All members of Choptank Electric Cooperative (referred to as Choptank Electric or the Co-op) have the option to choose their electricity supplier. Members should thoroughly review the information on this page and ensure a supplier is registered with Choptank Electric Cooperative and licensed by the Maryland Public Service Commission before signing up for service. In July 2000, Maryland lawmakers approved electric retail choice giving members/customers the option to choose their energy provider. The goal was to give consumers the option to shop for the lowest rates. Members can continue to use Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC), Choptank Electric's wholesale power provider, and do not have to choose another electric supplier. Choptank Electric will continue to deliver electricity to all members, regardless of which energy supplier our members select.
Below are some commonly asked questions about Customer Choice.
It can, but you will want to compare Choptank Electric’s rates with a supplier’s rates before you sign any agreement. A supplier should provide you with a price to compare. The Co-op's general price to compare is listed in the link below. Your individual price to compare will be different depending on your rate class. For a specific price to compare, please call our Member Service Center at 1-877-892-0001.
While a supplier’s price to compare may be cheaper than the Choptank Electric’s, by choosing a supplier other than Choptank Electric, you will accrue fewer capital credits. The Co-op is member-owned and our consumers receive any margins or profits, which are returned to those we serve in the form of capital credits. A member’s capital credits allocation is largely based on energy use. If members are purchasing their energy from another supplier, their future capital credits checks or billing credits from Choptank Electric will be significantly less.
Yes, you will remain a Choptank Electric member and the Co-op will still deliver power to your home. You will also still report power outages to the Co-op, and our crews will respond to address any power issues.
Yes, you will still pay Choptank Electric for the delivery costs (left side of the bill) associated with getting electricity to your home. Those charges cover things like the cost of poles, wires, and electric meters needed to provide service across our system.
You will have two options:
- Receive dual bills, one from Choptank Electric and one from the supplier.
- Consolidated billing where the charges from Co-op and the supplier are on one bill.
Choptank Electric continues to deliver your power. Though you may choose another power supplier, the lines and equipment serving your home or business do not change. The Co-op maintains the distribution equipment and responds to your electric service needs.
No. Members can continue to use Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC), Choptank Electric's wholesale power provider, and do not have to choose another electric supplier.
All third-party suppliers must first certify with the Maryland Public Service Commission.
You can view an updated list of suppliers here.
You will sign up for the service directly with the supplier. Once you sign up, they will coordinate directly with Choptank Electric to ensure our member database and billing information is updated. To cancel the service, you will have to contact the supplier as well.
Review the list of suppliers. When you call or visit their website, it is important that you get answers to the following questions:
- What is the price per kilowatt-hour of electricity?
- Do you charge additional fees that are not included in the kilowatt-hour price?
- How do I enroll and what information do you need from me?
- What happens if I cancel my service?
- Is there a cancellation fee?
- How long will my contract be in effect and what happens when the contract term is over?
- Are there limits to how much energy I can use?
Make Your Decision. If you decide to choose a supplier other than Choptank Electric, you will sign up directly on their website or by calling them and they will coordinate with the Co-op to ensure a smooth transition.
The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) has established on its website an area to educate Marylanders about the process of choosing a supplier. Included on the website is information for members to review before signing an agreement with a new supplier. Visit the site here.
Maryland’s Customer Choice law contains a variety of consumer protections against fraud, deceptive practices, and unfair discrimination. The law authorizes the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) to license all power suppliers. If violations occur, the PSC may also punish or revoke the license of suppliers. Customer information cannot be disclosed without customer consent except for bill collection and credit rating purposes.