Compare Utility Providers in Baltimore, MD

Top 4 Electric Providers in Baltimore

Top 4 Natural Gas Providers in Baltimore

Top 8 Internet Providers in Baltimore

*Not all internet providers and speeds available in all areas.

Water & Sewage Providers in Baltimore

Top 43 Trash and Recycling Providers in Baltimore

Utilities Summary for Baltimore, MD

Electric Companies:	4
Natural Gas Companies:	4
Water & Sewage Providers:	1
Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers:	43
Municipal Electricity:	No

Connect Your Home To Utility Services in Baltimore

Baltimore is more than just the Inner Harbor, it’s a city with rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant cultural life. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of Federal Hill, the arts scene in Station North, or the foodie delights of Hampden, you’ll find a genuine sense of community here. As you plan your big move, getting your utilities in order is a key early step to feeling at home.

Electricity: BGE, Deregulation, & Tips

Baltimore’s electricity is delivered by Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), a regulated utility under parent company Exelon. Although BGE transmits and distributes electricity, Maryland has allowed residents to choose electricity suppliers since 1999 under the Electric Customer Choice and Competition Act .

Deregulation & Shopping

• Since deregulation, retailer electric providers (REPs) compete to sell you electricity, while BGE remains the default delivery provider. If you don’t shop, you’ll pay BGE’s “Standard Offer Service” or “Provider of Last Resort” rates.
• Many Maryland households (~20%) use an alternate supplier, often for lower rates or renewable energy plans.
• A recent law that took effect January 1, 2025 places authority over marketing claims by these suppliers to protect consumers.

Picking a Supplier

1. Compare rates and contract types: fixed-term vs variable, watch for early exit fees.
2. Look for green energy plans: some REPs offer 100% renewable or carbon-offset options.
3. Watch for scams: as competition grew, so did questionable sales tactics. Stick with PSC-licensed suppliers and read reviews carefully.

The Impact of Maryland Senate Bill 1 on Energy Choice

It’s been a real rollercoaster for Marylanders trying to choose their energy suppliers this year! Those new laws that kicked in January 2025 were meant to protect consumers, but they’ve had some… unintended consequences for energy choice. Before 2025, Maryland had nearly 300 competitive energy offers from different suppliers. But as of January? Zero. Yep, you read that right, Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) basically wiped out the competitive market overnight by imposing such strict rules that suppliers couldn’t (or wouldn’t) participate.

SB 1 was sold as a shield against shady marketing (like those door-to-door scammers targeting seniors). But instead, it trapped everyone with their local utility, no shopping, no comparing rates, no locking in longer-term fixed plans. With choice gone, utilities like BGE (+$18 a month) and PEPCO (+$11-$12 a month) are hiking rates. Why? Maryland now imports most of its power (since local plants closed), and wholesale prices spiked. Deregulation was supposed to lower costs, but now Maryland is seeing the opposite.

Another new law requires suppliers to source 51% of renewable credits locally to call plans “green” or “100% renewable.” Sounds good, right? Well, energy companies sued, saying it’s too restrictive and violates free speech (yep, First Amendment arguments!). So if you wanted a wind/solar plan from a company like Green Mountain Energy? Those options have almost entirely vanished, for now.

The Bigger Picture: What’s Next?

There’s a flicker of hope! The state’s pushing the Abundant, Affordable Clean Energy (AACE) Act to boost local solar/wind and protect ratepayers. Plus, advocates are begging lawmakers to fix SB 1 and bring back competition. Right now, energy choice in Maryland feels like a paused game, options are frozen, bills are up, and everyone’s waiting to see if the state will hit “restart” on competition.

Natural Gas: BGE & Choice Programs

Just like electricity, BGE also delivers natural gas to most of Baltimore. Since it’s deregulated, you can purchase your gas commodity from a retail natural gas provider (RNGP), or stay on BGE’s default service.

Things to Know

• In some areas near the edge of the city, gas choice may not be available.
• Competitive pricing or green energy (biogas) plans are often accessible.
• BGE still manages delivery, leaks, safety, and billing if you stick with them.

Picking a Provider

• Compare fixed-price vs index plans: index tracks commodity markets, fixed locks it in.
• Check green options: choose suppliers that offer biogas or carbon neutral products.
• Finalize setup: switching usually means a new contract; don’t let service lapse.

