Electricity rates in Maryland

Updated with EIA data for August 2026

Average rate

21.40¢

August 2026

12-month average

21.18¢

US: 18.16¢

Average bill

$233

1,091 kWh / month

National rank

#15

1 = most expensive of 51

In August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Maryland was 21.40¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 18% higher than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes Maryland the 15th most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices rose 7.6% from August 2025 (19.89¢).

Maryland electricity rates over time

Maryland, cents per kWh US average

Average rate, bill and usage by year

Year	Avg rate	Avg monthly bill	Avg monthly use
2026 (8 mo)	21.31¢	$213	998 kWh
2025	19.53¢	$184	944 kWh
2024	17.86¢	$166	929 kWh
2023	16.60¢	$148	894 kWh
2022	14.46¢	$140	968 kWh
2021	13.12¢	$128	973 kWh
2020	13.01¢	$125	957 kWh
2019	13.12¢	$128	975 kWh
2018	13.30¢	$134	1,005 kWh
2017	13.96¢	$131	940 kWh

Rates are weighted by kWh sold. Bills and usage are averages per residential customer.

Rates by sector (August 2026)

Sector	Rate	A year earlier
Residential	21.40¢	19.89¢
Commercial	17.00¢	15.06¢
Industrial	12.19¢	11.37¢
Transportation	14.79¢	16.29¢
All sectors	18.78¢	17.06¢

How much does electricity cost in Maryland?

At Maryland's 12-month average residential rate of 21.18¢ per kWh, here is the energy cost for common monthly usage levels, next to the US average. Fixed customer charges, taxes and fees vary by utility and are not included.

Monthly use	Maryland	US average
250 kWh	$52.95	$45.40
500 kWh	$105.90	$90.80
750 kWh	$158.85	$136.20
1,000 kWh	$211.80	$181.60
1,500 kWh	$317.70	$272.40
2,000 kWh	$423.60	$363.20

Maryland electricity prices month by month

Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 19.59¢ (December 2025) to 22.36¢ (October 2025), and homes used the most electricity in January 2026 (1,317 kWh on average).

Month	Avg rate	Avg bill	Avg use
August 2026	21.40¢	$233	1,091 kWh
July 2026	21.41¢	$253	1,184 kWh
June 2026	21.84¢	$201	921 kWh
May 2026	21.78¢	$158	727 kWh
April 2026	22.07¢	$157	710 kWh
March 2026	22.20¢	$193	870 kWh
February 2026	20.08¢	$235	1,169 kWh
January 2026	20.61¢	$271	1,317 kWh
December 2025	19.59¢	$236	1,203 kWh
November 2025	21.38¢	$168	785 kWh
October 2025	22.36¢	$147	658 kWh
September 2025	21.10¢	$174	826 kWh

Maryland vs neighboring states

Maryland's 12-month average rate is higher than 4 of its 5 neighbors.

State	12-mo avg rate	Avg monthly bill	Rank
Maryland	21.18¢	$202	#14
Delaware	17.98¢	$167	#19
Pennsylvania	20.86¢	$174	#15
Virginia	16.64¢	$177	#22
West Virginia	15.53¢	$164	#29
District of Columbia	24.48¢	$155	#10

What appliances cost to run in Maryland

Appliance	Typical wattage	Cost per hour
Space heater	750–1,500 W	$0.16–$0.32
Refrigerator	725 W	$0.15
Clothes dryer	1,800–5,000 W	$0.38–$1.06
Washing machine	350–500 W	$0.07–$0.11
Dishwasher	1,200–2,400 W	$0.25–$0.51
Electric water heater	4,500–5,500 W	$0.95–$1.16
Microwave	750–1,100 W	$0.16–$0.23
Window fan	55–250 W	$0.01–$0.05

All appliance costs · Appliance cost calculator for Maryland

Can you choose your electricity provider in Maryland?

Maryland has retail electricity choice: in many areas, households can buy their electricity supply from a competitive retail provider instead of the utility's default rate. Your local utility still delivers the power and handles outages. Availability depends on your utility area. Compare the plan rate, contract length, fees and any cancellation charge before you switch.

Solar snapshot

Each kW of solar panels in Baltimore produces about 1,392 kWh a year (NREL PVWatts). Sized for an average Maryland home, a 8.4 kW system would cost about $21,588 before any incentives and pay for itself in about 8.9 years. See the full Maryland solar estimate.

Guides for Maryland

Switching Providers

How to Switch Electricity Providers in Maryland (2026 Rules Explained)

Maryland residents can still pick a retail electricity supplier, but state law caps prices against Standard Offer Service. Here's what the rules mean for you.

Nov 8, 2026 · 6 min read

Switching Providers

Fixed-Rate vs Variable-Rate Electricity Plans: Which Should You Choose?

Fixed plans lock your supply price per kWh for a term; variable plans can change monthly. Here is how each works, state rules, and how to choose.

Nov 9, 2026 · 7 min read

Saving Energy

How to Lower Your Electric Bill: 12 Practical, Sourced Ways

Practical ways to lower your electric bill, from free thermostat and standby-power fixes to LEDs, insulation and rate plans, each backed by DOE, EPA or EIA guidance.

Nov 9, 2026 · 5 min read

Solar

Is Solar Worth It in 2026? What Changed After the Federal Tax Credit Ended

The 25D federal credit ended for systems installed after 2025. Here is what now decides whether solar pays off, and how to estimate your own payback.

Nov 9, 2026 · 6 min read

Maryland electricity calculators

Frequently asked questions

What is the average electricity rate in Maryland?

The average residential electricity rate in Maryland was 21.40¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 21.18¢ per kWh.

What is the average electric bill in Maryland?

The average residential customer in Maryland paid $233 for 1,091 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.

Is electricity in Maryland more expensive than the national average?

In August 2026, Maryland's average rate of 21.40¢ was 18% higher than the US average of 18.16¢.

Can I choose my electricity provider in Maryland?

Yes, Maryland has retail electricity choice, so many households can buy supply from a competitive provider. Your utility still delivers the power.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Form EIA-861M monthly sales and revenue data. Latest month: August 2026. Recent months may be preliminary and revised by EIA. See how we calculate.