The Story of Energy Deregulation in Maryland
Before the state legislature passed energy deregulation in Maryland, the state utilities were in charge of generating and delivering power to everyone. Because they had a monopoly on the supply, electricity rates in Maryland were sky-high.
This put a lot of pressure on residents and businesses alike. Because of this, state officials considered having their energy deregulated to allow better options for power.
In 1999, the Electric Customer Choice and Competition Act of 1999 was approved by the Maryland General Assembly, and this forever changed the utility industry in Maryland. Thanks to the Act, consumers can now purchase electricity through an electric retail supplier. Now, energy consumers in Maryland, both residential and commercial, may purchase electric power from one of several Energy Services Company (ESCO) providers.
Benefits of Energy Choice in Maryland
An advantage of having energy deregulation in the state is that it helped reduce the power rates. Now everyone can choose a retailer with a plan that will match their needs and lifestyle.
Even if residents choose to get their supply from an electric retailer, the electricity will still come from one of the utilities in the state. But it will be much more affordable than getting it directly from the supplier.
What’s more, Maryland is looking to use alternative energy more in the coming years, which will help their residents and the environment.
Quick Facts About Energy in Maryland
- Calvert Cliffs Facility. The Calvert Cliffs facility supplies 40 percent of the net electricity generation in the state.
- Using renewable energy. Maryland increased its Renewable Portfolio Standard in 2019 to require that 50% of the state’s electricity sales be generated from renewable sources by 2030. About 11% of the state’s total electricity generation came from renewables in 2020.
- Second most coal exports. Maryland has the second-highest coal exports in the country. What’s more, coal is the leading commodity exported by tonnage from the port of Baltimore, which produced ¼ of all coal exports in the US in 2020.
- RGGI Member. Maryland is a proud member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The group aims to limit greenhouse gas by capping carbon dioxide emissions.
- Buildings must meet energy-efficient standards. New buildings and homes built in Maryland must complete all energy-efficient standards set by the state. This helps to ensure that your home uses power effectively.
- Automobile Fuel Economy Standards. Maryland regulates new vehicles to ensure that they do not release too many greenhouse gas emissions. This economy standard was modeled after California’s laws and was approved in 2007.
- No mixing of renewable energy with gasoline. Gasoline is not required by the state to be mixed with any chemical, making it easier for car owners.
Energy Providers in Maryland
BGE Baltimore Gas and Electric Company
BGE is Maryland’s largest natural gas distributor, with more than a million customers. BGE is a subsidiary of Exelon, and its headquarters is located in Baltimore.
Address: 110 W Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Residential: 1-800-685-0123
Business:1-800-265-6177
TTY/TTD: 1-800-735-2258
Customer Service Fax: 1-443-213-6017
Pepco
Pepco services more than 842,000 customers in the Montgomery and Prince George’s counties of Maryland. As part of the Exelon group of companies, they are known for their top quality service in delivering electricity and gas to the people.
Addresses:
8300 Old Marlboro Pike
Forestville, Maryland
201 West Gude Drive
Rockville, Maryland
Contact: 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662)
Potomac Edison
Potomac Edison is part of the First Energy Company and is responsible for delivering electric services to residents in the western region of Maryland.
Address: 10802 Bower Ave, Williamsport, MD 21795
Contact: (800) 686-0011
Delmarva Power
Delmarva Power supplies gas and electric power to the eastern shore of Maryland. They provide service to up to 500,000 customers across Delaware and Maryland.
Address: 2530 N Salisbury Blvd, Salisbury MD
Contact: (410) 543-6895
Washington Gas
Washington Gas is best known for its services regarding natural gas. The company is responsible for providing services to both residential and business establishments in Maryland suburbs around the Washington, D.C., area.
Address: 4000 Forestville Rd, District Heights, MD 20747
Contact: 703-750-1000
Map of US Energy Deregulation
Maryland is one of 26 US States that have some form of energy deregulation whether it be electricity, natural gas or both. Use our interactive map to get more information on deregulated energy states in America.