What to know about electricity rates in Maryland

  • The average Maryland electricity rate is 17.67 cents per kWh while the average national rate is 16.06 cents
  • The cheapest electricity rate is 6.91 cents per kWh for Maryland residents
  • Maryland's deregulated electricity market includes 170 providers

Best Maryland electricity rates

Maryland electricity rates range from 6.91 cents to 20.22 cents per kWh. The rates you find vary depending on the providers and plans available to you, and comparing companies is the best way to find better rates. Below are some rates from popular electric companies in Maryland.

Rank Provider Service Rate (¢/kWh) Customers
1 Hagerstown Light Department Bundled 6.89 17,015
2 Williamsport, Maryland Electric Utility Bundled 7.70 994
3 Thurmont, Maryland Electric Utility Bundled 8.39 2,766
4 Easton Electric Company Bundled 11.65 10,665
5 Potomac Edison Bundled 13.85 262,919
6 Berlin Electric Bundled 14.15 2,736
7 Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative Bundled 14.59 174,057
8 Choptank Electric Cooperative Bundled 16.71 54,113
9 Baltimore Gas & Electric Bundled 17.90 1,100,855
10 Potomac Electric Power Company Bundled 19.97 515,452

Because Maryland has a deregulated electricity market, you have the flexibility to shop around for a cheaper electricity bill. Many states don't offer this choice. If you're looking to reduce your energy bill, consider switching to a different provider or plan. Maryland electricity providers offer different types of plans for residents and businesses to satisfy a range of needs.

Average cost of electricity in Maryland

According to our data, the average electricity rate in Maryland is 17.67 cents per kWh. This equates to an average residential bill of $157.40 per month. The national average rate is 16.06 cents per kWh, and Maryland ranks as the 39th lowest priced state in the nation.

Rate Usage Bill
Maryland Average 17.67¢ 891 kWh $157.40
United States Average 16.06¢ 867 kWh $139.28

Since the average price is 17.67 cents per kWh or $157.40 per month for residential electricity, prices lower than these can be considered affordable. Electricity rates in Maryland depend on your home size and usage, so the kWh rate is more useful when comparing your rate to the average.

Best electricity plans

In Maryland, the best electricity plans provide competitive rates, renewable energy options, and fixed or variable pricing. Top providers offer reliability, transparency, and customer incentives so you can save money and enjoy responsive support.

We've analyzed the prices, terms, and conditions of popular Maryland electricity plans. Below are our picks for the best residential plans in the state.

Provider Contract Term Rate Plan
12 months 8.35¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 8.69¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 8.80¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 9.09¢/kWh See Plan
18 months 9.19¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 9.20¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 9.39¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 9.65¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 9.68¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 9.90¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 10.05¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 10.09¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 10.10¢/kWh See Plan
18 months 10.29¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 10.30¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 10.35¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 10.42¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 10.49¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 10.49¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 10.50¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 10.59¢/kWh See Plan
18 months 10.69¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 10.79¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 10.80¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 10.80¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 10.89¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 10.99¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 10.99¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 11.30¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 11.39¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 11.59¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 11.89¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 12.39¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 12.49¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 12.59¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 13.39¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 13.89¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 13.99¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 14.09¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 16.09¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 16.29¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 17.59¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 17.79¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 68.0¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 68.9¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 69.8¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 70.3¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 77.0¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 77.9¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 78.8¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 79.3¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 97.9¢/kWh See Plan
36 months $1.13/kWh See Plan
24 months $1.20/kWh See Plan
24 months $1.35/kWh See Plan
See All Plans

Compare Maryland electricity providers

There are 11 electricity providers in Maryland. While some providers only serve specific areas, you have multiple options for electricity wherever you are. Different providers can offer different specials, plan types, and sales throughout the year. However, always read the fine print of the energy plans you consider to avoid hidden penalties.

