Table of Contents
- What to know aboout electricity rates in Maryland
- Best Maryland electricity rates
- Average cost of electricity in Maryland
- Best electricity plans in Maryland
- Business electricity rates in Maryland
- Best commercial electricity plans in Maryland
- How to switch Maryland electricity companies
- How deregulated electricity works in Maryland
- Types of electricity plans in Maryland
- Compare Maryland electricity rates
- Maryland electricity rate FAQs
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 |
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.