GaroldStone

BALTIMORE (AP) - State officials reluctantly approved a 50 percent rate increase Wednesday for the 1.1 million residential customers of Baltimore Gas and Electric Co., saying they had "little legal option" to defer or reduce the utility company's proposal. The increase goes into effect next Friday. Customers will have until June 30 to elect to defer a portion of the increase until January, when market rates will kick in. May 24, 2007

Maryland households can spread out a 72 percent increase on their electric bills over two years but would have to make up the deferred payments <b>with interest</b>, under a rate relief plan imposed by state utility regulators yesterday. <b> Interest will be charged to Electricity customers who do not take specific action to opt out of the deferred payment plan. </b>June 3, 2006

The state's largest electric company bought most of its power from its corporate parent in the energy auction that is prompting hefty rate increases for Maryland households this summer, according to a document released yesterday. June 2, 2006