Wisniewski hinted of rallying Assembly Democrats to kill the bill with the bravado they used to derail Whitman's gasoline tax in July. Across the Delaware River, a pilot electric competition program limited to 5 percent of Pennsylvania's market started late last year. An additional two-thirds of electricity customers will have retail choice by Jan. 1, which could be a magnet for new businesses. Aware of the growing competition, Gov. Whitman is pushing for deregulation to start as soon as possible to avoid eroding the state's ability to attract business and industry. We hope it gets done as quickly as possible, so we can start passing savings on to people and attract and retain businesses.
Time is short.
The fall legislative season ends on Dec. 17. Bagger said that for retail choice to start by June 1, Whitman must sign the bill no later than Dec. 31, because it takes six months to implement a new law. Unlike Pennsylvania, New Jersey has opted to open the entire market at once. The electric industry was built and served customers in the 20th century pretty well. Now the largest machine in the world is going to be rebuilt for the 21st century, and any major corporation has the responsibility to keep its employees informed.