Commission votes in favor of Pepco-Exelon merger

The hotly debated Pepco-Exelon merger is one step closer to being approved. The Maryland Public Service commission ruled in a 3 to 2 vote on Friday to let it go through. However, there are some conditions, including $43 million in energy efficiency programs, higher reliability standards and a $100 credit for Pepco consumers. The D.C. Public Service Commission also has to endorse the merger before it can go through. The merger would make Exelon one of the nation’s biggest utility companies. A decision will not be made until this summer. Exelon and Pepco officials issued a joint statement saying that the companies were “pleased” with the final decision, but needed more time to thoroughly assess its conditions. They have until May 26 to accept or reject the PSC’s conditions.