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Maryland Electricity Information

Maryland technically has a deregulated electricity market, but for residential customers the landscape has changed dramatically. Since the state’s new law (SB 1) took effect on January 1, 2025, most retail suppliers have pulled out of the residential market because of stricter pricing and marketing rules and the end of utility purchase-of-receivables. That means many households now see no active supplier offers and default to their utility’s Standard Offer Service from BGE, Pepco, or Delmarva. The market remains open on paper, but in practice residential choice is very limited right now. Commercial and industrial customers can still shop for supply, and lawmakers created a $200 million relief fund with bill credits to ease the transition while the Public Service Commission works through implementation and longer-term fixes.

Maryland’s electricity generation comes primarily from nuclear and natural gas, with a growing share of renewables like wind and solar. The state has significantly reduced its reliance on coal, helping to lower emissions over time. While Maryland’s electricity prices are slightly above the national average due to transmission costs and regional demand, the state’s push for clean energy and efficiency is helping to manage long-term costs.

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Electricity Production

Primary Source

Natural Gas

Total Generation: 36,000,650 MWh
Ranks 38th Highest in the U.S.
Average Price: 19.33¢ /kWh
Ranks 39th Cheapest in the U.S.
Average Electric Bill: $140.39
Ranks 30th Cheapest in the U.S.

Electricity Production By Source

Emissions From Electricity Generation

Carbon Dioxide Emissions Rank

40th Highest

9,138 TMT

Sulfer Dioxide Emissions Rank

42nd Highest

1,814 tn

Nitrogen Oxide Emissions Rank

43rd Highest

5,020 tn

Renewable Electricity Generation

Renewable Production Rank

40th Highest

3,273,378 MWh
9.09% of Total Production

Source U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Based on data from 2023

Energy Usage in Maryland

Energy Usage Per Capita Rank

8th Lowest

Average Per Person: 195 million BTU

Electricity consumption in Maryland is moderate, influenced by its Mid-Atlantic climate, which brings hot, humid summers and cold winters. This results in high energy use for both air conditioning and heating. The state’s dense population and commercial activity also contribute to demand, but Maryland’s focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy development helps balance consumption with sustainability.

Municipal Utilities in Maryland

While most cities, towns, and villages throughout the state of Maryland offer municipal essential services like providing clean water, sewage treatment and dealing with waste and storm water, some also offer other services like electricity, natural gas, sanitation or recycling. In Maryland, 5 cities offer municipal electricity utility services to their residents.

Largest Electric Companies in Maryland

The rest of Maryland receives electric utility service from one of many primary providers. Here’s a list of some of the larger providers that might be available to your home:

Maryland Natural Gas Information

Maryland stands out in the Mid-Atlantic for how its natural gas use sits between fully deregulated neighbors like Pennsylvania and Virginia’s more traditional setup. About half of Maryland households heat with natural gas, which makes it a winter essential, while humid summers keep gas-fired plants busy covering electricity demand. That seasonal swing looks a lot like other Northeast states, but what’s different here is how the market is structured.

Maryland does allow gas choice, yet the reality today is mixed. Recent rule changes in 2025 led many suppliers to scale back or leave the residential market, so most households see few or no active options and remain on utility supply through BGE, Washington Gas, or Chesapeake Utilities. Commercial and industrial customers, on the other hand, continue to shop for supply under transportation service. Compared with neighboring Pennsylvania where residential choice is thriving, Maryland’s current setup is unique, open on paper, but with limited options in practice for most households.

Average Natural Gas Price

$2.268 /CCF

Ranks 39th Cheapest in the U.S.

Average Natural Gas Bill

$100 /month

Ranks 23rd Cheapest in the U.S.

Natural Gas Usage Per Capita

46th Lowest

Average Per Person: 36.14 MCFs Annually

Largest Natural Gas Companies in Maryland

Many of the residents of Maryland receive their natural gas utility service from one of the larger companies that service the state.

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Maryland Internet Connectivity

Broadband Availability

97.28%

Ranks 47th in the U.S.

Percent of Ppopulation with access to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload

1 Gig Availability

39.8%

Ranks 28th in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to download speeds of 1 Gbps

Fiber Availability

55.43%

Ranks 45th in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to Fiber Internet

Largest Internet Providers in Maryland

When it comes to high-speed internet, homes in Maryland have plenty of options to stay connected! From bustling cities to quiet rural areas, a variety of providers offer reliable service across the state. Here are some of the biggest names keeping Maryland homes online and in the loop:

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Understanding Your Bill: Supply vs. Delivery

Since Maryland is a deregulated energy state, your electric and gas bills are split into two main parts. Understanding the difference can help you avoid scams and make better choices.

Delivery Charges: This pays for the wires, pipes, and maintenance of the grid. It is paid to your local utility (e.g., BGE, Pepco, Washington Gas) and cannot be shopped around. These rates are set by the Maryland Public Service Commission.
Supply Charges: This pays for the actual energy you use. You can choose to buy this from a third-party supplier or stay with your utility's "Standard Offer Service." This is the only part of your bill you can negotiate.

[tip]If you switch suppliers, you will still receive one bill from your local utility, but the "Supply" line item will change to the new company's name and rate.[/tip]

Know Your Rights: The Consumer Bill of Rights

Maryland utility customers have specific protections under state law.

