North American Power Confirms New York, New Jersey Entry in Second Quarter, Looks to Illinois, Ohio by Year-End

North American Power confirmed yesterday that it expects to enter the New York and New Jersey retail electric markets during the second quarter of 2011, and plans to also expand to Illinois and Ohio by the end of the year.

North American Power's intent to expand into New York and New Jersey was first reported in Matters in January (1/27).

North American Power said that it is prepared to enter the Consolidated Edison and Orange & Rockland electric territories in New York in mid-April. As is current practice, it will focus on serving the mass market.

New Jersey market entry, which will be at Public Service Electric & Gas, Jersey Central Power & Light, and Atlantic City Electric, is expected sometime during the second quarter, depending on final licensure by the BPU.

With the recent hiring of retail gas veteran Bill Kinneary as President (see 3/10), North American Power said that expanding its service to include natural gas supply is also on the horizon, but no firm details have yet been finalized.

Launching service in March 2010, North American Power said that it now has more than 100,000 customers at Connecticut Light & Power, United Illuminating, PECO, PPL, Duquesne Light, Baltimore Gas & Electric, and Pepco (Maryland).

North American Power's customer book represents 120 million kilowatt-hours, and the company said its current growth rate is close to 1,000 customers per day within Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.

North American Power now has 35 full time employees, and over 10,000 independent sales representatives.