shall continue throughout the Garden Leave Period save as expressly varied by this clause.

	 	 
	13	Protection of interests of the Company and the Group

	 	 
	13.1	In this Clause the
          expressions following bear the meanings ascribed to them
          respectively below, namely:-

	 	 	 
	 	13.1.1	“Confidential Information” means trade secrets and confidential information which are for the time being confidential to the Company or (as the case may be) any other member of the Group;

	 	 	 
	 	13.1.2	“Garden Leave Period” has the meaning given in Clause 12.1 hereof;

	 	 	 
	 	13.1.3	“Prohibited
            Area” means England, Scotland and Wales and any geographical
            area in which the Company or any Relevant Group Company carries on
            a Restricted Business (as defined below) at the Termination Date;

	 	 	 
	 	13.1.4	“Relevant Group Company” means any Group Company (excluding the Company but including any predecessor of a Group Company) in respect of whose business the Executive has been directly concerned pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement at any
 time during the period of two years prior to the Termination Date;

	 	 	 
	 	13.1.5	“Restricted Business” means the transmission, distribution or supply of gas or electricity;

	 	 	 
	 	13.1.6	“Restricted Period” means the period of six months commencing with the Termination Date but such period shall be reduced by one day for each day of a Garden Leave Period; and

	 	 	 
	 	13.1.7	“Termination Date” means the date on which the Employment terminates irrespective of the cause or manner (except for termination by the Company in breach of this Agreement).

	 	 
	13.2	Since the Executive is likely to obtain in the course of his duties under this Agreement Confidential Information and personal knowledge of and influence over employees of Group Companies the Executive hereby agrees with the Company that in addition to the other terms
 of this Agreement and without prejudice to other restrictions imposed upon him by law, he will be bound by the following covenants:

	 	 	 
	 	13.2.1	that he will not during
          the Restricted Period either on his own behalf or for any other person
          (whether as employee, consultant, adviser, principal, partner, agent,
          shareholder, director or otherwise) directly or indirectly carry on,
          or assist with, or be engaged in or  concerned with, any Restricted
          Business which competes with, or is about to compete with, any business
          carried on at the Termination Date by the Company or any other Relevant
          Group Company within the Prohibited Area (“NGT Business”)
          if but only if

	 	 	 	 
	 	 	(i)	either the Executive has been directly or substantially involved or concerned or had responsibility pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement for such NGT Business at any time during the period of twelve months prior to the Termination Date; or

	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 

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	 	 	(ii)	in the course of the Employment the Executive had access to and acquired knowledge of Confidential Information in relation to such NGT Business at any time during the period of twelve months prior to the Termination Date

	 	 	 
	 	 	PROVIDED THAT this shall not restrict the Executive (including his spouse and children under 18 years of age) from holding or acquiring by way of bona fide in investment only investments whether or not listed or quoted representing not more than one per cent.
 of the issued investments of any class of any one company and shall not restrict any activity the performance of which could not involve the Executive in such competition;

	 	 	 
	 	13.2.2	that he will not during the Restricted Period either on his own behalf or for any other person, whether directly or indirectly entice or try to entice away from the Company or any other Group Company any person who as a senior manager, in a senior technical
 position or a senior sales position in such a company at the Termination Date  and who had been in such a position at any time during the six months prior to the Termination Date and with whom he had worked closely at any time during that period; and

	 	 	 
	 	13.2.3	that he shall not following the Termination Date represent himself as being in any way currently connected with the business of the Company or that of any Relevant Group Company (except to the extent agreed by such a company).

	 	 
	13.3	The Executive agrees that each of the paragraphs contained in Clause 13.2 above constitute an entirely separate and independent covenant on his part and the validity of one paragraph shall not be affected by the validity or unenforceability of another.

	 	 
	13.4	The Executive agrees that he will at the request and cost of the Company enter into a direct agreement or undertaking with any Relevant Group Company whereby he wi!l accept restrictions and provisions corresponding to the restrictions and provisions above (or such of
 them as may be reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances) in relation to such activities and such areas and for such a period as such company may reasonably require for the protection of its legitimate interests.

	 	 
	13.5	The Executive agrees that having regard to the facts and matters set out above the restrictive covenants in this Clause 13 are necessary for the protection of the business and Confidential Information of the Company and Relevant Group Companies.

