SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549-1004 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) September 15, 2004 ------------------- Commission File Number 1-5324 ------ NORTHEAST UTILITIES -------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) MASSACHUSETTS 1-5324 04-2147929 -------------- ------ --------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (Commisson (I.R.S. Employer organization) File Number) incorporation or Identification No.) ONE FEDERAL STREET, BUILDING 111-4, SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS 01105 ----------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (413) 785-5871 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Not Applicable -------------- (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below): [ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) [ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b)under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d- 2(b)) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e- 4(c)) SECTION 8 - OTHER EVENTS Item 8.01 Other Events On September 15, 2004, Northeast Utilities announced that John H. Forsgren, vice chairman of the board, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will retire effective January 1, 2005. At that time, David R. McHale, NU vice president and treasurer, will be promoted to senior vice president and chief financial officer. Randy A. Shoop, NU assistant treasurer, will become vice president and treasurer. SECTION 9 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits (c) Exhibits Exhibit Description Exhibit 99 Northeast Utilities News Release dated September 15, 2004. [SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW] SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. NORTHEAST UTILITIES (Registrant) By: /s/ Randy A. Shoop Name: Randy A. Shoop Title: Assistant Treasurer - Finance Date: September 15, 2004