How Southern Maryland Elec Coop compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs Southern Maryland Elec Coop, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Maryland Elec Coop Inc (this page) | 14.84 | 158,375 | — | — |
| Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) | 17.91 | 1,025,745 | +3.07 | +$331 |
| Pepco (Potomac Electric Power) | 20.08 | 485,483 | +5.24 | +$566 |
2 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with Southern Maryland Elec Coop. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than Southern Maryland Elec Coop 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 Southern Maryland Elec Coop customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | Southern Maryland Elec Coop premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles | Hagerstown Light Department | 7.77 | +$764 |
| St Marys | Hagerstown Light Department | 7.77 | +$764 |
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 | 14.13 | 14.84 | +5.0% |
| Residential customers | 155,671 | 158,375 | +1.7% |
Ownership: Cooperative. Including delivery-only/third-party-supply accounts, Southern Maryland Elec Coop serves 160,882 residential customers in MD. Statewide context: Maryland electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a Southern Maryland Elec Coop bill
Maryland has residential electric supply choice: Southern Maryland Elec Coop 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)
Calvert · Charles · Prince Georges · St Marys
Head-to-head comparisons
- Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) vs Southern Maryland Elec Coop Inc
- Pepco (Potomac Electric Power) vs Southern Maryland Elec Coop Inc
Questions people ask
- Is Southern Maryland Elec Coop Inc more expensive than other Maryland utilities?
- Southern Maryland Elec Coop Inc customers paid an average 14.84 cents/kWh in 2024 — 15% below the Maryland volume-weighted average of 17.54 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from Southern Maryland Elec Coop Inc?
- 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 Southern Maryland Elec Coop Inc have?
- 158,375 residential customers in Maryland in 2024 across 4 counties, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: co-op.