According to the Baltimore Business Journal, steps have been made to pave the way for a merger between Chicago-based Exelon and Baltimore-based Constellation Corp.  The merger would lead to much-needed new power generation in the state and can ultimately help lower home and business electricity rates.

Maryland energy deregulation became law in 1999, yet since then, one of the proposed benefits – the creation of new power plants – never truly materialized.   There has been rigorous debate as to why this is the case.

Proponents of deregulation claim that the market was supply responding to the lack of demand.   Opponents, meanwhile, argue businesses were unwilling to make the necessary financial commitments to generate new power.  Nonetheless, the merger will solve this problem, and will provide at least 300 megawatts of new power for the state.

The trick will be how the new power – and reduced rates – find their way to consumers and their pocketbooks.   For this, homeowners and businesses alike should turn to third-party brokers like EnergyTel to shop around on their behalf for the best deal possible.