In terms of the proposed 19 percent increase this July proposed by Gov. Erhlich and BGE, ratepayers will have to opt-in. BGE has yet to communicate this through the mail as far as I know, but it likely will soon.

The 19 percent increase, if finalized, will replace the earlier 72 percent rate hike. The rest of the rate hike will be phased-in thereafter for those who opt-in. If you do not opt in, you get the 72 percent in July.

Democratic candidate for Maryland Gov. Paul Duncan has called for re-regulating the electricity industry and investigating the proposed merger. Candidate Martin O'Malley has called for a 1-year delay on the merger and lower rate hikes. Ehrlich has proposed the above and is for the merger.