Maryland Electricity Rates
Maryland deregulated its electricity market in 1999, empowering residents and businesses across the state to shop for their own electricity supplier. With four major utility territories spanning from the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian mountains, Maryland consumers can compare dozens of retail suppliers—and those who do typically save 15–30% versus the default Standard Offer Service rate. Below you’ll find current Maryland electricity rates, utility territory breakdowns, and a complete guide to finding the best plan.
Key Takeaways
Maryland Avg Rate
U.S. National Average
How Maryland Electricity Deregulation Works
Maryland’s deregulation law separated electricity generation from delivery, creating a competitive market where retail suppliers compete for customers. Your utility continues to own the poles, wires, and meters—handling delivery, outages, and meter reading regardless of which supplier you choose. Only the generation (supply) portion of your bill is shoppable.
Know Your Utility
Check your bill or enter your ZIP code to identify whether you’re served by BGE, PEPCO, Delmarva Power, or Potomac Edison. Each utility territory has its own set of available suppliers.
Compare Suppliers
Browse licensed retail suppliers and compare generation rates, contract terms, cancellation fees, and renewable energy options. The Maryland PSC website and ElectricChoice.com both offer comparison tools.
Enroll With Your Choice
Sign up with your preferred supplier online or by phone. They handle the switch notification to your utility. No calls to make, no forms to file with your utility.
Start Saving
The switch completes within 1–2 billing cycles. Zero interruption to your power. You’ll see the new generation rate on your next bill while delivery charges remain unchanged.
Maryland’s Consumer Protection
Maryland’s deregulated market is overseen by the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC), which licenses all retail suppliers, sets consumer protection rules, and handles complaints. Suppliers must provide clear contract terms, honor a rescission period after enrollment, and notify customers before contract expiration. If you have concerns about a supplier, the MD PSC provides a formal complaint process.
Maryland Electric Utility Territories
Maryland’s deregulated market is divided into four utility territories. Your utility determines the delivery charges on your bill and which retail suppliers serve your area. All four territories are fully deregulated.
Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE)
Maryland’s largest utility, serving Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Howard, and portions of Montgomery, Harford, and Prince George’s counties. BGE territory has the most active supplier marketplace in the state. Outage line: 877-778-2222.
Potomac Electric Power (PEPCO)
Serves most of Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and the District of Columbia. PEPCO territory includes many of the D.C. suburbs where commuters can benefit from competitive electricity rates. Outage line: 877-737-2662.
Delmarva Power
Covers the Eastern Shore of Maryland, serving communities across the Delmarva Peninsula. Part of the Exelon family. Outage line: 800-898-8042.
Potomac Edison
Serves Frederick County, Washington County, Allegheny County, and portions of Montgomery, Carroll, and Howard counties in western Maryland. A FirstEnergy subsidiary. Outage line: 888-544-4877.
Types of Maryland Electricity Plans
Maryland’s competitive market offers a variety of plan types from licensed retail suppliers. Understanding the options helps you find a plan that balances cost, flexibility, and environmental impact.
Fixed-Rate Plans
Lock in a generation rate for 6–24 months. Popular among Maryland homeowners who want bill predictability through the state’s humid summers and cold winters.
- Rate stays constant regardless of market swings
- Protection against summer peak pricing
- Early termination fees typically $50–$150
- Most widely available plan type in MD
Variable-Rate Plans
Your generation rate fluctuates monthly with the PJM wholesale market. Best for MD customers who prefer month-to-month flexibility.
- No contract or early termination fee
- Rates may drop during mild shoulder seasons
- Can increase during summer heat waves
- Cancel or switch anytime without penalty
Green Energy Plans
Maryland’s Renewable Portfolio Standard requires increasing shares of renewable generation. Green plans go further by sourcing 100% from wind, solar, or other renewables.
- Support Maryland’s renewable energy goals
- Often competitively priced with conventional
- 100% renewable energy certificates (RECs)
- Same reliability as conventional electricity
Budget Billing Plans
Even out seasonal bill swings by averaging your annual costs into equal monthly payments. Available from select suppliers and utilities.
- Predictable monthly payments year-round
- No surprises during peak summer or winter
- Annual true-up adjusts for actual usage
- Available from select MD suppliers
Maryland Business Electricity Rates
Maryland’s commercial rate of 15.18¢/kWh is slightly above the national average. The state’s proximity to the federal government and its diverse economy—spanning biotechnology, cybersecurity, defense, higher education, and healthcare—means businesses of all sizes can benefit from competitive supply procurement.
Government Contractors
Maryland’s D.C.-adjacent location makes it home to thousands of defense and government contractors. Office complexes and secure facilities require reliable power.
Biotech & Life Sciences
The I-270 biotech corridor is one of the largest life sciences clusters in the U.S. Labs and research facilities need consistent, cost-effective power.
Healthcare & Education
Major medical centers (Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Medical) and universities are significant electricity consumers. Multi-year supply agreements can reduce costs substantially.
