It's easy to get power. Electrical, that is. All one has to do is make a call to the utility company that serves your particular area. Deregulation of utilities has started in New Jersey.
Consumers can now choose which company they'd like to supply their electricity.
The energy deregulation law, which passed last year after months of legislative wrangling, aimed to lower New Jersey's electricity costs, which run 50 percent above the national average. In August 1999, electric bills were cut 5 percent, the first installment of a promised 10 percent reduction over three years. The law's supporters also hope to give consumers and businesses more choices about where to buy their power, breaking up the big utility companies' historic monopoly. To switch power suppliers, customers must submit a written request to its current company. Because most of the nine electric, gas and cable companies serve communities in portions of Camden, Burlington and Gloucester counties, ask your rental or real estate agent which providers are available in your area.