Residential Electricity Providers in Texas

Provider Service Type Rate (¢/kWh) Rate State Rank Bill Bill State Rank
Hagerstown Light Department Bundled 6.89 1 $64.74 1
Williamsport, Maryland Electric Utility Bundled 7.70 2 $78.23 2
Thurmont, Maryland Electric Utility Bundled 8.39 3 $104.40 3
Easton Electric Company Bundled 11.65 4 $124.93 4
Potomac Edison Bundled 13.85 5 $148.78 6
Berlin Electric Bundled 14.15 6 $142.53 5
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative Bundled 14.59 7 $165.49 9
Choptank Electric Cooperative Bundled 16.71 8 $194.69 11
Baltimore Gas & Electric Bundled 17.90 9 $153.99 7
Potomac Electric Power Company Bundled 19.97 10 $162.10 8
Showing 10 of 11 providers

Business electricity rates in Maryland

Commercial rates are typically cheaper than residential rates in Maryland because businesses consume much more energy than homes on average. Businesses basically get a volume discount on electricity since they use so much. Our data shows the average business in Maryland pays 14.87 cents per kWh for electricity and has an average bill of $49,977 per month.

Rate Usage Bill
Maryland Average 14.87¢ 3,360 kWh $499.77
United States Average 12.07¢ 5,570 kWh $672.49

Finding ways to reduce overhead costs is essential as a business owner. You have the opportunity to do that in a deregulated electricity market. Even reducing your electricity by one or two cents per kWh can make a huge difference when you have a high monthly bill. Compare commercial electricity rates to find the plan that makes the most sense for your business.

Best commercial electricity plans

Below are the top commercial electricity plans in Maryland.

Provider Contract Term Rate Plan
3 months 6.718¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 6.759¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 6.922¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 6.969¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 7.013¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 7.019¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 7.068¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 7.071¢/kWh See Plan
1 months 7.139¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 7.141¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 7.158¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 7.300¢/kWh See Plan
1 months 7.321¢/kWh See Plan
1 months 7.332¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 7.341¢/kWh See Plan
16 months 7.741¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 7.752¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 7.757¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 7.759¢/kWh See Plan
15 months 7.769¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 7.771¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 7.781¢/kWh See Plan
17 months 7.782¢/kWh See Plan
11 months 7.786¢/kWh See Plan
6 months 7.812¢/kWh See Plan
14 months 7.830¢/kWh See Plan
10 months 7.844¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 7.855¢/kWh See Plan
13 months 7.865¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 7.878¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 7.908¢/kWh See Plan
9 months 7.921¢/kWh See Plan
16 months 7.926¢/kWh See Plan
11 months 7.928¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 7.930¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 7.935¢/kWh See Plan
15 months 7.942¢/kWh See Plan
18 months 7.945¢/kWh See Plan
18 months 7.952¢/kWh See Plan
17 months 7.962¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 7.969¢/kWh See Plan
23 months 7.983¢/kWh See Plan
22 months 7.985¢/kWh See Plan
14 months 7.988¢/kWh See Plan
10 months 7.997¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 8.000¢/kWh See Plan
21 months 8.013¢/kWh See Plan
13 months 8.016¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 8.020¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 8.023¢/kWh See Plan
1 months 8.026¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 8.026¢/kWh See Plan
6 months 8.034¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 8.037¢/kWh See Plan
16 months 8.038¢/kWh See Plan
8 months 8.048¢/kWh See Plan
11 months 8.048¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 8.049¢/kWh See Plan
1 months 8.050¢/kWh See Plan
15 months 8.056¢/kWh See Plan
20 months 8.056¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 8.059¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 8.059¢/kWh See Plan
28 months 8.059¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 8.060¢/kWh See Plan
27 months 8.067¢/kWh See Plan
19 months 8.071¢/kWh See Plan
17 months 8.076¢/kWh See Plan
26 months 8.089¢/kWh See Plan
25 months 8.090¢/kWh See Plan
29 months 8.096¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 8.099¢/kWh See Plan
6 months 8.099¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 8.106¢/kWh See Plan
9 months 8.107¢/kWh See Plan
14 months 8.107¢/kWh See Plan
10 months 8.117¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 8.118¢/kWh See Plan
7 months 8.126¢/kWh See Plan
18 months 8.126¢/kWh See Plan
23 months 8.128¢/kWh See Plan
22 months 8.133¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 8.135¢/kWh See Plan
13 months 8.145¢/kWh See Plan
21 months 8.171¢/kWh See Plan
9 months 8.181¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 8.188¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 8.193¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 8.195¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 8.196¢/kWh See Plan
30 months 8.200¢/kWh See Plan
18 months 8.227¢/kWh See Plan
20 months 8.229¢/kWh See Plan
27 months 8.229¢/kWh See Plan
28 months 8.229¢/kWh See Plan
18 months 8.231¢/kWh See Plan
25 months 8.239¢/kWh See Plan
18 months 8.241¢/kWh See Plan
6 months 8.242¢/kWh See Plan
26 months 8.242¢/kWh See Plan
See All Plans