Best Time to Shop for Maryland Electricity
Maryland participates in the PJM wholesale electricity market. Retail supply rates track wholesale prices, which follow predictable seasonal patterns driven by heating and cooling demand in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Spring: Mar–May
Heating season ends and summer AC hasn’t started. PJM wholesale prices drop to annual lows, and suppliers offer their most competitive rates to attract new customers.
Summer: Jul–Aug
Maryland’s hot, humid summers drive significant AC demand and spike wholesale prices. The Chesapeake Bay region is particularly prone to summer heat waves that push rates higher.
Fall: Sep–Nov
AC demand fades and wholesale prices retreat before winter. An excellent window to lock in a fixed rate, especially if your current contract is ending.
Pro Tip: Don’t Let Your Contract Expire
When your Maryland electricity contract expires, most suppliers roll you onto a month-to-month variable rate—which is almost always higher than a fixed plan. The Maryland PSC requires suppliers to notify you before your contract ends. Use that notice as your cue to start shopping for a new plan. Proactive shoppers who re-shop every 6–12 months consistently save the most.
Moving to Maryland? Start Your Electric Service
Maryland’s diverse geography—from the beaches of Ocean City to the mountains of western Maryland—makes it a popular destination for newcomers. Here’s how to set up electricity at your new Maryland home.
Contact Your Utility
Call your local utility (BGE, PEPCO, Delmarva, or Potomac Edison) to establish delivery service at your new address. They’ll set up your meter and account.
Compare Suppliers
Once delivery is active, compare generation rates from licensed retail suppliers. Enter your ZIP code to see available plans in your utility territory.
Choose a Plan
Select a supplier and enroll. Until your chosen supplier activates, your utility provides generation at the Standard Offer Service (SOS) rate—so you’re covered from day one.
Start Saving
Your supplier takes over generation within 1–2 billing cycles. You’ll receive a single consolidated bill from your utility that includes both delivery and supply charges.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Electricity
Everything you need to know about shopping for electricity in Maryland, answered in plain language.
Is Maryland a deregulated electricity state?
Yes. Maryland deregulated its electricity market in 1999. Residents and businesses served by BGE, PEPCO, Delmarva Power, and Potomac Edison can choose their electricity supplier. Your utility continues to handle delivery, outages, and meter reading—only the generation portion of your bill changes when you switch suppliers.
What is the average electricity rate in Maryland?
The average residential rate is 22.4¢/kWh—about 24% above the national average of 18.05¢/kWh. The commercial rate averages 15.18¢/kWh. By shopping for a competitive supplier, Maryland customers typically save 15–30% on the generation portion of their bill.
What are Maryland’s electric utilities?
Maryland has four major utilities: BGE (Baltimore metro, largest in the state), PEPCO (Montgomery and Prince George’s counties plus D.C.), Delmarva Power (Eastern Shore), and Potomac Edison (western Maryland, a FirstEnergy subsidiary). Your utility determines your delivery charges and which suppliers serve your area.
How do I switch electricity providers in Maryland?
Switching takes about 10 minutes and causes zero service interruption. Compare suppliers using your ZIP code, choose a plan, and enroll online or by phone. Your supplier handles the switch with your utility. The transition completes within 1–2 billing cycles. Check your current contract for any early termination fees before switching.
What is Standard Offer Service (SOS)?
SOS is the default electricity supply for Maryland customers who haven’t chosen a third-party supplier. SOS rates are set through competitive procurement managed by the Maryland PSC and change periodically (typically every six months for residential customers). SOS provides reliable service, but proactive shoppers who compare plans often find competitive fixed-rate offers below the current SOS rate.
Who do I call for power outages in Maryland?
For outages, always contact your utility—not your supplier. BGE: 877-778-2222. PEPCO: 877-737-2662. Delmarva Power: 800-898-8042. Potomac Edison: 888-544-4877. Your utility maintains all delivery infrastructure regardless of which supplier you use.
Are there cancellation fees for MD electricity plans?
It depends on the plan. Variable-rate and month-to-month plans typically have no cancellation fee. Fixed-rate contracts may include early termination fees of $50–$150. Maryland law requires suppliers to disclose all fees before enrollment and provides a rescission period after sign-up during which you can cancel without penalty.
Does Maryland have community solar?
Yes. Maryland’s Community Solar Program allows residents who can’t install rooftop panels—including renters and condo owners—to subscribe to a local solar project and receive bill credits. Subscribers typically save 10–20% on their electricity costs without any upfront investment or equipment installation.
About this Data
Rate data is sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC), and the ElectricChoice.com electric rate marketplace. The inclusion, exclusion, ranking, or naming of any rate, plan, or provider on this page does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Listed rates reflect averages and do not include all utility-specific delivery charges. You should review each plan’s terms of service before enrolling. Last data refresh: April 2026.
