MD PSC Hearings On Constellation/EdF Merger Begin Aug 19

The Maryland Public Service Commission will hold hearings to decide whether Constellation Energy Group Inc. (CEG) and a French utility Electricite de France (EdF) can complete a $4.5 billion nuclear unit merger.

Hearings will begin on August 19 and are expected to continue through August 25.

EdF is seeking to acquire 49.9% of Constellation’s nuclear energy business and the PSC claims the review is needed because EdF could potentially exert some power over Constellation’s regulated entity, Baltimore Gas & Electric Company. Constellation immediately appealed the order to the Baltimore City Circuit Court and filed a motion for an expedited schedule. On Tuesday, Maryland’s Attorney General’s office filed a motion to dismiss Constellation’s lawsuit because it challenges a regulatory order that is not final.

The Center supports the acquisition and a third nuclear reactor at Calvert Cliffs. (Maryland Daily Record, 6/17/09)