Ehrlich sees good progress toward electric rate deal

As the governor and legislative leaders neared a deal that would ease the impact of coming Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. rate increases, legislators stepped up pressure on the utility yesterday by enacting a bill giving the General Assembly the right to veto a planned merger.

A solution to the crisis brought on by an average 72 percent rate increase should be reached in the next 10 days, Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. said after an afternoon meeting with BGE representatives and legislative leaders.

He said "there's no excuse" to extend negotiations beyond the 90-day legislative session.

"We are substantially down...