Bill gives customers gas choice; measure would spark energy competition.(Senate Bill 99-153 to provide consumers with the ability to choose their natural gas provider)

A mega-merger in the natural gas business may speed the day when Colorado consumers are able to pick and choose among providers.

KN Energy's announcement on Feb. 22 that it would merge with San Diego-based Sempra Energy Inc. gives the company more buying power and more political clout as it makes its case for competition. But even KN's rival and longtime monopoly holder Public Service Company of Colorado seems eager to work together to come up with a mutually acceptable plan.

While the topic of electric deregulation has pitted regulators and consumers up against power generators and utilities across the country, natural gas competition has gathered momentum. …