How The Potomac Edison compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs The Potomac Edison, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hagerstown Light Department | 7.77 | 15,099 | -6.06 | -$655 |
| The Potomac Edison Company (this page) | 13.83 | 240,570 | — | — |
| Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) | 17.91 | 1,025,745 | +4.08 | +$440 |
| Pepco (Potomac Electric Power) | 20.08 | 485,483 | +6.25 | +$675 |
3 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with The Potomac Edison. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than The Potomac Edison 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 The Potomac Edison customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | The Potomac Edison premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allegany | Hagerstown Light Department | 7.77 | +$655 |
| Frederick | Hagerstown Light Department | 7.77 | +$655 |
| Garrett | Hagerstown Light Department | 7.77 | +$655 |
| Washington | Hagerstown Light Department | 7.77 | +$655 |
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 | 11.72 | 13.83 | +18.0% |
| Residential customers | 235,560 | 240,570 | +2.1% |
Ownership: Investor Owned. Including delivery-only/third-party-supply accounts, The Potomac Edison serves 256,568 residential customers in MD. Statewide context: Maryland electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a The Potomac Edison bill
Maryland has residential electric supply choice: The Potomac Edison 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)
Allegany · Carroll · Frederick · Garrett · Howard · Montgomery · Washington
Head-to-head comparisons
- Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) vs The Potomac Edison Company
- Pepco (Potomac Electric Power) vs The Potomac Edison Company
Questions people ask
- Is The Potomac Edison Company more expensive than other Maryland utilities?
- The Potomac Edison Company customers paid an average 13.83 cents/kWh in 2024 — 21% below the Maryland volume-weighted average of 17.54 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from The Potomac Edison Company?
- 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 The Potomac Edison Company have?
- 240,570 residential customers in Maryland in 2024 across 7 counties, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: investor-owned.