How it Works

Retail energy suppliers sell directly to customers, using the local utility’s distribution system to deliver electricity. Your local utility will still deliver your electricity and will send you a bill with the charges for both the delivery service and the energy supply. OR you can choose to continue to get your electricity supply from your utility – it’s your choice. All retail energy suppliers, brokers and marketers must have a PSC license.

You need to know that:

  • The utility customer (the person whose name is on the bill) must agree to the contract.
  • A retail electricity supplier cannot switch your service without your permission.
  • Retail electricity suppliers do not work for your utility. Your utility may have an affiliated company that sells competitive electricity, or other services. This is permitted under Maryland law. Affiliated retail electricity suppliers cannot claim that they work for the utility or that customers will receive better service because the retail electricity supplier is affiliated with the utility.

The information provided on this website is designed to educate you about electricity competition, give you the tools to get informed about your options, and provide you with the information you need if you decide to choose a new retail electricity supplier. NEW: Important information about new retail supply offer rules for energy assistance recipients!