	 	 
	13.6	The Executive and the Company agree that while the restrictions imposed in this Clause are considered necessary for the protection of the Company and Relevant Group Companies it is agreed that if any one or more of such restrictions shall either taken by itself or
 themselves together be adjudged to go beyond what is reasonable in all the circumstances for the protection of the Company’s or any Relevant Group Company’s legitimate interest but would be adjudged reasonable if any particular restriction or restrictions were deleted or if
 any part or parts of the wording thereof were deleted, restricted or limited in a particular manner then the said restrictions shall apply with such deletions, restrictions or limitations as the case may be.

	 	 
	13.7	Any benefit given
          or deemed to be given by the Executive to any Group Company under the
          terms of Clause 13 is received and held on trust by the Company for
          the relevant Group Company.

	 	 
	 	 

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	14	Offers on Liquidation

	 	 
	 	The Executive will
          have no claim against the Company if the Employment is terminated by
          reason of liquidation in order to reconstruct or amalgamate the Company
          or by reason of any reorganisation of the Company and the Executive
          is offered employment with the  company succeeding to the Company upon
          such liquidation or reorganisation and the new terms of employment
          offered to the Executive are no less favourable to him than
          the terms of this agreement.

	 	 
	15	Return of Company Property

	 	 
	15.1	At any time during the Employment (at the request of the Company) and in any event when the Employment terminates, the Executive will immediately return to the Company:

	 	 	 
	 	15.1.1	all documents and
          other materials (whether originals or copies) made or compiled by or
          delivered to the Executive during the Employment and concerning all
          the Group Companies. The Executive will not retain any copies of any
          materials or other information; and

	 	 	 
	 	15.1.2	all other property belonging or relating to any of the Group Companies.

	 	 
	15.2	If the Executive commences Garden Leave in accordance with clause 12 he may be required to comply with the provisions of clause 15.1.

	 	 
	16	Directorships

	 	 
	16.1	The Executive’s office as a director of the Company or any other Group Company is subject to the Articles of Association of the relevant company (as amended from time to time). If the provisions of this agreement conflict with the provisions of the Articles of Association,
 the Articles of Association will prevail.

	 	 
	16.2	The Executive must resign from any office held in any Group Company if he is asked to do so by the Company.

	 	 
	16.3	If the Executive does
          not resign as an officer of a Group Company, having been requested
          to do so in accordance with clause 16.2, the Company will be appointed
          as his attorney to effect his resignation. By entering into this agreement,
          the Executive irrevocably appoints the Company as his attorney to act
          on his behalf to execute any document or do anything in his name necessary
          to effect his resignation in accordance with clause 16.2. If there
          is any doubt as to whether such a document (or other thing) has been
          carried out within the authority
 conferred by this clause 16.3, a certificate in writing (signed by any director
          or the secretary of the Company) will be sufficient to prove that the
          act or thing falls within that authority.

	 	 
	16.4	The termination of any directorship or other office held by the Executive will not terminate the Executive’s employment or amount to a breach of terms of this agreement by the Company.

	 	 
	16.5	During the Employment the Executive will not do anything which could cause him to be disqualified from continuing to act as a director of any Group Company.

	 	 
	16.6	The Executive must not resign his office as a director of any Group Company without the agreement of the Company.

	 	 
	 	 

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	17.	Notices

	 	 
	17.1	Any notices given
          under this agreement must be given by letter or fax. Notice to the
          Company must be addressed to its registered office at the time the
          notice is given. Notice to the Executive must be given to him personally
          or sent to his last known address.

	 	 
	17.2	Except for notices
          given by hand, notices given by post will be deemed to have been given
          on the next working day after the day of posting and notices given
          by fax will be deemed to have given in the ordinary course of transmission.

	 	 
	18	Statutory Particulars

	 	 
	18.1	The written particulars
          of employment which the Executive is entitled to receive under the
          provisions of Part I of the Employment Rights Act 1996 are set out
          below, insofar
          as they are not set out elsewhere in this agreement.

	 	 	 
	 	18.1.1	The Executive’s
          period of continuous employment began on 8th February 1993
          but your pensionable service began on 26th September 1983.

	 	 	 
	 	18.1.2	There is a contracting-out certificate in force in relation to the Executive’s Employment.

	 	 	 
	 	18.1.3	The Company’s
          disciplinary rules and disciplinary and grievance procedures as set
          out in the Employee Rules from time to time are applicable to the Executive.
          The disciplinary rules are contractual. The disciplinary and grievance
          procedures are non-contractual. A  copy of the Employee Rules may be
          obtained from Group Human Resources.

