Maryland Electricity Rates: BGE vs Pepco Comparison

Maryland Electricity Rates: BGE vs Pepco Comparison

Maryland is served by two major utilities - Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) in central Maryland and Pepco in the Washington DC suburbs. Both operate in a deregulated market.

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE)

BGE serves approximately 1.3 million electric customers in central Maryland, including Baltimore.

BGE Rate Structure

• Customer Charge: ~$7.50/month
• Distribution Charge: Per-kWh delivery
• Transmission: Grid infrastructure
• Standard Offer Service: Default supply
• EmPOWER Maryland: Efficiency program surcharge

Average residential rate: approximately 14-16 cents per kWh

Pepco (Potomac Electric Power Company)

Pepco serves approximately 580,000 customers in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties.

Pepco Rate Structure

• Customer Charge: ~$7.39/month
• Distribution Charge: Per-kWh delivery
• Transmission: Grid costs
• Standard Offer Service: Default supply
• EmPOWER Maryland: Efficiency surcharge

Average residential rate: approximately 13-15 cents per kWh

Maryland's Deregulated Market

Maryland allows electricity supplier choice:

Standard Offer Service

• Competitively procured
• Rates change periodically
• No contract required

Competitive Suppliers

• Fixed and variable rates
• Compare at MDSmartEnergy.com
• Watch for rate increases

Maryland Energy Assistance

• MEAP (Maryland Energy Assistance Program)
• EUSP (Electric Universal Service Program)
• OHEP (Office of Home Energy Programs)
• Utility company payment plans

Tips for Maryland Residents

1. Compare suppliers at MDSmartEnergy.com
2. Consider community solar - Maryland has strong programs
3. Take advantage of EmPOWER rebates for efficiency
4. Apply for EUSP if you qualify - significant bill credits