ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AFX) - Maryland legislators overrode Gov. Robert Ehrlich's veto and passed a bill Friday protecting Baltimore-area electricity customers from an immediate 72 percent rate increase.
Customers of Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. had demanded relief after learning that rates would soar on July 1 as part of the deregulation of Maryland's power market.
The bill enacted over the Republican governor's veto would limit the rate increase to 15 percent for the next 11 months. But rates would be allowed to rise to market levels in 2008.
In vetoing the measure on Thursday, Ehrlich complained that the plan did not let customers choose whether to participate in a payment plan that included a monthly fee, and he asked the Democratic-controlled legislature for a 'more consumer-friendly' option.
Electricity rates are likely to be a major campaign issue as the governor seeks re-election. The veto has been criticized by Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley, who became the presumptive Democratic nominee Thursday when Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan dropped out of the race.
The House overrode the vote 87-37, two more yes votes than needed. The Senate overrode the veto 34-10, five more votes than needed.
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