61.   The public utility wants to let its customers pick their own electric power supplier, just as many already do with their long-distance telephone service.

62.   The U.S. government is expected to let consumers choose their power suppliers within a few years.

63.   The wannabe power suppliers raised their rates to compensate for surging wholesale prices and higher fuel costs.

64.   The U.K. will let consumers choose their own power suppliers next year, triggering intense competition among electric companies.

65.   They should encourage power suppliers to get into the market.

66.   Though power suppliers across the country strained Tuesday under the pull of millions of air conditioners, California power grid officials reported power to spare.

67.   Those customers will be invited to pick their electric power suppliers from a preselected list, in much the same way they now choose their long-distance telephone service provider.

68.   Two years ago, the Public Service Commission of New York allowed the utility to increase its rates to offset the rising cost of electricity from independent power suppliers.

69.   U.S. utilities are trying to add customers and revenue before the U.S. government deregulates the industry to allow consumers to choose their power suppliers.

70.   Within a few years, consumers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and much of New England as well as California will be able to choose their power suppliers.