Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) is one of the longest-standing public utility companies in our country. Over 200 years as a Maryland electric provider.
BGE supplies electricity to 1.25 million businesses and homes. It also provides natural gas to over 650,000 customers in Baltimore and nearby areas of Maryland.
If you’re a BGE customer, you benefit from Energy Choice, or the ability to choose your energy provider and the rate that you pay for electricity or natural gas. Keep reading to learn more about how you can find the best BGE electricity rates and switch providers today!
Keep reading to learn more about how you can find the best BGE electricity rates and compare power providers today!
Table of Contents
- Shop Current BGE Electricity Rates
- How Energy Choice Works for BGE Customers
- Understanding BGE Electricity Rates
- BGE's Price To Compare
- Smart Ways to Save with BGE
- Smart Energy Savers Program
- BGE Community Outreach & Contributions
- How To Compare BGE Electricity Plans
- Reading Your Electricity Bill
- BGE Service Area
- BGE Contact Information
- Shop Electricity Rates For Other Maryland Utilities
Shop Current BGE Electricity Rates
| Plan | Rate Per kWh |
|---|---|
| Direct Energy Live Brighter 13 13 Months | 11.89¢ Select |
| Direct Energy Live Brighter 12 12 Months | 11.89¢ Select |
| Direct Energy Live Brighter 18 18 Months | 12.69¢ Select |
| Constellation 12 Month Home Power Plan 12 Months | 12.99¢ Select |
| APG&E True Classic 12 12 Months | 14.16¢ Select |
For all BGE rates, find the Rate Comparison Tool at the top of the page and enter your ZIP Code.
How Energy Choice Works for BGE Customers
By default, BGE customers receive both their electricity delivery and supply through BGE. By participating in Energy Choice, BGE customers can choose their electricity supplier and realize potential savings over their default electricity rate.
BGE customers can choose from different electricity providers. These providers include small local companies and big national ones like Constellation and Direct Energy. Some providers, like Tomorrow Energy, specialize in providing 100% renewable energy plans. Choosing from so many providers can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time comparing electricity rates.
Choosing from so many providers can be overwhelming, especially if it's your first time comparing electricity rates. ElectricityRates.com makes your choice simple by eliminating all of the guesswork and only providing you with great rates from reputable providers.
Understanding BGE Electricity Rates
As an energy leader, BGE has some of the best electric supplier rates in Maryland.
Several factors impact your electricity rates, including fuel costs and infrastructure investments. Here are the different types of Maryland gas and electric rates offered by BGE:
- Standard Offer Service – This regulated rate applies to residential and small commercial customers who have not chosen an alternate supplier. SOS rates change periodically based on market conditions.
- Market-Based Rates – Large commercial and industrial customers can shop for competitive electricity rates from licensed suppliers. Market prices may beat the SOS rate.
- Time-of-Use Pricing – The price per kWh depends on when you use electricity. This pricing encourages shifting usage to off-peak times.
BGE’s Price To Compare
As of October 2023, BGE's Price to Compare for residential customers is 11.852 per kWh.
BGE’s Price to Compare is the default supply rate for electricity. This is the price that you pay for electricity if you do not take advantage of Energy Choice. If BGE supplies your electricity, this is also the price that you will use to compare electricity rates from competing providers. You can find the current Price to Compare on your latest BGE bill.
Smart Ways to Save with BGE
Maryland started the Empower Maryland program in 2008. The goal was to save money by using energy more efficiently and reduce the demand on statewide energy use.
BGE customers can save on energy costs by improving efficiency with home check-ups and discounts on Energy Star appliances. Here are some benefits of joining the BGE smart energy program.
- Quick Home Energy Check-up – Schedule a visit to identify energy-saving opportunities tailored to your home.
- Appliance Rebates – Get rebates for purchasing qualifying energy-efficient appliances.
- Lighting & Energy Star Appliance Discounts – Receive discount coupons on LED bulbs and Energy Star appliances purchased at participating retailers.
- Thermostat Optimization – Receive credit for certain smart thermostats.
- Limited Income Programs – Get financial assistance to help pay your energy bill on time or handle rate increases.
- Appliance Recycling – Return your appliance for savings on your MD electric rates.
Smart Energy Savers Program
In 2008, Maryland launched the Empower Maryland program recognizing energy efficiency as one of the least expensive ways to meet the growing electricity demands of the State. BGE customers have several options to help them save on their energy costs by improving efficiency ranging from home energy check-ups to discounts on energy star appliances. Here is what’s available under the BGE smart energy program.
- Lighting & Energy Star Appliance Discounts
- Home Energy Checkup
- Thermostat Optimization
- Limited Income Programs
- Appliance Recycling
BGE Community Outreach & Contributions
While Baltimore Gas and Electric rates have varied over time, some things have remained the same. Out of all electricity providers in MD, it has one of the longest-standing commitments to the community.
BGE has a program called “Energy for the Community” where employees dedicate their time to various community organizations. Last year alone, their employees, along with their friends and family, volunteered for over 25,000 hours with nearly 200 organizations.
BGE does special projects like MLK Day initiative, where they volunteer at nonprofits. Another project is “KaBoom!” where BGE volunteers collaborate with community members to build playgrounds.
They also partner with organizations like the 6th Branch to revitalize areas and support veterans. They run the “Higher Achievement Scholars” program, giving middle school students practical learning opportunities. Employees serve on the boards of over 110 local nonprofits, utilizing our expertise to strengthen these organizations.
BGE actively participates in United Way programs and contributes nearly $1 million annually to support communities. Take a look at some of the great volunteer work BGE employees do in their local community.
How To Compare BGE Electricity Plans
Comparing and switching electricity providers on ElectricityRates.com is easy. To find the best plan in your area, all you need to do is follow this simple three-step process.
- Enter your ZIP Code See the best Baltimore Gas and Electricity Rates and other top electric providers in Maryland.
- Compare electricity providers and plans Pay attention to each plan’s electricity supply rate and plan length.
- Switch electricity providers After you find the right plan for you, fill out the necessary information and easily switch.
That's it! Your new provider will take over within one to two billing cycles. There is no need to contact BGE and you will start seeing your new provider and supply rate on your BGE bill within 1-2 billing cycles.
Reading Your Electricity Bill
There are primarily two types of charges on your BGE electricity bill: delivery charges and supply charges. This is an important step to find the cheapest electric supplier in Maryland while still choosing trustworthy electric companies.
BGE Electricity Delivery Charges
- Charged by BGE
- For the reliable transmission of electricity to your home
- Do not change when you switch electricity suppliers
Electricity Supply Charges
- Charged by your electricity provider (BGE by default)
- For the electricity that you use every month
- Charged by the kilowatt-hour (kWh)
BGE Service Area
BGE services more than 1.25 million business and residential electric customers in a 2,300 square mile area in Maryland. This area includesBaltimore City and all or part of 10 counties in Central Maryland.
Cities Served:
Counties Served:
- Anne Arundel
- Baltimore
- Calvert
- Carroll
- Harford
- Howard
- Montgomery
- Prince George’s
BGE Contact Information
- Customer Service Number: 1-800-685-0123
- Report An Outage Number: 1-877-778-2222
- Contact Info Page
- Outage Map
- Account Login
Shop Electricity Rates For Other Maryland Utilities
Want to learn more about comparing rates? Visit the Maryland electricity rates page.
Disclaimer: Standard offer service rates, price to compare rates or default electric supply rates from your utility may differ from what's shown on this page. Check with your local utility provider to confirm.