Most Marylanders can expect their electric bills to go up by $743 a year--a 74 % increase! The Maryland legislature deregulated the industry in 1999. As a result of this sweetheart deal, BGE was absorbed by Constellation Energy and required to begin buying its electricity on the open market. Meanwhile, BGE’s electric-generating assets, originally paid for by the people, were turned over to Constellation in “a cash-free shuffle.” The ratepayers are now being asked to pay again!