Welcome to Columbia energy from ChooseEnergy.com.  Whether you are moving into a new home or business, or simply wanting to switch Columbia energy providers to lower your energy costs – ChooseEnergy.com can help.

Since you are located in a deregulated area of Maryland and in the Columbia Gas and Electric (BGE) service area you do have a choice in your energy provider. Columbia residents and businesses can choose to stay with their Affiliate Retail Electric Provider, or you can choose one of several competing Columbia energy providers.  Choose Energy can help you sort through your options and help you choose the Columbia energy company that best fits your needs for your home or business.

Please note: Your local wires company is still responsible for maintaining the wires and poles, delivery of the electricity and or gas, and responding to emergency outages. The only thing that changes is billing and customer service.  Maryland energy companies will compete for your business by offering lower prices, added customer service benefits, or renewable energy options. By making a switch to a lower cost Maryland energy provider, you can save hundreds of dollars or more depending on the size of your home or business.

Columbia, Maryland

Columbia, Maryland is located in Howard County and is best known for being a planned community. This means it was organized and divided into specific areas with central public places and an intention of creating a feeling of community. The goal was to "enhance its resident's quality of life." In 1967, James W. Rouse, together with his firm the Rouse Company, created Columbia on the 14,000 acres of land they had purchased from 140 different people. He believed that a community could be built around more than just engineering and economic factors. Additional goals included eliminating the current subdivision status quo, as well as religious, ethnic, racial and income segregation.

During the early days of Columbia's creation, there was a bit of mystery surrounding the land-grab. As Rouse and his company were buying the acreage, few knew what the plans were. Rumors included the creation of a medical lab or an environmental undertaking. In the fall of 1963, the rumors were put to rest when Rouse and Company revealed their plans.

Rouse explained his creation carefully by describing it as planned new city that would offer schools, jobs, shopping, housing and medical services. The planning process for Columbia included more than jus the usual city planner. Rouse assembled a panel of nationally known social science experts. In addition to suggestions concerning education, recreation and commerce, the group also planned the village centers. Columbia was zoned as a New Town District, which meant the Rouse Company needed little input or approval from the county government for planning and building.

One of the most notable aspects of the school system in Columbia was the open classroom. The Wilde Lake High School was opened in 1971 and served as a model for the United States when it came to the open concept school. Open classrooms meant there were no longer four walls dividing each class of students. A large space was divided into pods that feature partitions dividing the classes. It was possible to hear activities and lessons occurring in other rooms.

The goal of Columbia's villages was to provide a safe, small-town community feeling to the area. Each village is home to several smaller neighborhoods. Most of the neighborhoods feature single-family homes, townhomes, condos and apartments. The intention was to have all of the children in a neighborhood attend the same school, providing the same education to each resident of the community. Columbia's Villages include Wilde Lake (opened first), Harper's Choice, Oakland Mills, Long Reach, Owen Brown, Hickory Ridge, Dorsey's Search, Kings Contrivance, River Hill and Town Center.

Today, Columbia is consistently ranked by Money Magazine as one of the best places to live in the United States. The population is approximately 97,200. They still maintain a community feeling, although a number of retail establishments have moved into the area. The Mall in Columbia has expanded a great deal over the years and features numerous department stores, restaurants and a movie theatre. In addition to the mall, there are several shopping centers throughout the area including Columbia Crossing I and II, Dobbin Center, Snowden Square and the Gateway Overlook. There are also shopping destinations in each of the village centers. Most offer residents a nearby option for a fueling station, a grocery store, a dry cleaner, hair care, liquor and restaurants.