Know Your Provider
Identify Your Utility and Understand Your Energy Options
Your utility company is responsible for delivering electricity or gas to your home and maintaining the infrastructure. In Maryland’s deregulated market, you can often choose a separate electricity supplier while your utility continues to deliver the power. Understanding who provides your energy, and what your options are, is the first step toward making smarter energy choices.
Your local utility provides electricity, natural gas, and water to your home. In Maryland’s electricity market, the utility distributes power but you can often choose your supplier and energy sources. The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates these utilities to ensure safe, reliable, and economic service. Maryland’s major electric utilities include BGE, Pepco, Delmarva Power, Potomac Edison, and SMECO.
While your local utility delivers electricity, you often have the option to choose a separate electricity supplier for the power itself. The utility remains responsible for infrastructure and delivery, while the supplier generates or purchases the electricity you consume, allowing you to potentially find better rates or renewable energy options by comparing offers and checking the list of licensed suppliers. Taking a little time to do this research can help you make the best choice for you and your home.
Utility rates can be confusing. Some rates change depending on the time of year, known as variable rates. Other rates stay the same all year, called fixed rates. Knowing the difference can help you choose the best plan for your budget. Visit Retail Choice to learn how to compare suppliers and find the rate structure that works best for your household.
The cost of electricity can vary depending on the time of day if you are on Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing. During peak hours, when demand is high, rates are higher. Off-peak hours, like late at night or early in the morning, are cheaper. Running major appliances like dishwashers and washing machines during off-peak hours can help you save money. There are currently four participating utilities offering residential TOU rates: BGE, Pepco, Delmarva, and SMECO.
Understanding your utility bill is key to managing energy use. Look for three main charges: Energy Usage, the cost of the energy you consume; Delivery Fees, fixed charges for maintaining the grid; and Additional Charges, which are variable taxes and fees. Analyzing your bill for usage patterns can help you identify where to reduce consumption. Many utilities offer online account tools that track monthly usage trends.
Maryland has several electric and gas utilities serving different regions of the state. Contact your utility directly for billing information, payment assistance programs, and rebates available in your area. Maryland’s major electric utilities include Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), Chesapeake Utilities Cooperative (CUC), Delmarva Power & Light Company (DPL), The Potomac Edison Company (PE), and Southern Maryland Electric Company (SMECO).
Looking to Lower Your Energy Bills?
Understanding your provider is the first step. Explore practical ways to reduce your monthly energy costs.