Nuclear Energy

When Constellation Energy Group and EDF Group teamed up three years ago, the economy was riding high, and so were they. Rising energy prices and a growing economy prompted them to propose the once unthinkable: developing, building and operating the first new U.S. nuclear energy plant in three decades. EDF, owned by the French government and operator of one of the largest fleets of nuclear plants in the world, would gain prestige and profit by bringing its expertise to America through the companies' UniStar joint venture.

It was rather sad to read that Rep. Steny H. Hoyer is shilling for Constellation Energy: ("Calvert Cliffs first in line for loan guarantee, Hoyer says," July 2). Hoyer should be promoting renewable energy sources instead of admitting that nuclear energy can't survive economically without taxpayer subsidies. How can anyone support nuclear power today? The banks won't finance a reactor and the insurance companies refuse to issue policies for nuclear power plants. The technology is too dangerous, and no state wants to be the repository for nuclear wastes.

The debate over Constellation Energy Group's proposal to sell almost half of its nuclear power business to a French-owned utility continued Thursday night in Baltimore. Supporters and opponents of the deal both claimed to represent the best interests of Maryland's financial, energy and environmental future. Employees of Constellation and its subsidiary, Baltimore Gas and Electric Co., filled at least a third of the seats in the room and applauded heartily as their speakers argued that the $4.5 billion deal would ensure the future health and growth of the company and its value as a corporate citizen of Maryland.

In a blow to Constellation Energy Group, a judge dismissed Thursday the company's lawsuit challenging the authority of Maryland regulators to investigate its deal to sell half its nuclear power business to a French utility. The ruling means Constellation has little choice but to proceed with the regulatory review of its $4.5 billion transaction with Electricite de France, a regulatory hurdle that the utility had hoped to avoid and had argued was not required under state law. In a statement, Constellation expressed disappointment with the judge's decision and said it would review its legal options.

EDF to sell assets to make up for 2008 earnings drop Electricite de France SA, Europe's biggest power producer and a nuclear energy partner with Baltimore's Constellation Energy Group, will sell assets to cut debt after 2008 earnings declined, and it missed estimates on costs associated with regulated power rates. Paris-based EDF will focus on cutting net financial debt by almost $7 million over this year and next after two acquisitions in the past six months. It agreed in December to buy half of Constellation's nuclear energy business for $4.5 billion.

The deal that rescued Constellation Energy Group Inc. yesterday from extinction, ensuring for now a Baltimore future for one of the city's major corporate headquarters, will also lead to the arrival of a new corporation in Maryland with plans to foster an American "renaissance" in the development of nuclear power. Electricite de France, the French utility giant that agreed to a $4.5 billion partnership with Constellation, said it plans to move its American headquarters to Maryland to lead its expansion into U.S. energy markets.

From the marshy fringe of the Chesapeake Bay to the flat farms of the Eastern Shore, Marylanders are pondering how to harness energy and reduce damage to their land while getting it. The discussion has permeated the contest for president, with John McCain and Barack Obama talking of lessening the nation's dependence on foreign oil and minimizing heat-trapping greenhouse gases formed when fossil fuels are burned. As candidates trade proposals, Marylanders such as Donald Graf, an engineer who has designed nuclear power systems throughout his adult life, and Eric Stocker, who struggles to prevent waste from his Eastern Shore farm from flushing into nearby streams, are attuned.

NextGen to acquire Md. health data firm Hunt Valley-based Practice Management Partners, which manages billing and technology for health care providers, will be acquired by NextGen Healthcare Information Systems Inc. for an undisclosed amount, the companies said yesterday. Horsham, Pa.-based NextGen, a health information technology company, said it has entered into an agreement to acquire PMP, which has 200 employees and about $16 million in annual revenue. PMP was founded in 2001 and handles physician billing and collection for hundreds of physician groups, hospitals, health systems and clinics in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Clarification The letter "Extravagant gown insults ratepayers" (March 10) failed to note that the $25,000 Molly Shattuck paid to have designer Christian Siriano create a dress for her will go to benefit the Baltimore School for the Arts. Efficiency is a better energy choice Using Maryland's energy crisis as an excuse to build a new nuclear plant in the state is hopelessly off the mark ("The energy answer," Opinion Commentary, March 4).

Maryland's Allegheny Energy recently mailed two compact fluorescent light bulbs to each of its customers. Imagine the indignation when those customers noticed a $12 charge for the unsolicited mailing. Despite promises that the bulbs would save money, help the environment and prevent blackouts, Allegheny's customers were peeved. They wrote letters to editors and lit fires under local politicians. Allegheny relented and agreed to pay for the bulbs. Why was a power company compelled to pull a stunt that predictably raised the ire of its customers?