How BGE compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs BGE, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Potomac Edison Company | 13.83 | 240,570 | -4.08 | -$440 |
| Southern Maryland Elec Coop Inc | 14.84 | 158,375 | -3.07 | -$331 |
| Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) (this page) | 17.91 | 1,025,745 | — | — |
| Pepco (Potomac Electric Power) | 20.08 | 485,483 | +2.17 | +$235 |
| Delmarva Power | 20.22 | 172,008 | +2.32 | +$250 |
4 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with BGE. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than BGE customers at the same usage. Territories are fixed by address — these gaps measure cost differences between areas, while the supply portion is separately shoppable in Maryland (see below).
Where BGE customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | BGE premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anne Arundel | Hagerstown Light Department | 7.77 | +$1,095 |
| Baltimore | Hagerstown Light Department | 7.77 | +$1,095 |
| Baltimore City | Hagerstown Light Department | 7.77 | +$1,095 |
| Carroll | The Potomac Edison Company | 13.83 | +$440 |
| Howard | The Potomac Edison Company | 13.83 | +$440 |
| Montgomery | The Potomac Edison Company | 13.83 | +$440 |
| Calvert | Southern Maryland Elec Coop Inc | 14.84 | +$331 |
| Prince Georges | Southern Maryland Elec Coop Inc | 14.84 | +$331 |
Multiple utilities in one county means adjoining territories, not household choice — you cannot switch wires companies. In Maryland you can shop the supply portion regardless of county.
Rate trend and size
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price, ¢/kWh | 16.47 | 17.91 | +8.7% |
| Residential customers | 1,002,775 | 1,025,745 | +2.3% |
Ownership: Investor Owned. Including delivery-only/third-party-supply accounts, BGE serves 1,214,100 residential customers in MD. Statewide context: Maryland electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a BGE bill
Maryland has residential electric supply choice: BGE delivers the power and bills a default supply rate, but you may buy the supply portion from a licensed competitor instead. Compare offers against the price to compare on the state's official shopping site: psc.state.md.us/electricchoice.
Electric and gas choice (BGE, Pepco, Delmarva, Potomac Edison, Washington Gas).
Counties served (MD, EIA-861 2024)
Anne Arundel · Baltimore · Baltimore City · Calvert · Carroll · Harford · Howard · Montgomery · Prince Georges
Head-to-head comparisons
- Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) vs Pepco (Potomac Electric Power)
- Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) vs The Potomac Edison Company
- Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) vs Delmarva Power
- Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) vs Southern Maryland Elec Coop Inc
Questions people ask
- Is Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) more expensive than other Maryland utilities?
- Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) customers paid an average 17.91 cents/kWh in 2024 — 2% above the Maryland volume-weighted average of 17.54 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE)?
- You cannot switch the wires company — distribution territory is fixed by address. Maryland does allow supply choice, so you can buy the supply portion of the bill from a licensed competitor via psc.state.md.us/electricchoice if its offer beats the price to compare.
- How many customers does Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) have?
- 1,025,745 residential customers in Maryland in 2024 across 9 counties, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: investor-owned.