Maryland regulators conditionally approved the deal for nearly half of Constellation’s nuclear business. Constellation says it will enable construction of a third reactor at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant to meet future demand.

Conditions include a one-time credit of about $100 for customers of Constellation’s Baltimore Gas and Electric subsidiary.

Constellation argued approval was not needed. Ehrlich said on his weekly radio show Saturday it was an attempt to shake down Constellation. Ehrlich has not said if he will challenge O’Malley to regain the State House.