Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan nominated Montgomery County Republican leader Michael L. Higgs Jr., an attorney specializing in telecommunications.

Exelon’s $6.8 billion bid to acquire Pepco took two steps forward when it gained approvals from both the New Jersey BPU and the staff of the Delaware PSC.

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved the Exelon takeover of Pepco Holdings Inc. in a settlement that will give Atlantic City Electric customers $62 million in rate credits.

The NJ BPU staff recommended OK of Exelon’s acquisition of Pepco in a deal that would give Atlantic City Electric customers $62 million in rate credits.

Md. PSC staff said Exelon should increase its proposed credit to customers as a condition of approval of the company's merger with Pepco, while the OPC said the commission should reject the deal.

Maryland’s Office of People’s Counsel is recommending that regulators set tougher energy-efficiency targets for the state’s utilities.

Utilities in New Jersey and Maryland are fighting an attempt by a Competitive Power Ventures to enforce contracts that federal courts last year ruled invalid.

Exelon’s proposed $6.8 billion acquisition of Pepco Holdings Inc. should clear federal regulatory hurdles easily but may face a tougher time convincing state regulators.

FERC was within its rights to approve PJM’s controversial capacity market MOPR rule changes in 2011, a federal appeals court ruled.

Panda Power Funds, a Texas-based private equity fund, last week announced two big investments in PJM, proposing a plant in MD and purchasing rights to a planned generator in PA.