Electricity Rates in Maryland (2026)
National average: 17.98¢/kWh · Source: EIA, April 2026
Maryland's Deregulated Market Offers Consumer Choice
Maryland deregulated its electricity market in the early 2000s, allowing residential customers to shop for competitive generation rates. BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric), Pepco, Delmarva Power, and Potomac Edison handle distribution. At 16.12 cents/kWh (the average including both default and competitive rates), Maryland is close to the national average. Active shoppers who compare supplier rates can often beat the default by 1-3 cents/kWh.
Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Plant Provides Reliable Baseload
The Calvert Cliffs nuclear plant provides a significant share of Maryland's in-state generation. Combined with access to the diverse PJM wholesale market, Maryland has reliable, moderately priced electricity. Growing solar capacity (Maryland ranks in the top 15 nationally) and participation in RGGI add incremental costs but support the state's clean energy goals.
Calculate Any Appliance Cost in Maryland
Most Expensive Appliances to Run in Maryland
Monthly costs at 20.61¢/kWh using typical wattage and hours:
| Appliance | Watts | Hrs/Day | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tankless Water Heater | 27000W | 1h | $166.94 |
| Electric Furnace | 10000W | 8h | $494.64 |
| Electric Car Charger (Level 2) | 7200W | 4h | $178.07 |
| Hot Tub | 6000W | 4h | $148.39 |
| Clothes Dryer | 5000W | 1h | $30.92 |
| Electric Water Heater | 4500W | 3h | $83.47 |
| Garage Workshop Heater | 4000W | 4h | $98.93 |
| Central Air Conditioner | 3500W | 8h | $173.12 |
| Electric Oven | 2500W | 1h | $15.46 |
| Dishwasher | 1800W | 1h | $11.13 |
| Hair Dryer | 1800W | 0.15h | $1.67 |
| Electric Pressure Washer | 1800W | 0.5h | $5.56 |
| Space Heater | 1500W | 8h | $74.2 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | 1500W | 8h | $74.2 |
| Infrared Heater | 1500W | 6h | $55.65 |
Tips for Reducing Your Electricity Bill in Maryland
- Shop your electricity supplier at mdelectricchoice.com. Active shoppers save an average of 5-15% on the generation portion of their bill.
- EmPOWER Maryland offers robust rebates for heat pumps, insulation, smart thermostats, and efficient appliances through your utility.
- Maryland offers a state tax credit for solar installations (up to $1,000) that stacks with the federal credit. Solar payback in Maryland is typically 7-10 years.
- If you are in BGE territory, check their Peak Rewards program which provides a smart thermostat and bill credits for allowing brief AC adjustments during peak demand.
Electricity Rates by City in Maryland
The state average of 20.61¢/kWh hides significant variation between utilities. Here's what residents actually pay in major Maryland cities:
Baltimore
17.91¢/kWh
Baltimore Gas & Electric Co
Bethesda
20.08¢/kWh
Potomac Electric Power Co
Hagerstown
13.83¢/kWh
The Potomac Edison Company
Hughesville
14.84¢/kWh
Southern Maryland Elec Coop Inc
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Electricity
Yes. Maryland has a deregulated retail market. You can compare competitive supplier offers at mdelectricchoice.com. Your distribution utility (BGE, Pepco, etc.) continues to handle delivery regardless of which supplier you choose. Switching is free and does not interrupt service. Be cautious of variable-rate plans that may increase after an introductory period.
The average Maryland household pays about $135-$165 per month. The Washington D.C. suburbs and Baltimore metro area account for most of the state's population. Maryland's four-season climate creates moderate summer cooling and winter heating demands, keeping bills relatively stable across seasons.
Compare Neighboring Rates
See how Maryland compares to other states in the Mid-Atlantic region:
Delaware
16.51¢/kWh
District of Columbia
23.72¢/kWh
New Jersey
23.13¢/kWh
New York
28.37¢/kWh
Pennsylvania
20.19¢/kWh
Electricity rate data sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), average residential retail price, last updated April 2026. Your actual rate depends on your utility, plan, and usage tier. See our full disclaimer.