Frequently Asked Questions

What is Electric Choice?

What are the benefits of electric choice?
Electric choice can offer several benefits to consumers. It gives you the power to choose the electricity supplier that provides your energy. You can choose a supplier based on price, terms and conditions of service, reputation of the supplier, billing or use of renewable resources. Competition among electricity suppliers may help lower prices over time. It is also designed to encourage suppliers to develop and offer new products and services.

What's changing?
In the past, your entire electric service was provided by your local electric utility. In a competitive market, the three main parts of electric service - generation, transmission and distribution - are separated. So now, you can choose the company that provides the generation services of your electricity. This company is called an electricity supplier.

What's staying the same?
The distribution of your electricity is still provided by your local utility. Your utility is now called your electric company. This is the company you should call if the power goes out, just like you always have. It is still regulated by the Maryland Public Service Commission.

Who do I call if the power lines are damaged or the power goes out?
Even if you choose a new electricity supplier, you should still call your electric company. This is the same company you have always called when the power goes out.

Consumer Rights

What happens if my electricity supplier stops providing electricity?
Your electric company will obtain and provide back-up generation service for you in the event the electricity supplier you select fails to provide energy, for example, if the supplier goes out of business.

Now that there are new electricity suppliers, will service reliability change?
No. Although the PSC no longer regulates the price of energy, the delivery of energy is still regulated. This will ensure that you will receive safe power with the same service reliability you have always known.

Will customers continue to be protected?
Yes. The Public Service Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission are continuing to regulate the transmission and distribution portions of the electric industry. In addition, the Public Service Commission has licensing requirements for electricity suppliers. Among other requirements, the Public Service Commission is considering additional regulations on "slamming," where consumers unknowingly are signed up for service. The Public Service Commission has the authority to fine suppliers, to suspend or revoke their licenses if they engage in unfair or abusive practices. Also, customers will continue to receive electric service even if their electricity supplier fails to provide energy. This provision is called standard offer service.

Can an electricity supplier switch my service without my permission?
No. An electricity supplier must have your permission to switch your service.

Information Provided by the Public Service Commission of Maryland