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Heat wave leaves residents sweating over electric bills

CommentsComment on this article
Jun 9, 2008 12:00 AM (120 days ago) by Carolyn Peirce, The Examiner
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Related Topics: BALTIMORE
Valentina Iazzetti, 6, cools off Sunday in Baltimore City’s Little Italy. Temperatures hit the upper 90s in the area with the possibility of reaching 105 degrees due to humidity, according to the National Weather Service. – Arianne Starnes/Examiner

Valentina Iazzetti, 6, cools off Sunday in Baltimore City’s Little Italy. Temperatures hit the upper 90s in the area with the possibility of reaching 105 degrees due to humidity, according to the National Weather Service. – Arianne Starnes/Examiner

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - People in the Baltimore region are feeling the heat of impending electric bills and an unforgiving forecast as the National Weather Service extends the heat advisory until 8 tonight.

The sweltering temperatures and humidity could cause the heat index to reach 105 degrees this afternoon, heightening the risk of heat-related illnesses, according to the weather service.

The heat wave that began this weekend has forced residents to turn on their air conditioning, but the concern for costly electricity bills had many forfeiting comfort.

“The cost is outrageous, and it’s making people very upset,” said Rose Jubb, 57, of Bel Air, who braved temperatures in the upper 90s at the annual St. Anthony’s street festival in Little Italy.

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“We’re just waiting for BGE to realize what they’re doing to people and remember who made them what they are.”

Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. spokeswoman Linda Foy said usage typically spikes between 3 and 6 p.m., because the temperature is highest between 3 and 4 p.m., just before people arrive home from work and turn on the air conditioning between 5 and 6 p.m.

“Typically when you have a few days of hot weather, it does not drastically change your bill,” Foy said, though she could not provide an average bill until the month’s cycle is complete.

“We’re just going to tough it out; it’s going to cost what it’s going to cost,” said Bill Gardner, 46, of Locust Point, who took shelter in the shade of a tent at the Italian festival.

Gardner said his house is well-insulated and equipped with Energy Star amenities that help keep the electric bill down.

Rick Pazourek, 45, of Perry Hall, said he’s monitoring his bill by keeping the thermostat up until nighttime, so his family can sleep comfortably.

When temperatures are too hot, Pazourek said, he retreats to the basement, where the temperature is lowest.

Along with the heat, the Maryland Department of the Environment warned of poor air quality expected to remain at unhealthy pollution levels through Tuesday for sensitive groups such as children and those with breathing or heart conditions.

Some regional hospitals saw a jump in heat-related illnesses, including St. Joseph Medical Center, where Dr. Kit Lorentz said he had treated about five participants in the Special Olympics at Towson University in the past 24 hours.

Lorentz said just under a dozen patients total may have been treated for heat-related illnesses.

“You have mental, neurological symptoms. Confusion, trouble seeing, troubling thinking. That’s a true medical emergency. They are lethal. Heat can kill you,” Lorentz said, adding that about 400 people die of heat stroke in the United States each year.

Staff Writer Jaime Malarkey contributed to this story.

cpeirce@baltimoreexaminer.com

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Comments from Examiner Readers

1:10 AM MST on Thu., Sep. 4, 2008 re: "BGE rate hike: Push comes to shove"

 afkwtx avqpfrly said:
oiukxlah eipt dzykfgro qebz qplkid dkhobtwji tewv

 1 agree | 1 disagree
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10:57 PM MST on Fri., Jul. 25, 2008 re: "Rules prevent residents from hanging clothes outside to dry"

 Examiner Reader said:
Don't we have more crapto worry about than if someone is hanging clothes out to dry.BG&E is probly made because these people arent using electricty.

 5 agree | 3 disagree
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5:07 AM MST on Fri., Jul. 25, 2008 re: "Rules prevent residents from hanging clothes outside to dry"

 Examiner Reader said:
Rules prevent residents from hanging clothes outside to dry.------------But hanging clothes outside will reduce our carbon footprint.You liberals should do a little more thinking. Don't you all remember the carbon footprint you been shoving on us lately!

 4 agree | 2 disagree
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6:31 AM MST on Mon., Jun. 9, 2008 re: "Heat wave leaves residents sweating over electric bills"

 Examiner Reader said:
Did you vote for Bush too, can we blame you for that? "Dont blame me, I voted for Ehrlich!"