Shut-off Protections: Utilities generally cannot terminate service during extreme weather (very hot or very cold days) or if a household member has a serious medical condition certified by a doctor.
Dispute Resolution: If you have a dispute with your utility that isn’t being resolved, you can file a complaint with the Maryland Public Service Commission’s Office of External Relations for a free investigation.
Deposit Rules: If you are over 60 years old, utilities often cannot charge you a security deposit to start service if you provide proof of age and have no outstanding debt with them.

Home Efficiency & Rebates (EmPOWER Maryland)

You don't need to be low-income to get money back for energy improvements. The EmPOWER Maryland program offers rebates for all homeowners:

Appliance Rebates: Get money back for buying Energy Star-certified washers, dryers, and refrigerators.
HVAC Discounts: Significant rebates are available for installing high-efficiency heat pumps or central air conditioning units.
Home Energy Audits: For a small co-pay (often around $100), you can get a comprehensive home energy audit that includes free installation of LEDs, smart strips, and showerheads.

[tip]Check your specific utility’s website (BGE, Pepco, SMECO, etc.) for their specific rebate forms.[/tip]

"Miss Utility" (Call 811 Before You Dig)

State law requires you to notify utility companies before you dig in your yard, even for small projects like planting a tree or installing a mailbox.

The Rule: You must call 811 or file a ticket online at MissUtility.net at least two full business days before you start digging.
The Cost: It is free. Utility locators will come out and mark underground gas, electric, and water lines with colored paint or flags so you don't hit them.
The Risk: If you dig without calling and hit a line, you are liable for the repair costs, which can run into the thousands of dollars.

Smart Meters in Maryland

Most Maryland homes now have "Smart Meters" installed.

Benefits: These send usage data directly to the utility, eliminating estimated bills and the need for a meter reader to visit your property. They also help utilities detect outages faster.
Opt-Out Option: If you prefer not to have a smart meter due to privacy or health concerns, Maryland allows you to "opt-out" and keep a traditional analog meter. However, be aware that opting out usually comes with an extra monthly fee (typically around $11–$17) to cover the cost of manual meter reading.

Utility Costs in Maryland

The average monthly total utility bills in Maryland is $290.39, which is 4.78% higher than the national average.

Average Electric Bill

$140

Higher than national average

Average Natural Gas Bill

$100

Lower than national average

Average Water Bill

$50

Higher than national average

Assistance for Paying Utility Bills in Maryland

If you are struggling to pay your electricity, gas, or water bills, Maryland offers several state-sponsored and non-profit programs to help keep your service connected. Assistance is available for immediate crises, past-due balances, and ongoing bill reduction.

General Assistance Programs

Most state-level assistance is administered through the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP). You can apply for multiple grants with a single application.

Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): Provides financial assistance for home heating bills (electricity, gas, oil, propane, wood, etc.). Payments are usually made directly to your utility company.
Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP): Helps eligible customers pay their current electric bills. Some customers may also qualify for Arrearage Retirement Assistance, which provides a grant of up to $2,000 to pay off past-due electric or gas bills (available once every five to seven years).
Utility Service Protection Program (USPP): Protects low-income families from utility shut-offs during the winter heating season (November 1 – March 31). To participate, you must also enroll in your utility’s “budget billing” plan to spread costs evenly throughout the year.

How to Apply:

You can apply for these programs online via the Maryland Department of Human Services or call 1-800-332-6347.

Additional Resources:

Fuel Fund of Maryland: Provides resources for vulnerable Maryland families for heat and power.
2-1-1 Maryland: Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211md.org to be connected with local community organizations and charities that offer emergency financial aid.

Special Programs for Seniors

Seniors in Maryland often qualify for higher income thresholds or specialized discounts.

OHEP Income Guidelines: Households with a member age 67 or older often have higher income eligibility limits for energy grants. When applying for OHEP, ensure you list the age of all household members.
Baltimore City Senior Water Bill Assistance: The City of Baltimore offers a tax credit and discount program for seniors (age 65+) with a gross annual household income below a certain threshold.
WSSC Water Customer Assistance: For seniors in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, WSSC offers the Customer Assistance Program (CAP) which waives fixed fees and provides bill credits.

Assistance for Students

While students can sometimes qualify for state OHEP grants if they meet income and independence requirements, many universities have their own emergency funds designed to prevent drop-outs due to financial crises.

University Crisis Funds: Most Maryland universities (including UMD, Towson, UMBC, and Morgan State) manage “Student Emergency Funds” or “Crisis Grants.” These are one-time grants that can be used to pay for essential living expenses, including utility bills, if you face an unexpected hardship. Contact your campus Financial Aid Office or Dean of Students to ask about “Emergency Grant” applications.

Learn more in the Student Utilities Guide

Support for Veterans

Veterans facing financial hardship have access to dedicated state funds and organization-specific aid.

Maryland Veterans Trust Fund: This state-managed fund provides temporary financial assistance to veterans and their widows/widowers. Grants can be used to pay unpaid utility bills to prevent disconnection.
Operation First Response: Based in Culpeper but serving the region, this organization offers emergency financial aid to wounded or disabled veterans, often covering utility costs during recovery periods.