Water & Sewer: Baltimore City Department of Public Works

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) handles all things water, sewer, and stormwater. Every bill covers consumption, sewer usage, and stormwater maintenance.

Things to Know

• Tiered rates mean conservation helps lower bills.
• DPW offers rebates on toilet and appliance upgrades, plus leak detection kits to support water conservation.
• Winter billing “budget plan” smooths seasonal spikes, great for newcomers!

Trash & Recycling: Baltimore DPW Services

Baltimore’s DPW provides weekly curbside trash, recycling, and yard waste collection. You’ll receive three separate bins (or one container, depending on your neighborhood).

Things to Know

• Bulk collection: Curbside pickup of furniture/appliances is free on scheduled days.
• Hazardous waste drop-off: Battery, electronics, and paint can be dropped off at DPW facilities.
• Compost Pilot Programs: Certain neighborhoods get a trial curbside food scraps program. Watch DPW notices for updates!

Internet: Best Providers in Baltimore

Getting reliable internet is key! Here are the top options:

• Xfinity: most available provider in Baltimore. Cable connection with speeds up to 2 Gbps and over 98% availability.
• Verizon Home Internet: DSL, fiber, and 5G Home connections with speeds over 2 Gbps in parts of the city with Fios service. Plans are price-locked and bundle-friendly.
• T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Wireless 5G Home connection with plans starting $50/mo with no data caps.
• Project Waves: A community initiative offering free service for qualifying households.

Choosing a Provider

• For blazing speeds (gaming, working from home), Xfinity or Verizon Fios are the top picks.
• For consistent mid-range and easy setup, T‑Mobile 5G is a solid choice.
• If bundles matter, Verizon and Xfinity offer combo deals and T-Mobile allows you to bundle with mobile phone service.
• For lifelong learning or tight budgets, check Project Waves eligibility!

Conservation & Green Energy Options

Baltimoreers have great green choices for utilities:

1. BGE Green Grants & Programs: Grants up to $10K for local environmental groups; community nest protection and tree planting.
2. Smart meter use: BGE replaced analog meters; you can log usage online to identify savings .
3. Green supplier plans: Third-party electricity/gas providers offer clean energy or carbon offsets.
4. Water rebate programs: DPW supports low-flow appliances and leak detection to save water and money.
5. Compost initiatives: Yard and food waste are piloted wide pick-ups in select zones.

Quick Checklist Before Moving In

• Activate BGE electric (stay or shop supplier)
• Set up gas service (choose supplier or BGE)
• Register for water/sewer and explore conservation rebates
• Arrange trash, recycling, yard-waste service
• Select and schedule internet service (wired, fiber, 5G)
• Explore green energy and conservation support for lowered bills

Energy Rebates and Discounts Available to Residents of Baltimore

The BG&E Smart Energy program offers rebates and discounts on select high-efficiency and ENERGY STAR models. Save upto $100 on Smart Thermostats, $1600 on Heat Pump Water Heaters, $50 on Dehumidifers and up to $3000 on heating and cooling systems. Rebates are also available for air sealing products, insulation, ENERGY STAR Windows and Doors, and duct sealing. Customers can also save on energy-efficient products like smart thermostats, LED lighting, electric vehicle chargers, water fixtures, and more in the BG&E Marketplace.

The Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development also offers low-income households free services to help reduce energy expenses. Services include energy audits, safety testing, repairs of HVAC systems, and installation of energy saving measures such as insulation, air sealing caulk, low flow showerheads, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and ENERGY STAR appliance replacement. Apply online to see if you qualify.

Energy and Utility Assistance in Baltimore, MD

The Maryland Department of Human Services Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) offers utility bill assistance to help make the energy costs of low-income households more affordable. OHEP offers several programs which can provide financial assistance. The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) offers assistance with heating bills, the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) provides help with electric bills and the Arrearage Retirement Assisteance program can assist with large and past due electric and gas bills. Additonally the Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) helps protect families from utility turn-offs during the cold, heating season.

Water billing assistance is available to Balitmore residents from the Baltimore City Department of Public Works. Several programs are available including the BH2O Billing Assistance Program, Low-Income Water Bill Assistance Program, Monthly Water Bill Payment Plan Program, and Medical Exemption Program. Additional programs are available to help with repairs or reducing your fees or bills.

Baltimore Internet Connectivity

Fastest Internet Providers in Baltimore

Baltimore Drinking Water Quality Information

Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.