	 	 	 
	 	18.1.4	The Company’s normal hours of work are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

	 	 	 
	 	18.1.5	There are no terms and conditions relating to collective agreements or to the requirement to work outside the United Kingdom.

	 	 
	19	Data Protection Act 1998

	 	 
	19.1	For the purposes of
          the Data Protection Act 1998 (the “Act”) the Executive gives
          his consent to the holding, processing and disclosure of personal data
          (including sensitive personal data within the meaning of the Act) provided
          by the Executive to the Company for all purposes  relating to the performance
          of this agreement including but not
          limited to:

	 	 	 
	 	19.1.1	administering and maintaining personnel records;

	 	 	 
	 	19.1.2	paying and reviewing
          salary and other remuneration and benefits;

	 	 	 
	 	19.1.3	providing and administering benefits (including if relevant, pension, life assurance, permanent health insurance and medical insurance);

	 	 	 
	 	19.1.4	undertaking performance appraisals and reviews;

	 	 	 
	 	19.1.5	maintaining sickness and other absence records;

	 	 	 
	 	19.1.6	taking decisions as to the Executive’s fitness for work;

	 	 	 
	 	19.1.7	providing references and information to future employers, and if necessary, governmental and quasi-governmental bodies for social security and other purposes, the Inland Revenue and the Contributions Agency;

	 	 	 
	 	 	 

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	 	19.1.8	providing information to future purchasers of the Company or of the business in which the Executive works; and

	 	 	 
	 	19.1.9	transferring information concerning the Executive to a country or territory outside the EEA.

	 	 
	19.2	The Executive acknowledges
          that during his Employment he will have access to and process, or
          authorise the processing of, personal data and sensitive personal data
          relating to employees, customers and other individuals held and controlled
          by the Company. The  Executive agrees to comply with the terms of the
          Act in relation to such data and to abide by the Company’s data
          protection policy issued from time to time.

	 	 
	20	Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999

	 	 
	20.1	To the extent permitted
          by law, no person other than the parties to this agreement and the
          Group Companies shall have the right to enforce any term of this agreement
          under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999. For the avoidance
          of doubt, save as expressly provided in this clause the application of the
 Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999
 is specifically excluded from this agreement, although this does not affect
 any other right or remedy of any third party which exists or is available other
 than under this Act.

	 	 
	21	Miscellaneous

	 	 
	21.1	This agreement may only be modified by the written agreement of the parties.

	 	 
	21.2	The Executive cannot assign this agreement to anyone else.

	 	 
	21.3	References in this agreement to rules, regulations, policies, handbooks or other similar documents which supplement it, are referred to in it or describe any pensions or other benefits arrangement are references to the versions or forms of the relevant documents as amended or
 updated from time to time.

	 	 
	21.4	This agreement supersedes
          any previous written or oral agreement between the parties in relation
          to the matters dealt with in it. It contains the whole agreement between
          the parties .relating to the Employment at the date the agreement was
          entered into (except for those terms implied by law which cannot be
          excluded by the agreement of the. parties). The Executive acknowledges
          that he has not been induced to enter into this agreement by any representation,
          warranty or undertaking not expressly incorporated into it. The Executive
          agrees and  acknowledges that his only rights and remedies in relation
          to any representation, warranty or undertaking made or given in connection
          with this agreement (unless such representation, warranty or undertaking
          was made fraudulently) will be for breach of the terms
 of this agreement, to the exclusion of all other rights and remedies (including
          those in tort or arising under statute).

	 	 
	21.5	Neither party’s rights or powers under this agreement will be affected if:

	 	 	 
	 	21.5.1	one party delays in enforcing any provision of this agreement; or

	 	 	 
	 	21.5.2	one party grants time to the other party.

	 	 	 
	 	 	 

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	21.6	The Interpretation
          Act 1978 shall apply to this agreement in the same way as it applies to an enactment.

	 	 
	21.7	References to any statutory provisions include any modifications or re-enactments of those provisions.

	 	 
	21.8	Headings will be ignored in construing this agreement.

	 	 
	21.9	If either party agrees to waives his rights under a provision of this agreement, that waiver will only be effective if it is in writing and it is signed by him. A party’s agreement to waive any breach of any term or condition of this agreement will not be regarded as a waiver of any
 subsequent breach of the same term or condition or a different term or condition.

	 	 
	21.10	This agreement is governed by and will be interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Each of the parties submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts as regards any claim or matter arising under this agreement.

