Maryland Electric Choice
Your Rights as a Consumer

With electric choice, the Maryland Public Service Commission will no longer regulate the rates for the generation of electricity. However, the PSC will still regulate the delivery of electricity, and make sure that your rights are protected.

1. If you do not choose an electricity supplier, your power will stay on. Delmarva Power will provide power for you. This is called standard offer service.
   
   
2. After you choose an electricity supplier, you have ten days to cancel if you change your mind.
   
   
3. If you end your contract with a supplier without choosing a new one, you will be returned to standard offer service. You may have to remain on standard offer service for a certain time. If the supplier defaults (for example, goes out of business) and you are returned to standard offer service, you may choose a new supplier anytime.
   
   
4. After you choose a supplier, that supplier must send you information on notice of enrollment, description of billing option, due date and mailing address for payments, information about customer service and dispute process and notice of 10-day cancellation right.
   
   
5. Contracts can occur in writing (your signature required), by phone (follow-up mailing required), or on the internet (proof of your identity required).
   
   
6. Contracts must contain all terms and conditions. Information about consumer rights must be provided within 30 dates of the contract date. If your contract has a renewal clause, you must be sent a 60-day and 30-day notice of the renewal.
   
   
7. If you are a low-income consumer, you may qualify for the new Electric Universal Service Program. Other consumer protections will still continue.
   
   
8. Electricity suppliers may not discriminate based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex or other reason as stated by law.
   
   
9. An electricity supplier may not switch your electric service without your permission.
   
   
10. Electricity suppliers must include notice that they are licensed by the PSC in their marketing materials.
    
    
11. Electricity suppliers must tell you the energy sources used to generate their power, and their emissions rates. If you ask a telemarketer to take your name off their list, that marketer is not allowed to call you again.