Unreported Opinions

Recently, Michael Wein authored an article in the Daily Record (subscription) entitled "Should Maryland adopt the new federal rule permitting unpublished cases to be cited as persuasive authority?" The article discusses the new Proposed Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 32.1 which would permit the citation of unreported opinions--making these opinions, in effect, of persuasive authority. Wein argues that Maryland should follow suit in permitting unreported opinions to be cited, if not for precedential authority, than at least for persuasive authority. Maryland Rule 1-104 currently provides that an unreported opinion "is neither precedent...nor persuasive authority." The Maryland Judiciary maintains a list of unreported opinions.

City Sues PSC Over Rate Plan

Following on yesterday's posting, the Sun reported today that Mayor Martin O'Malley sued the Public Service Commission (Mayor And City Council Of Baltimore vs Baltimore Gas And Electric Company, case number 24C06003976, Baltimore City Circuit Court; available online through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search) over the Commission's proposed plan to deal with increased electric bills. The suit claims that the proposal does not go far enough to deal with the rate increases and requests judicial review of the PSC proposal.

Electricity Rate Hike Plan

Officials at the Maryland Public Service Commission announced late Friday a plan for dealing with rate hikes for Maryland BGE customers. For news stories about the agreement see this story from the BBJ and this one from the Sun. Also see the the official agency press release. The Commission is composed of 5 commissioners and the plan was approved by a 4-1 vote. Commissioner Harold D. Williams was the sole objector to the plan.

While you're on the Public Service Commission site, it's worth spending a few minutes to see what else the site has to offer. The site allows you to search for cases, administrative dockets, official filings, and letters/orders. Also check out the "Online Brochures" page and the service territory maps for gas and electric (under "Utility Areas" on the top toolbar).