January 19, 1999; Hampton, NH - The Unitil Corporation (AMEX:UTL) Board of Directors elected Ross B. George to its Board.

Mr. George is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Simonds Industries, Inc. of Fitchburg, Massachusetts. He has over 15 years senior management experience in the tools industry.

"Simonds Industries is an important customer of our Massachusetts subsidiary. As its CEO, Mr. George has been successful in growing the company." said Unitil CEO Bob Schoenberger. "He also brings to our board the customer perspective, which is essential, and the talents of a first rate business executive."

Mr. George begins his position as Director effective immediately and will stand for election to a regular three year term at Unitil’s next Annual Meeting of Shareholders in April 1999.

Unitil is a public utility holding company with subsidiaries providing electric service in New Hampshire, electric and gas service in Massachusetts and energy services throughout the region. Its subsidiaries are Concord Electric Company, Exeter & Hampton Electric Company, Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company, Unitil Power Corp., Unitil Realty Corp., Unitil Resources, Inc. and Unitil Service Corp.

Contact
George Gantz
gantz@unitil.com