Utility ads try to sell nuclear deal

> Sep 2 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Hanah Cho The Baltimore Sun
>
> Constellation Energy Group has launched an aggressive public
> relations campaign, with advertising in print, on the radio and
> online, to garner support for a deal to sell half its nuclear power
> business to a French utility.
>
> The Baltimore company's efforts come as the first of three
> hearings to solicit public comment begins Wednesday in Annapolis.
> Maryland regulators are reviewing the $4.5 billion deal with
> Electricite de France to determine whether it is in the public's best
> interest.
>
> Constellation is trying to get in front of what had been a public
> tussle between the company and Gov. Martin O'Malley involving
> behind-the-scenes negotiations for a settlement. O'Malley had sought
> to wage a public campaign, laying out his case in an editorial and a
> Webcast to try to wring concessions from Constellation, the parent of
> Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. In July, O'Malley rejected
> Constellation's proposal, arguing that it did not go far enough.
>
> Meanwhile, several public interest groups involved in the review
> before the Maryland Public Service Commission are trying to make sure
> that ratepayers are not harmed by the deal.
>
> Using social media such as Twitter and traditional advertising,
> Constellation is extolling the benefits of the EDF venture as well as
> spelling out what would be lost if the deal is not approved.
>
> "This is an effort to get the facts out, free of any
> misinformation or political rhetoric, and in a way that is clear about
> what's on the line for the state of Maryland," said Constellation
> spokesman Rob Gould, who said people want to hear directly from the
> company.
>
> The company also launched a Web site,
> Constellationenergyfocus.com, where visitors can find information
> about the nuclear venture. An online petition in support of the deal
> began Friday and had collected more than 2,800 signatures as of
> Tuesday.
>
> Print advertising began Sunday with a full-page ad in The
> Capital, in Annapolis, and others will follow in The Baltimore Sun and
> other newspapers.
>
> Using the headline, "Maryland's Clean Energy Future Is On the
> Line,"
> Constellation says thousands of new jobs, $130 million in tax revenue
> to the state and increased investment in the state's energy
> infrastructure would be at stake without the proposed joint venture.
>
> One-minute radio spots are running during morning and afternoon
> drive times on several stations, including WBAL, until the end of the
> month.
>
> Gould declined to say how much Constellation is spending on its
> ad campaign.
>
> The hearing in Annapolis is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Joint
> Committee Hearing room, Department of Legislative Services Building,
> 90 State Circle.
>
> Other public hearings are planned at 7 p.m. Sept. 17 at the War
> Memorial Building, 101 N. Gay St., in Baltimore and 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at
> the Town Hall, 39 N. Hickory Ave., in Bel Air.
>
>