Competition recharges local power market.(TransCanada Power Marketing Ltd.)(Brief Article)

After months of hibernation, competitive electricity suppliers are waking up to market opportunities with commercial and industrial consumers.

Several incumbents are raising their so-called default electricity rates next month, Which apply to customers who signed up for service after March 1, 1998. The price hikes leave the door open for competitive suppliers to package supply contracts that save consumers money and still leave room for profit.

Westborough-based TransCanada Power Marketing Ltd., a subsidiary of Calgary, Alberta-based TransCanada Pipelines Ltd., is among the newly energized suppliers, according to Mike Hachey, director of power marketing. Hachey said the company began looking at the Massachusetts retail market in late April and early May.

"We are …