The Maryland Public Service Commission took the first step toward requiring that the state's electricity utilities, including Baltimore Gas and Electric Co., agree to long-term deals to purchase power from a potential new plant in the state.
In an order issued Thursday, the state energy regulator said Maryland "continues to face the threat of insufficient new capacity." There has been little new power generation added to the state since Maryland deregulated its plants a decade ago.
According to the order, the state's utilities must issue by Oct. 7 a request for proposals. The process would help developers obtain construction financing for a new plant.