What to know about electricity rates in Maryland
- The average Maryland electricity rate is 19.53 cents per kWh while the average national rate is 16.82 cents
- The cheapest electricity rate is 6.52 cents per kWh for Maryland residents
- Maryland's deregulated electricity market includes 11 providers
Best Maryland electricity rates
Maryland electricity rates range from 6.52 cents to 22.11 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.
What is the cheapest electricity company in Maryland?
| Rank | Provider | Service | Rate (c/kWh) | Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hagerstown Light Department | Bundled | 6.75 | 11,855 |
| 2 | Williamsport, Maryland Electric Utility | Bundled | 7.54 | 701 |
| 3 | Thurmont, Maryland Electric Utility | Bundled | 8.21 | 1,911 |
| 4 | Easton Electric Company | Bundled | 11.41 | 7,708 |
| 5 | Berlin Electric | Bundled | 13.86 | 1,984 |
| 6 | Potomac Edison | Bundled | 15.12 | 272,902 |
| 7 | Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative | Bundled | 16.14 | 178,177 |
| 8 | Choptank Electric Cooperative | Bundled | 16.37 | 36,863 |
| 9 | Baltimore Gas & Electric | Bundled | 19.63 | 1,192,976 |
| 10 | Potomac Electric Power Company | Bundled | 21.57 | 551,309 |
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 19.53 cents per kWh. This equates to an average residential bill of $176.71 per month. The national average rate is 16.82 cents per kWh, and Maryland ranks as the 38th lowest priced state in the nation.
| Rate | Usage | Bill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | 19.53c | 905 kWh | $176.71 |
| United States Average | 16.82c | 875 kWh | $147.24 |
Since the average price is 19.53 cents per kWh or $176.71 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 | ||
24 months | 8.69¢ /kWh | ||
12 months | 8.80¢ /kWh | ||
12 months | 9.09¢ /kWh | ||
18 months | 9.19¢ /kWh | ||
24 months | 9.20¢ /kWh | ||
24 months | 9.39¢ /kWh | ||
12 months | 9.65¢ /kWh | ||
36 months | 9.68¢ /kWh | ||
12 months | 9.90¢ /kWh | ||
24 months | 10.05¢ /kWh | ||
12 months | 10.09¢ /kWh | ||
12 months | 10.10¢ /kWh | ||
18 months | 10.29¢ /kWh | ||
12 months | 10.30¢ /kWh | ||
24 months | 10.35¢ /kWh | ||
12 months | 10.42¢ /kWh | ||
12 months | 10.49¢ /kWh | ||
24 months | 10.49¢ /kWh | ||
24 months | 10.50¢ /kWh | ||
| 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 Maryland
| Provider | Service Type | Rate (c/kWh) | Rate State Rank | Bill | Bill State Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hagerstown Light Department | Bundled | 6.75 | 1 | $68.89 | 1 |
| Williamsport, Maryland Electric Utility | Bundled | 7.54 | 2 | $83.26 | 2 |
| Thurmont, Maryland Electric Utility | Bundled | 8.21 | 3 | $111.10 | 3 |
| Easton Electric Company | Bundled | 11.41 | 4 | $132.94 | 4 |
| Berlin Electric | Bundled | 13.86 | 5 | $151.66 | 5 |
| Potomac Edison | Bundled | 15.12 | 6 | $165.92 | 6 |
| Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative | Bundled | 16.14 | 7 | $186.17 | 9 |
| Choptank Electric Cooperative | Bundled | 16.37 | 8 | $207.18 | 10 |
| Baltimore Gas & Electric | Bundled | 19.63 | 9 | $170.56 | 7 |
| Potomac Electric Power Company | Bundled | 21.57 | 10 | $179.83 | 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 16.77 cents per kWh for electricity and has an average bill of $577.63 per month.
| Rate | Usage | Bill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | 16.77c | 3,445 kWh | $577.63 |
| United States Average | 12.43c | 5,742 kWh | $713.88 |
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 | ||
4 months | 6.759¢ /kWh | ||
2 months | 6.922¢ /kWh | ||
3 months | 6.969¢ /kWh | ||
4 months | 7.013¢ /kWh | ||
3 months | 7.019¢ /kWh | ||
5 months | 7.068¢ /kWh | ||
4 months | 7.071¢ /kWh | ||
1 months | 7.139¢ /kWh | ||
2 months | 7.141¢ /kWh | ||
2 months | 7.158¢ /kWh | ||
5 months | 7.300¢ /kWh | ||
1 months | 7.321¢ /kWh | ||
1 months | 7.332¢ /kWh | ||
5 months | 7.341¢ /kWh | ||
16 months | 7.741¢ /kWh | ||
12 months | 7.752¢ /kWh | ||
3 months | 7.757¢ /kWh | ||
3 months | 7.759¢ /kWh | ||
15 months | 7.769¢ /kWh | ||
| 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 rates vs other states
Electricity rates for the biggest cities in Maryland
Maryland electricity rate FAQs
In Maryland, a good electricity rate falls between 19 cents to 21 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.
Maryland electricity rates currently average 19.53 cents per kWh, but you'll likely pay between 18 to 22 cents depending on your provider, location, and plan type.
Your Maryland electricity costs can rise due to power plant closures and grid challenges. Customers pay extra because of PJM auction price spikes, transmission limitations, and clean energy program fees.
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.