According to The Baltimore Sun, the phase-in includes a 19 percent hike in July 2006, a 25 percent hike in June 2007, and another hike in January 2008 to equal a total 72 percent rate increase. A financing fee also will be added in June 2007.

The way the Erhlich plan is structured, it includes some further discounts if the merger of Constellation and Florida Power and Light go through. This little detail points to the main concern right now of BGE / Constellation / Erhlich is to protect this merger. Erhlich's refusal now to call a special session also prevents a vote on a bill that he vetoed that would further investigate this merger.

While major media reports that this rate hike is due to market energy price increases, there has been little call for BGE to prove that a 72 percent rate hike is justified.

Baltimore Sun Article:
"Rate Deal Reached" 04-21-06
www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.rates21apr21,0,3712871.story