In July 2026, businesses in Maryland paid an average of 17.51¢ per kWh, the 13th most expensive of the 50 states and DC and 20.5% above the U.S. commercial average of 14.53¢.
That price is up 15.7% from a year earlier.
Over the past 12 months the average commercial customer in Maryland used 8,681 kWh a month and paid $1,427 (U.S.: $896).
Average business electric bill in Maryland
The average commercial customer in Maryland paid $1,427 a month over the last 12 months, the 5th highest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 the average business bill was $1,770. These averages mix small shops with large offices and stores, so use the table below to estimate a bill for your own usage.
What would a business pay?
| Monthly use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 kWh × 17.51¢ | $875.50 | $10,506 |
| 10,000 kWh × 17.51¢ | $1,751.00 | $21,012 |
| 50,000 kWh × 17.51¢ | $8,755.00 | $105,060 |
Commercial electricity rates in Maryland by month
Business power in Maryland cost 17.51¢ per kWh in July 2026, compared with 21.41¢ for homes and 16.21¢ for industrial users. See home electricity rates in Maryland.
Utilities serving businesses in Maryland
Baltimore Gas & Electric Co serves the most business customers in Maryland, with 122,615 commercial accounts.
| Utility | Business customers | Avg. business rate |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Gas & Electric Co | 122,615 | 18.65¢ |
| Potomac Electric Power Co | 49,746 | 16.49¢ |
| The Potomac Edison Company | 32,508 | 15.94¢ |
| Delmarva Power | 28,903 | 21.43¢ |
| Southern Maryland Elec Coop Inc | 16,486 | 14.17¢ |
| Choptank Electric Cooperative, Inc | 6,231 | 16.04¢ |
| Hagerstown Light Department | 2,825 | 11.90¢ |
| Easton Utilities Comm | 2,432 | 14.26¢ |
| A & N Electric Coop | 67 | — |
"Avg. business rate" is what each utility's full-service commercial customers paid on average in 2025 (revenue ÷ kWh sold), shown only for utilities with at least 100 business customers.
Can businesses choose an electricity supplier in Maryland?
Yes. Businesses in Maryland can buy electricity from a licensed retail supplier, and many sign fixed-price contracts to make costs predictable. The local utility still delivers the power.
Compare current offers on the official state site: MD Electric Choice (Maryland PSC).
How to lower your business electricity cost
- Check your rate schedule. Utilities put businesses on rate classes by size and usage. Ask your utility whether another schedule, such as a time-of-use rate, fits how you use power.
- Manage demand charges. If your bill has a demand charge, it is set by your highest short burst of usage in the month. Staggering when large equipment starts can lower it.
- Compare supply offers. Check the price per kWh, contract length, early-termination fees and what happens when the contract ends before you sign.
Business electricity rates in neighboring states
| State | Price per kWh |
|---|---|
| West Virginia | 11.44¢ |
| Virginia | 11.68¢ |
| Delaware | 13.80¢ |
| Pennsylvania | 13.86¢ |
| Maryland | 17.51¢ |
| District of Columbia | 23.88¢ |
Maryland business electricity FAQ
What is the average business electric bill in Maryland?
Commercial customers in Maryland paid an average of $1,427 a month over the last 12 months, using 8,681 kWh. This average covers every kind of business, from small shops to large offices, so a small business will usually pay much less.
What is the commercial electricity rate in Maryland?
The average commercial rate was 17.51¢ per kWh in July 2026, 20.5% above the U.S. average of 14.53¢. Industrial customers paid 16.21¢ per kWh, and homes paid 21.41¢.
Can businesses choose their electricity supplier in Maryland?
Yes. Businesses in Maryland can buy electricity from a licensed retail supplier, while the local utility keeps delivering it. Official offers are listed on MD Electric Choice (Maryland PSC).
What is a demand charge?
Many commercial rates include a demand charge based on the highest amount of power (kW) a business draws during a short interval, often 15 or 30 minutes, in the billing month. Starting large equipment at different times can lower it.
MD commercial and industrial electricity prices and bills: U.S. Energy Information Administration retail sales data (forms EIA-861M and EIA-861), latest month July 2026. Utilities: EIA-861 (2025). Bills and usage are revenue and sales divided by customers. Last updated 2026-10-20.