 7 agree | 6 disagree
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6:29 AM MST on Mon., Jun. 9, 2008 re: "Heat wave leaves residents sweating over electric bills"

 Examiner Reader said:
Conservative Maryland voters are reponsible for anything that is bad for the great county of The United States of America.

 4 agree | 4 disagree
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3:32 AM MST on Mon., Jun. 9, 2008 re: "Heat wave leaves residents sweating over electric bills"

 Examiner Reader said:
Liberal Maryland voters are reponsible for anything that is bad for the great state of Maryland

 4 agree | 4 disagree
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5:58 AM MST on Fri., May. 9, 2008 re: "Thirsty county seeks funds for regional water authority"

 Examiner Reader said:
Harford should get no money, pay it out of your tax base. You asked for this BRAC expansion, now you look for the handouts to help pay for it, hope they say no!

 7 agree | 4 disagree
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10:02 AM MST on Thu., Jan. 3, 2008 re: "Energy-saver bulbs carry health risk for consumers"

 Examiner Reader said:
The danger of broken bulbs and the proper way to despose of these bulbs should be required to be put on the box. Just like cigarettes.

 130 agree | 113 disagree
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9:59 AM MST on Thu., Jan. 3, 2008 re: "Energy-saver bulbs carry health risk for consumers"

 Examiner Reader said:
I have hear on the radio that stores are looking for ways to provide recycling of these bulbs. It would be most helpful if your article also included updates for recycling. Trading one problem (land fill) for another is not the answer to saving energy. Also I was looking for much more detail to the prtental danger to children from a broken bulb, as well, if there is danger from unborken bulbs for children. Is just haveing them in the home a danger?

 145 agree | 125 disagree
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3:11 PM MST on Wed., Jul. 11, 2007 re: "Power companies aim for low usage in summer"

 middleclass2008 said:
Yeah, riiiight... They just had a 50% boost in revenue, and they are laughing all the way to the bank. The consumer, as usual, gets taken to the cleaners... google my name!

 332 agree | 311 disagree
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3:40 PM MST on Fri., Jun. 8, 2007 re: "O’Malley announces increased energy assistance"

 Examiner Reader said:
Dont blame me, I voted for Ehrlich!

 383 agree | 391 disagree
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6:38 AM MST on Mon., Jun. 4, 2007 re: "Expert: Electric supply options are limited"

 Examiner Reader A Disgusted Voter said:
I notice that one of the lobbying groups is calling for the energy industry to start planning for the future needs of power. This is a little late because the horse is out of the barn. These same lobbyists were the ones that have blocked the energy companies in the past, and they are the groups that want new sources of power but not in my backyard. Choices have to be made for the good of all not for the FEW.

 361 agree | 348 disagree
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11:59 PM MST on Fri., Jun. 1, 2007 re: "BGE rate hike: Push comes to shove"

 Examiner Reader said:
This is a sad situation for our people. Balto is sinking, sinking, sinking. 1000 characters is not enough to list the diastrous issues this city has. Utility hikes, gas, crime ALL OVER corruption, education, lies just to name a "few"in no special order. What gets accomplished...NOTHING. Just meetings, more meetings. Plans & more plans. This is for show. This city is going around & around in a circle and getting worse. Balto did not used to be like this...change happens, of course, but what is happening in Balto. is pathetic. I commend the organizations/people who are active in helping out i.e. marches, etc. However, ultimately, it is our so-called leaders that do not lead. For anyone who suggests I move if I don't like it, I will not leave my family. I feel for the elderly, disabled & honest people who are sincerely trying to make it & cannot on the income they have. Market rates, "people" knew this was coming & let it sneak in. Balto is out of control-NOW we get outside hel

 423 agree | 401 disagree
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9:40 PM MST on Thu., May. 31, 2007 re: "BGE rate hike: Push comes to shove"

 Examiner Reader said:
Well that did it, I'm boycotting the higher electric rates by turning off my ac and running around naked!

 561 agree | 395 disagree
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6:52 PM MST on Sun., May. 27, 2007 re: "O’Malley: PSC ruling falls short of campaign promises"

 Examiner Reader said:
don't need o'malley's apology, need him to stop the rate hike!

