Consumer Corner – Retail Suppliers (of Electricity and Natural Gas)
Electricity Retail Price Comparison by Service Area
Natural Gas Retail Price Comparison by Service Area
Electricity and Gas Suppliers
Fact At a Glance
- You can buy your gas or electricity supply from a licensed supplier
- Your gas utility will deliver the gas
- Your electric utility will deliver the electricity
- Suppliers must be licensed by the Maryland Public Service Commission www.psc.state.md.us (See Consumer Information Supplier Search) for a list of licensed active suppliers in your service area.
- There is a difference between energy suppliers who actually can sell you gas or electricity supply, and brokers. Know who you are dealing with.
- Both suppliers and brokers must have PSC license
- Suppliers sell you the electricity or gas supply
- Brokers act as middlemen or as marketing agents. They can connect you with one or more suppliers, but they do not sell the gas or electricity
- Suppliers also use independent representatives for door to door and phone sales
- The Public Service Commission(PSC) has established NEW RULES FOR SUPPLIERS EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2016:
- Marketing and Contracting Methods--OPC Fact Sheet
- Contract terms--OPC Fact Sheet
- ** See OPC Fact Sheet on Variable rate contracts
- The PSC does not approve supplier prices or rate offers.
- BUT: Suppliers cannot be unfair or deceptive regarding prices when they market to you or contract with you.
- Suppliers also are subject to Maryland's Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive practices and has rules on Door to Door Sales and Telephone Solicitation.
- Most suppliers put their charges on you utility bill.
- Customers may file supplier complaints with the PSC.
- Call 410-767-8028 or 1-800-492-0474
- File online complaint at www.psc.state.md.us
If you are a low income customer, you may qualify for energy assistance with your utility bills
Check with Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) or call 211 to get a referral for assistance