Compare Maryland natural gas and electricity rates

Residents of most states are obligated to accept energy services from their local utility company. If you live in Maryland, though, deregulation of the energy market means that you have the power to choose from the utility or from a variety of Maryland electric suppliers. It also means that Maryland electricity rates are available in several different types, allowing you to decide which makes the most sense for your household.

• Fixed-rate: A fixed-rate plan sets your rates for the length of the plan. Terms of 12, 24, and even 36 months may be available. Be aware that even though your electricity supply rates remain the same, taxes and government fees and utility delivery charges may vary.
• Variable-rate: If you are looking for a short-term plan, or you are willing to take the chance that rates may rise, a variable-rate plan could be right for you. Your rates could go up or down each month, depending on wholesale energy prices. You can exit these plans at any time.
• No deposit: If you have excellent credit, you may be able to get a traditional fixed-rate or variable-rate energy plan without a deposit. Otherwise, you may be interested in a no deposit plan, which typically requires prepayment each month like a prepaid cell phone. These prepaid plans generally come with higher electricity-supply rates.
• Green energy plans: A green energy plan is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, and depending on the supplier, they now can come at rates that are similar or only slightly higher than traditional plans.

Maryland deregulated its energy market in 1999, allowing private companies to sell power to Maryland residents and businesses. Deregulation can be a confusing term, but it simply means that you can choose to purchase electricity from your choice of suppliers, as well as from your utility. Natural gas is also deregulated in Maryland, which means that Maryland natural gas prices are competitive between suppliers just like Maryland electricity prices.

Public utilities in Maryland are regulated by the Maryland Public Service Commission. Contact the Consumer Affairs Division at (410) 767-8043 for any disputes you may have.

At Choose Energy, we provide a one stop shop to help you understand energy deregulation and select the energy provider and rate plan that truly work for you and your family. Here is some basic information to help you start the process.

• How can I change my energy provider? Simply grab a copy of your electric bill and then enter your ZIP code at ChooseEnergy.com. We’ll provide a list of suppliers available in your area, along with their rate plans. Compare your current rates to those listed, select a plan, and sign up online or by phone. Your new provider will take care of the rest. (One note: If you are under a contract, you could be charged an early-termination fee for leaving the contract early.)
• How do I choose the electricity plan that’s right for me? Electricity plans can be confusing, so we’ve broken it all down for you in our helpful guide to energy plans. Take a few minutes to read through and familiarize yourself with the lingo, and you will be ready to select the plan that makes sense for your home.
• Are deposits required for energy service? Not always. Electric suppliers use your credit score to determine whether you’ll need to pay a deposit and how large that deposit will be. However, some suppliers have no-deposit plans, typically prepaid each month. Prepaid plans typically have higher rates than other plans.
• What can I do if my energy bill is too high? Lowering your usage is always a smart choice, and we have some tips to help you do that. In addition, switching to a different supplier can often lead to a lower rate. If you are currently locked into a fixed-rate plan, be aware that you may need to pay an early termination fee (ETF) to break your contract.
• What are the differences between various types of plans? Fixed-rate plans lock in your electricity-supply rate for the length of your contract. Variable-rate plans give you more flexibility to end your service, but your rate can go up based on the volatile energy market. Green energy plans reduce your carbon footprint, but your rates may be higher.
• What happens if you don’t buy energy from a supplier? If you don’t choose an energy supplier, you will default to your local utility company. Depending on where in Maryland you live, this may be one of four main utility companies or two cooperatives.

One of the more confusing things about deregulation is that the supplier you choose isn’t the company that actually delivers electricity and natural gas to your home. Each part of the state is served by one utility company, which is responsible for maintaining the power lines and infrastructure. This is who you will call if your power goes out.

• Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE)
• Delmarva Power
• Potomac Edison Company
• Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO)

You have the power to choose your retail supplier. In Maryland, among notable suppliers are Constellation Energy and Direct Energy. Depending on your ZIP code, you may have other choices as well. The supplier you select will set your rates and provide your service.

Finding the right electricity and natural gas plans is easy with Choose Energy. All you need to do is enter your ZIP code for a list of suppliers and plans available in your area. Choose your supplier and plan, and then sign up online or by phone. Your new supplier will arrange your setup. You won’t need to change meters and shouldn’t experience an interruption in service.