	 	 

	EXECUTED as a DEED on
    behalf of	 	 
	NATIONAL GRID TRANSCO PLC	 	Director
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	 
	 	 	Company Secretary/Director
	 	 	 
	EXECUTED as a DEED by

    Nicholas Winser

     in the presence of:	}	 
	 	 	 
	Witness’s signature	 	
	 
	 	 	 
	Name	 	P. J. Fulker
	Address	 	2 Fourstones Close

      Solihull

      W. Mids

      B91 3GF
	 	 	 
	Occupation	 	Group Director of HR.
	 	 	 

 

 

16Exhibit 4.9

Exhibit 4.9

 

	National Grid Transco	 	 	  	 	 	1-3
      Strand	 	 	T +44
      (0) 20 7004 3000	 
	London WC2N 5EH	F +44 (0) 20 7004 3004
	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	www.ngtgroup.com	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
									 	 	
	5th June 2003	 	 	 	 	 	Sir John
    Parker FREng

	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	Chairman	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Mr John
      Grant	 	 	 	 	 	D: +44
      (0) 20 7004 3010	 	 	 
	The Malthouse	 	 	 	 	 	F: +44
      (0) 20 7004 3012	 	 	 
	Manor
    Lane	 	 	 	 	 	M: +44
      (0) 7831 496201	 	 	 
	Claverdon	 	 	 	 	 	john.parker@ngtgroup.com	 	 	 
	Warwickshire	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	CV35 8NH	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

 

	Dear	 

With reference to your letter of appointment dated 16th November 1995 as amended by the letters of 11th October 1996, 1st September 1998 and 24th October 2001, I am writing to confirm the terms of your appointment as a Non­Executive Director of National Grid Transco plc (the "Company") with effect from 1 April 2003. It is agreed that this is a contract for services and is not a contract of employment.

Appointment

Your appointment commended on 17th November 1995 and currently lasts until the Company's AGM in 2004, unless otherwise terminated earlier in accordance with the Company's Articles of Association or by and at the discretion of either party upon one month's written notice. Continuation of your contract of appointment is contingent on satisfactory performance and re­election at forthcoming AGMs. In the unlikely event that shareholders do not support, your appointment or other shareholder action terminates your appointment before the 2004 AGM, you will not be entitled to receive damages for breach of contract. As you know, it is Board policy that Non­Executive Directors are typically expected to serve two three-year terms,
although the Board has invited you to serve for an additional period to the AGM in 2004. In advance of this date the Nominations Committee will reassess any further extensions in the light of best practice in corporate governance at that time.

Time Commitment

Overall we anticipate a time commitment of approximately 2-21⁄2 days on average per month taking account reading and preparation time for Board and Committee meetings. This will include attendance at Board meetings (estimated 9 scheduled meetings per annum of which 2-3 per annum will be in the USA) plus ad hoc and emergency meetings, the AGM, any extraordinary general meetings, 2 Board strategy sessions and at least one site visit per year. It is planned that certain Board meetings will be held out of London at the Company's operations (in the UK and USA).

By confirming this appointment, you have agreed that you are able to allocate sufficient time to meet the expectations of your role including appropriate preparation
    time. The agreement of the Chairman should be sought before accepting additional
    commitments that might affect the time you are able to devote to your role
as a Non-Executive Director of the Company.

	  	National Grid Transco plc
	 	Registered Office: 1–3 Strand, London WC2N 5EH
	 	Registered in England and Wales, No
    4031152

 

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You should also have regard to your duties as a director in light of the UK Listing Rules and Combined Code and obligations arising as a result of the Company's shares being listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as set out in the relevant section in the Directors' Information Pack. You will also be subject to the Company's Share Dealing Code as set out in the Directors Information Pack.

	Role
	Non-Executive Directors have the same
      general legal responsibilities to the Company as any other director. The
      Board as a whole is collectively responsible for promoting the success
      of the Company by directing and supervising the Company's affairs. The
    Board:

	•	
Provides effective business leadership of the Company within a framework of prudent and effective controls which enable risk to be assessed and managed;

	•	
sets the Company's strategic aims, ensures that the necessary financial and human resources are in place for the Company to meet its objectives, and reviews management performance; and

	•	
sets the Company's values and standards and ensures that its obligations to its shareholders and others are understood and met.

