Understanding the Energy Marketplace
How Maryland's Energy Market Works
This section offers a guide to navigating Maryland’s energy marketplace, with information to help you better understand how energy is delivered to your home, read your bill, explore energy types, and take control of your costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
Maryland has a deregulated electricity market, which means that while your local utility is responsible for delivering power to your home and maintaining the infrastructure, you can often choose a separate electricity supplier for the actual power itself. The utility (like BGE or Pepco) remains responsible for infrastructure and delivery. A supplier generates or purchases the electricity you consume, allowing you to potentially find better rates or renewable energy options.
It’s important to understand the difference between your utility and your electricity supplier. Your utility delivers electricity to your home and is responsible for maintaining the wires, poles, and other infrastructure. Your supplier provides the actual electricity and sets the supply price. In Maryland, you can choose your supplier while your utility continues to deliver the power. If you do not choose a supplier, you receive electricity from your utility at their default rate.
Maryland’s retail choice program allows residential customers to choose their electricity supplier. Before switching, research how suppliers market their products, understand contract details, and compare prices using the Maryland Public Service Commission’s licensed supplier list. The Office of People’s Counsel has excellent resources to help you make an informed decision and protect yourself from predatory practices.
Maryland has consumer protection rules for energy customers. Before signing with any supplier, check with the Maryland Public Service Commission to make sure they are licensed — this is required to do business in the state. The PSC maintains a list of licensed electricity suppliers and allows you to compare prices. The Office of People’s Counsel provides free advocacy and resources to help you understand your rights as an energy consumer.
Even if you can’t install solar panels on your roof, you may still be able to benefit from solar energy. Community solar programs let you subscribe to a shared solar project and receive credits on your electric bill. This option is available to both renters and homeowners and requires no installation or equipment.
Ready to Explore Your Energy Choices?
Learn how to choose a supplier, understand retail choice, and protect yourself as a Maryland energy consumer.