Consolidation in the power market has gained momentum over the last year as utilities have sought to grow through acquisitions.

And some utilities, with excess capacity, are seeking customers outside their territory.

In addition, the utility had sought to refinance a $595 million loan.

Each local utility sought to be largely self-sufficient, buying and selling small surpluses.

That would mean 38 casks, instead of the 17 that the utility is now seeking.

As the industry moves toward greater competition, utilities are seeking to cut costs.

The utilities are seeking to save the cost of building new generating stations by lowering demand for power.

Now the utilities are seeking relief for their investors, who have borne all the costs.

Low-cost companies could also prompt some higher-cost utilities to seek mergers.

Many utilities with higher costs have sought to delay deregulation or find other ways to recover the billions sunk into nuclear power plants.