By: Ben Mook

The Maryland Public Service Commission kicked off  a week-long round of hearings on Monday over the proposed Constellation Energy – EdF deal. The French power giant wants to buy just shy of 50 percent of the Baltimore company’s nuclear power holdings.

No stranger to the dance, as Constellation’s earlier attempts at a full merger with FPL in 2006 and MidAmerican in 2008 were scrutinized by state regulators.

With the $4.5B EDF deal, Constellation is using the web to make its case to the public. The company has set up a web site that has fact sheets covering everything from executive compensation to one called “Myths vs Facts.”

The hearings are also being followed via Twitter from Constellation’s account. Excerpts of testimony were being doled out all day, including one that said, “J. Morris of EDF said at PSC hearing just now that EDF will look for opportunities elsewhere if not a welcomed investor in Maryland.”

In addition to the tweets, fact sheets and position papers, Constellation also launched an online petition for people to sign and let the Public Service Commission know they support the deal. According to Constellation’s count, the petition had 5,113 signatures as of 4:40 on Monday.

What’s your take on Constellation’s strategy – too aggressive,  just right or not enough?