Electricity Rates

Your Guide to Maryland Energy Choice

Explore Maryland's energy choice program to save on electricity bills and choose renewable energy options for a cleaner future.

Last updated

January 14, 2025

Author: Matt from Currents

Learn about energy for your home or business.

Maryland residents can save on electricity bills and choose renewable energy options through the state's energy choice program.

This program allows you to pick your electricity supplier while your local utility continues to handle power delivery and maintenance. Here's what you need to know:

Quick Comparison of Energy Plans

Supplier Rates Table

Supplier	Rate (¢/kWh)	Green Energy	Term Length
BGE	12.0¢	25%	12 months
Constellation	11.5¢	100%	24 months
Direct Energy	13.2¢	50%	6 months
NRG Energy	11.8¢	75%	18 months

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Visit the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) website for licensed supplier lists and comparison tools.

Use platforms like Currents to manage energy usage and explore savings opportunities. Switching suppliers is easy and gives you control over costs and energy sources.

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Compare BGE Prices and Suppliers

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Steps to Compare and Select Energy Suppliers

The Maryland PSC makes it easier to choose electricity providers by providing clear guidelines and resources.

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Where to Find Licensed Suppliers

Licensed suppliers are required to follow consumer protection laws and meet set service quality standards.

You can find a list of licensed suppliers on the Maryland PSC website under their supplier directory. Once you’ve identified potential suppliers, the next step is to compare their plans to see which one meets your needs.

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How to Evaluate Energy Plans

When comparing energy plans, consider these key aspects:

Factors to Consider Table

Factor	Details to Keep in Mind
Price Structure	Fixed rates provide consistent monthly costs, while variable rates change with market conditions - choose based on your budget preferences.
Contract Length	Common options include 6, 12, or 24-month terms.
Cancellation Terms	Check for early termination fees and other conditions.
Renewable Content	Look at the percentage of clean energy included in the plan.
Additional Perks	Some plans may include extras like energy audits or smart devices.

Switching providers is a straightforward process. It usually takes 2-6 weeks, aligns with your next meter reading, and doesn’t involve fees - unless your current plan has early termination charges.

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Advantages of Maryland's Energy Choice Program

Maryland's energy choice program gives residents more control over their electricity costs and access to renewable energy plans. By fostering competition, it opens the door to lower rates and cleaner energy options.

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How to Save Money on Energy

Maryland's competitive energy market offers several ways to save. Here are some key features to look for:

Factors to Consider Table

Cost-Saving Feature	What It Means for You
Fixed-Rate Plans	Locks in your rate, shielding you from sudden price increases.
Off-Peak Usage Programs	Offers lower rates if you can shift your energy use to non-peak hours.
Bundle Deals	Combines services like energy audits or smart devices for extra perks.
Promotional Rates	Provides discounted rates during an introductory period.

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By switching to fixed-rate plans, for instance, households can save an average of 10-15% compared to standard utility rates. Comparing offers from licensed suppliers often reveals rates that beat standard utility prices, making it easier to cut costs.

But saving money isn’t the only advantage. Maryland’s energy choice program also lets residents opt for greener energy solutions.

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Choosing Renewable Energy Plans

With renewable energy plans, your electricity use is matched by Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), which confirm clean energy is added to the grid.

Plans range from 25% to 100% renewable energy, allowing you to decide how much of an environmental impact you want to make. For example, suppliers like Constellation offer plans with 100% renewable energy, while others provide options starting at 25%.

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Better Services Through Competition

Competition among suppliers has led to improvements in both services and innovation. The Maryland Public Service Commission ensures licensed suppliers meet high standards while encouraging them to introduce new offerings.

Some of the latest innovations include smart home systems, free EV charging during off-peak hours, and energy monitoring tools.

Suppliers are also enhancing customer service with clearer billing, better support, and more transparent terms. In this competitive environment, providers work harder to win and keep your business, which benefits everyone.

Maryland's energy choice program shows how competition can lead to both cost savings and better energy services for residents.

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Important Considerations and Resources

Understanding the programs and tools available to Maryland residents is key to making informed energy choices. The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) plays a crucial role in protecting consumers while ensuring reliable service.

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Impact on Energy Assistance Programs

Switching energy suppliers does not affect your eligibility for the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP). MEAP continues to offer bill assistance and emergency support, regardless of your energy supplier.

Additionally, Maryland residents have access to various tools to simplify the process of choosing an energy supplier.

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Managing Energy Savings with Currents

Currents is a platform designed to simplify energy management in Maryland's deregulated market. It helps homeowners and small businesses cut energy costs through automatic supplier switching.

Key Takeaways

Maryland's energy choice program gives residents the chance to manage energy costs more effectively while also supporting clean energy efforts.

The Maryland PSC website provides tools like licensed supplier lists and comparison features to make selecting a supplier easier. Importantly, MEAP benefits remain unaffected by your choice of supplier.