How to switch Maryland electricity companies

Since Maryland's Electric Customer Choice and Competition Act passed in 1999, residents have gained the power to choose their electricity supplier rather than being locked into their local utility company.

Switching your electricity provider involves five straightforward steps:

  • Compare rates from multiple suppliers using resources like MD Electric Choice website
  • Select a plan that matches your needs (fixed-rate, variable-rate, or renewable)
  • Enroll with your chosen supplier, who'll manage the change
  • Review and confirm the written agreement from your supplier
  • Wait 1-2 billing cycles for plan activation

You'll need to provide at least 72 hours notice for any service changes, and your local utility company will continue handling power distribution and infrastructure.

When is the best time to switch energy providers in Maryland?

Timing your switch to a new energy provider in Maryland can considerably impact your potential savings and service experience.

Your best opportunities to switch include:

  • Before peak seasons (summer/winter) to lock in better rates
  • During your contract renewal period to avoid rate increases
  • When market prices show favorable trends
  • Outside extreme weather periods when rates tend to spike

How deregulated electricity works in Maryland

The state's 1999 Electric Customer Choice and Competition Act divided the electricity industry into three segments:

  • Generation: Multiple companies compete to produce power
  • Transmission: High-voltage lines regulated by federal authorities
  • Distribution: Local utilities maintain power lines to your home

Under this system, you can choose your electricity supplier while your local utility continues delivering power through their infrastructure.

When you don't select a retail supplier, you'll receive Standard Offer Service (SOS) from your utility at regulated rates.

Types of electricity plans in Maryland

You have four main types of plans when choosing an electricity plan in Maryland's deregulated market.

Fixed-rate plans offer stable pricing throughout your contract term, making budgeting easier and typically providing the most cost-effective option.

Variable-rate plans allow suppliers to adjust prices at their discretion, offering flexibility but less predictability.

If you prefer to manage costs upfront, prepaid plans let you purchase electricity in advance, though you'll need to monitor usage carefully.

For environmentally conscious consumers, renewable energy plans match your usage with Renewable Energy Certificates, with options ranging from 25% to 100% clean energy sources.

Compare Maryland electricity rates

Compare Maryland electricity rates to save money and avoid overpaying in the deregulated market. Your bill can vary greatly depending on the provider and plan structure. Take the time to read the fine print and do the math to figure out which is your best option.

Maryland electricity rate FAQs

What is a good rate per kWh in Maryland?

In Maryland, a good electricity rate falls between 11 cents to 14 cents per kWh. Tired of high bills? Shop during spring and fall to lock in lower prices before HVAC use spikes in the summer or winter.

What are electric rates in Maryland today?

Maryland electricity rates currently average 17.67 cents per kWh, but you'll likely pay between 11 to 16 cents depending on your provider, location, and plan type.

Why is electricity so expensive in Maryland right now?

Your Maryland electricity costs may be high because of massive grid upgrades and rising natural gas prices. You'll pay more as utilities spend billions on infrastructure while data centers and extreme weather strain the system.

Will electricity get cheaper in the future?

Electricity rates fluctuate due to energy demand, fuel costs, grid infrastructure, and regulatory policies. While short-term declines may occur, long-term trends often show increases due to inflation, grid modernization, and shifts to renewable energy.