 391 agree | 363 disagree
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10:55 PM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "Credit scores can limit consumers’ utility choices"

 Examiner Reader said:
this is a typical martin omalley tactic he will do anything to make you look bad he has done it before as mayor and will continued to do it as govenor,why do thease idots keep supporting him

 408 agree | 317 disagree
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10:51 PM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "O’Malley: PSC ruling falls short of campaign promises"

 Examiner Reader said:
omalley has always been a lie,i noticed all those people that voted for him have nothing to say now because they got screwed

 389 agree | 371 disagree
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1:21 PM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "BGE rate hike: Push comes to shove"

 Examiner Reader said:
Vice President O'Malley won't have to worry about BGE much longer.

 398 agree | 462 disagree
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12:49 PM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "O’Malley: PSC ruling falls short of campaign promises"

 Examiner Reader said:
Mr. O'Malley forgot that it was Mr. Glendening and his Annapolis legislature that voted on this in 1999. When it came time to work on the issue, they once again sat around blaming everyone but themselves and will continue to do so. So, it's not 4 years, it's 9. To blame the Ehrlich government and make it the BIG issue during the campaign is just another cheap shot for not being honest. I hope this is remembered come voting time.

 369 agree | 367 disagree
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9:22 AM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "O’Malley: PSC ruling falls short of campaign promises"

 Examiner Reader said:
Martin O'Malley lied to the people of Baltimore City and now the whole state of Maryland is going to see just how shady he is. He will blame the former gov., President Bush, everybody in the Republican party BUT WILL NOT take the blame for HIS mistakes or wrong doings. Residents of the state, get ready because Martin O'Malley is just getting started to run this state in the ground - Just like he did Baltimore City.

 385 agree | 368 disagree
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7:01 AM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "BGE rate hike: Push comes to shove"

 BC said:
O'Malley is a straight up LIAR.

 430 agree | 435 disagree
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6:20 AM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "Credit scores can limit consumers’ utility choices"

 Examiner Reader said:
I agree with this article because when I moved into my house I did not have a BGE bill for five years. This was due to paying them on time and believe it or not I got a refund for over paying. My service was turned on and my credit score was a factor. I paid a deposit in three installments in addition to my regular BGE bill. People really need to think twice before switching utility service.

 397 agree | 317 disagree
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3:51 AM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "Del. Carter leads protesters outside Constellation headquarters"

 Examiner Reader said:
Interesting, this article says a special session that carter is proposing would be an immediate solution, but the Sun article, in a likely effort to help O'Malley by not forcing him to respond, says that Carter's proposal would not be immediate. Thank you examiner for clearing that up.

 656 agree | 406 disagree
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1:38 AM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "Del. Carter leads protesters outside Constellation headquarters"

 Charles said:
Hey, you're right. But, even better, we should protest outside O'Malley's door and the door of every legislator that got us in this mess and is now ignoring the problem.

 387 agree | 340 disagree
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1:35 AM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "Credit scores can limit consumers’ utility choices"

 Charles said:
I was at the rally. That guy, Davis, was no "passerby". He came there on purpose to attack Jill Carter on behalf of O'Malley. He was the only one grandstanding. No other state representatives are willing to do anything, only Jill. Her call for a special session is a problem for O'Malley because, after major grandstanding that he would lower electricity costs, he's now claiming he can do nothing. But, Jill is pointing out that there is something he can do. He can call a special session.

 390 agree | 360 disagree
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1:23 AM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "BGE customers will pay 50 percent more"

 Examiner Reader said:
I think the protesters should protest against the BGE rate increase in front of the Public Service Commission headquarters instead of Constellation Energy, because the Public Service Commission approved the BGE rate increase.

 365 agree | 333 disagree
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10:40 PM MST on Thu., May. 24, 2007 re: "Credit scores can limit consumers’ utility choices"

 Examiner Reader said:
Why is O'Malley acting like there is nothing he can do? Is he deaf, or just too corrupt? SPECIAL SESSION !

 395 agree | 379 disagree
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2:16 PM MST on Thu., May. 24, 2007 re: "BGE customers will pay 50 percent more"

 Examiner Reader said:
It is a democrat and republican issue! Democrats bold faced lied about the issue to get total power and now they wont be giving it up.

