What Is Energy Deregulation and
Why Do I Care?
Deregulation legislation in Maryland permits customers to purchase the energy commodity
(electricity, natural gas, etc) on a contract basis from a licensed supplier. Whether
you continue to purchase energy under the “standard offer service” (default rate)
from your current utility or purchase from an alternative, licensed supplier, your
current utility will continue to deliver that energy service to your home.
Across the nation, this increased competition among energy suppliers is resulting
in lower costs for providing energy.
CQI Associates developed the concept of Chamber of Commerce-sponsored energy purchasing
cooperatives in 2003 starting with the Ocean City, Maryland Chamber of Commerce.
Chambers of Commerce are built upon the core concept of many businesses coming together
to accomplish what no single business can do alone. Energy Purchasing Cooperatives
are based upon the same premise – bringing members (customers) together to procure
energy at better rates than any single member can purchase on their own. Since 2003,
CQI has partnered with more than twenty Chambers of Commerce in three states, representing
thousands of commercial customers who have successfully switched to an alternative,
licensed providers.
Residential Customers
Full market rates fully implemented in the BGE service area beginning in January
2008—many customers have seen a 70% or more increase in their rates since 2006.
Similar rate increases have affected residential customers in the PEPCO and Delmarva
service areas. Now residential customers in Maryland, too, can join energy purchasing
cooperatives created to reduce the cost of the electricity and natural gas provided
to their homes. CQI is continuing its partnership with Chambers of Commerce, who
are now offering this service to the employees of Chamber members for their home
energy needs. Civic associations and other groups (Credit Unions, Trade Associations,
etc) are also partnering with CQI Associates.
The first goal of this initiative is to provide education to Maryland Residential customers on deregulation rules and regulations. Second, we strive to help protect the members to proactively transition to the deregulated market cushioning the increase in energy costs to provide long term budget stability. Third, we want to stimulate competition for electricity supply services in the residential electricity marketplace.
Check with your membership associations to see if they are already participating
in these energy purchasing cooperatives, or CLICK HERE to see a list of participating organizations.
What if I Have Questions???
If you have any difficulties, please visit our web site FAQ pages, or contact us at:
Via email at: residential@cqiassociates.com
business@cqiassociates.com
Customer service line 800-410-0667 access code 05
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