	 
	In addition to these requirements of all
    directors, the role of the non-executive has the following key elements:
	•	
Strategy: Non-Executive Directors should constructively challenge and contribute to the development of strategy;

	•	
Performance: Non-Executive Directors should scrutinise the performance of management in meeting agreed goals and objectives and monitor the reporting of performance;

	•	
Risk: Non-Executive Directors should satisfy themselves that the financial function of the Company is professionally managed and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible; and

	•	
People: Non-Executive Directors are responsible for determining appropriate levels of remuneration of executive directors and have a prime role in appointing, and where necessary removing, senior management and in succession planning.

Committees

This letter refers to your appointment as a Non-Executive Director of the Company. You have also been requested to serve on the Audit and Nominations Committees and be chairman of the Remuneration Committee.

Fees

You will be paid an annual retainer fee of £30,000
gross per annum which will be paid monthly in arrears. You will also be entitled
to attendance fees of £1,500 for each Board meeting held in your country
of residence and £3,000 for each overseas meeting. This attendance fee
is intended to cover your attendance at any Committee meetings. For your chairmanship
of the Remuneration Committee you will receive £12,500
per annum. You will not receive any additional fees for membership of, or attendance
at, any Board Committee meetings. The Company will reimburse you for all reasonable
and properly documented expenses you incur in performing the duties of your office.
The Board shall review the above fees from time to time and they are therefore
subject to change. All fees and payments will be made subject to any deductions
required to be made by the Company.

 

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	Outside Interests

	It is accepted and acknowledged that you have business interests other than those of the Company and have declared any conflicts that are apparent at present. In the event that you become aware of any potential conflicts of interest, these should be disclosed to the Chairman and/or Company Secretary as soon as apparent.
	 

	The Board of the Company have determined you to be independent according to the provision of the Combined Code.
	 

	Confidentiality

	You will, naturally, during your appointment and following its termination not disclose or communicate to any person (except as required by law or in the course of the proper performance of your duties, or with the consent of the Board of Directors) nor use for your own account or advantage any confidential information relating to the Company or any of its subsidiary or associate companies which you obtained during your appointment or otherwise.
	 

	You will be required to return all papers containing confidential information on termination of the appointment.
	 	 

	Your attention is also drawn to the requirements under both legislation and regulation as to the disclosure of price sensitive information. Consequently you should avoid making any statements that might risk a breach of these requirements without prior clearance from the Chairman or Company Secretary.
	 	 

	Induction

	You have already been provided with an introduction to the Company and its businesses and detailed information on a variety of areas plus a directors' information pack. We have also arranged for various site visits and meetings with senior and middle management and the Company's advisors. We will also arrange for you to meet major investors as appropriate.
	 	 

	Review Process

	The performance of individual directors and the whole Board and its Committees is evaluated annually. If, in the interim, there are any matters which cause you concern about your role you should discuss them with the Chairman as soon as is appropriate.
	 	 

	Insurance

	The Company has directors' and officers' liability insurance and it is intended to maintain such cover for the full term of your appointment. A summary of the cover is included in your directors' information pack.

 

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	Independent Professional Advice
	Occasions may arise when you consider
      that you need professional advice in the furtherance of your duties as
      a director. Circumstances may occur when it will be appropriate for you
      to seek advice from independent advisors at the Company's expense. Please
      advise either the Chairman or the Company Secretary should you seek such
      advice. The Company will reimburse the full cost of expenditure incurred
    in accordance in respect of such advice.
	 

	Indemnity
	In the event that you are made a party
      or are threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed
      action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
      investigative, by reason of the fact that you are or were a director of
      the Company, the Company shall indemnify you against expenses (including
      legal fees) actually and reasonably incurred by you in connection with
      such action, suit or proceeding and against judgments, fines and amounts
      paid in settlement in connection with such action, suit or proceeding to
      the fullest extent permitted by the Companies Act 1985 as amended and any
      other applicable law or regulation, as from time to time in effect. Such
      right of indemnification shall be without prejudice to any other rights
    to which you may be entitled.
	 

	Governinq Law
	The agreement contained in
      this letter shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English
    law and shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
	 	 

	Entire Aqreement
	This appointment letter represents
      the entire understanding, and constitutes the whole agreement, in relation
      to the Appointment and supersedes any previous agreement between yourself
    and the Company with respect thereto.
	 	 
	On a personal level, I am
      delighted that you are continuing to serve on the Board of National Grid
    Transco plc and I look forward to our continuing working relationship.
	 	 
	Yours sincerely
	 
	Sir John Parker

    Chairman
	 	 
	Agreed and Accepted by
	
	John Grant

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