 394 agree | 796 disagree
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11:34 AM MST on Thu., May. 24, 2007 re: "BGE customers will pay 50 percent more"

 Examiner Reader said:
I doubt it's coincidence that Constallation Energy and Oil companies are reporting record PROFIT! We all need to wake up... the goverment isn't going to do anything- not using energy or gas today won't stop you form needing it tomorrow! Cut back, use less. You might sweat but it will be a few less dollars in THEIR pockets... Might even make our beautiful planet earth a few degrees cooler :)

 412 agree | 397 disagree
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11:29 AM MST on Thu., May. 24, 2007 re: "BGE customers will pay 50 percent more"

 Examiner Reader said:
I don't think it's a democrat/republican issue!! Wether you're a blue collar, hard working middle class or below citizen, or a wealthy businessman/woman you're getting screwed. Unless of course, you have your hand in the pot. Bush for example- amazingly he has invested in the oil business... he doesn't seem to be suffering but hey- at least he's the kind of guy you could sit down and have a beer with! Why can't solar power and energy efficient homes be the LAW? Funny how we can pass laws to emliminate smoking in bars and restaurants... where are our priorities? America is getting greedy and the only thing worth worrying about seems to be the almighty dollar. I think the only way to avoid this wool being pulled over our eyes is to conserve energy!! No, it's not going to be fun on 108 degree days, but it's the excessive use of energy that borught us the 108 degree days!! (GLOBAL WARMING) No one is going to do anything FOR US, only themselves... use less energy, pay less money

 380 agree | 335 disagree
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7:57 AM MST on Thu., May. 24, 2007 re: "BGE-Constellation relationship concerns officials"

 Examiner Reader A Disgusted Voter said:
Each year more and more people expect the government to take care of the "poor citizens" of the country or the state. Our once great country of indepentent hard working citizens has lost the will to work and think for themselves. Politicians are the reason that we are in this situation. They promised to take care of you by holding prices for four years. Then when the price caps come off they are forced allow the prices to stablize according to the market. The environmental lobbyists have prevented expansion of power generating plants, oil drilling capabilities and building newer better refineries. When you go to the voting booth you should know what the politicians are promising you. They are only promising what you want them to GIVE you. Words not deeds.

 385 agree | 364 disagree
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7:02 AM MST on Thu., May. 24, 2007 re: "BGE customers will pay 50 percent more"

 Examiner Reader said:
You are all missing the point. Last year O'Malley claimed the rate increases were fully controlled by the PSC and that if elected he would appoint a PSC that does not allow rates to increase. You suckers fell for it hook line and sinker. Now his PSC is allowing the raising the rates up. Well if we take his to his word that the PSC has full control, then he is raising the rates, like he accused Ehrlich of last year to get elected. Where's the outrage?? None! Republicans + high rates = outrage, Democrats +high rates = fairness. Just remember, O'Malley cares, suckers!

 392 agree | 343 disagree
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6:53 AM MST on Thu., May. 24, 2007 re: "BGE customers will pay 50 percent more"

 Karl Chue said:
The Democrats created this mess in 1999 and the Democrats blamed Ehrlich for it last year. They put off the rate hikes until after the election to fool the mass majority of poorly educated/ uninformed Marylanders. They still have no viable plan. Democratic domination of the legislature once again proves that it badly serves Baltimore City and the rest of Maryland.

 379 agree | 388 disagree
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6:49 AM MST on Thu., May. 24, 2007 re: "BGE customers will pay 50 percent more"

 Examiner Reader said:
We're being robbed.

 402 agree | 387 disagree
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4:38 AM MST on Thu., May. 24, 2007 re: "Credit scores can limit consumers’ utility choices"

 Examiner Reader said:
Kudos to Jill Carter. She's beginning to seem like the only politician that will stand up to power and speak truth even when it's unpopular. Too bad most of the others won't follow her lead. O'Malley is a liar, but so are all the others that went along and blamed Ehrlich and Ehrlich's PSC.

 413 agree | 365 disagree
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6:44 PM MST on Sun., May. 13, 2007 re: "Credit scores can limit consumers’ utility choices"

 Examiner Reader said:
The ramifications of this are extremely bad. people with the least money, that cannot afford BGE bills now before the rate hike hits, will be foreclosed from choosing less expensive options?! People have bad credit often because they have no money. How sad that this is where our society is moving, and sadder that politicians are doing nothing to stop this.

 437 agree | 388 disagree
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11:59 AM MST on Tue., May. 8, 2007 re: "BGE-Constellation relationship concerns officials"

 Examiner Reader said:
hidden costs and risk management fees have maryland consumers more than double what the actual price of electricity is on the open market. a cooperative would better serve consumers with a manager buying it on the market daily like on the stock exchange.

 447 agree | 435 disagree
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6:12 PM MST on Mon., May. 7, 2007 re: "BGE-Constellation relationship concerns officials"

 Examiner Reader said:
Del. Carter and her unnamed allies, the "activists" and "other utiilty providers" are not doing the public any favors. Read Jay Hancock's article in the Sun to see that the alternate providers are bemoaning the fact that they can't compete against BGE's standard rate and are trying to bail out on their rate schedules. If the PSC wants to perform a public service, it should worry less about the relationship between BGE and its suppliers and concentrate on insuring the financial stability of the suppliers and enforcing the terms of their rate schedules. Deregulation left the choice to the consumer; it isn't up to mother PSC to make the choice for him or her.

 480 agree | 416 disagree
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9:38 PM MST on Fri., May. 4, 2007 re: "BGE-Constellation relationship concerns officials"

 Examiner Reader said:
Part of the PSC's duty is to ensure that BGE gets a reasonable rate of return from its investment. One must always keep this in mind when attempting to decipher the scam that is commonly called "De-regulation". First of all de-regulation is a bad term to use, the industry was just restructured not de-regulated. The restructuring occurred in 1999 when BGE was required, by the wisdom of our elected officials, to separate itself from the electric generation and wholesale marketing side of the business. Thus BGE was buying electricity from plants it onced owned for the first couple of years, in the years since 2002 BGE has been buying power set by the wholesale market, which is considerably higher than buying fuel for a plant and generating the power itself. Before restructuring BGE would request a rate increase corresponding to an increase in fuel costs, however now the rate is tied to wholesale market. Want someone to blame, look in a mirror your vote or nonvote caused this.

 483 agree | 932 disagree
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1:13 AM MST on Fri., May. 4, 2007 re: "BGE-Constellation relationship continues to cause concern for state officials"

 Examiner Reader said:
It's the elected officials' fault. "Deregulation prompted rate hike". Question: Why is Gov. O'Malley and General Assembly silent on Del. Jill Carter's request for a Special Session? Answer: Because they all sold us out to be in bed with corporate execs and just got re-elected.

 708 agree | 426 disagree
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7:17 AM MST on Tue., May. 1, 2007 re: "BGE customers face May 31 deadline"

 Bruce A. said:
I remember when I first started out on my own in the mid 1970's things like utility bills, gasoline, groceries etc. were a reasonable and fair part of my meager weekly wages. Today they are a substantial chunk of my still meager weekly wages. I realize that the cost of things go up over time especailly when you overpopulate and can't keep up with the wear and tear that goes with it. But my wages are lagging far far behind and haven't kept pace with inflation. I don't have a lot of debt thankfully as I don't spend what I don't have but I don't know how long I can survive if the practical needed things such as utility bills etc. keep consuming a big chunk of my paycheck. There needs to be a compromise between what is good for the consumer and shareholders. The consumer consistently loses.

 455 agree | 437 disagree
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2:31 PM MST on Thu., Apr. 26, 2007 re: "Expert: Deregulation prompted rate hike"

 Examiner Reader said:
how would they keep rates down when all their supplies have doubled and tripled plus EPA regulations are more expensive if a new power plant is needed.Plus underground cables are more expensive to maintain . Wages increased also from 1999 .Lots of money needed to have new lines into new housing developments. I don't like to pay more either. wind mill current is very expensive too. Are we afraid of atomic energy? it could be cheaper.

 497 agree | 451 disagree
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12:03 PM MST on Thu., Apr. 26, 2007 re: "Expert: Deregulation prompted rate hike"

 Examiner Reader said:
BGE , and The PSC screwed the citizens of Maryland when they sold Calvet Cliffs to out of state investors. I say pull their permit to operate a Nuclear Power Plant in our State. I Remember when they built it . it was suppose give the citizens of Maryland some relief in our bottom line. Now we are faced with out of State owners selling back a product generated in the state of Maryland. Shareholder

 435 agree | 444 disagree
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6:17 AM MST on Tue., Apr. 24, 2007 re: "Constellation Energy executive says his firm is ‘in business to make a profit’"

 Examiner Reader said:
Don't publicly regulated utilities have a responsibility to the consumer as well as investors?

 698 agree | 430 disagree
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