Frequently Asked Questions

1.        How do I contact SAM?

BGE has created a Supplier Account Management (SAM) group to serve as the primary source of information for all electricity supplier's questions and needs in dealing with BGE. Detailed information about this group and how to contact them is available using the Contact Us link on this web site.

2.       Where can I find all of the necessary information to get started with BGE to provide electricity in its service territory?

To get started with BGE, it is important to understand all of the Maryland and BGE laws, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures associated with electric choice.   Please review the BGE Electricity Supplier Coordination Tariff along with the Electricity Supplier Registration section of this web site. 

3.        Where can I find BGE's EDI technical information?

EDI technical information is available in the EDI Information & Testing section of this web site.

4.        How do I gain access to the secured area of the Electricity Supplier Web Site?

A secured area of this web site has been created for accessing restricted customer and BGE information.  A user ID and a password are needed to gain access to this area.  BGE will provide a third party with a user ID and password after the third party has completed a BGE Customer Consumption Data Reporting Agreement, which is available in the Obtaining Customer Consumption Data section of this web site.

5.        Where can I gain a good understanding on PLCs, Load Profiling and Energy Settlement?

As a local distribution company (LDC) within the PJM control area, BGE is required to comply with PJM procedures. BGE's role in energy scheduling and settlement is to provide PJM with hourly energy schedules and the settlement of hourly energy usage.  The energy settlement, load profiles and peak load contribution calculation processes are described in more detail in the Load Profiles, PLCs & Energy Settlement section of this web site.

6.        Where can I obtain information on BGE's Advanced Metering program?

Effective April 1, 2002, Advanced Metering will be made available to all customers, at their option, through a separate fee schedule in the BGE Retail Electric Service Tariff. The electricity supplier or customer must contact BGE and apply to BGE for an advanced meter. For more information on BGE's metering program, please review the Electric Metering Information section of this web site.       

7.   What is the Provider Of Last Resort (POLR) and where can I get more information?

The Maryland Public Service Commission approved on April 29, 2003, a settlement that established POLR for all utilities in Maryland.  POLR provides a new fixed price market based Standard Offer Service for customers when Price Freeze Service ended and no electricity supplier has been selected. This is being done to continue the smooth transition to Customer Choice. POLR provides for market-based rate plans depending on the customer segment and/or Capacity Peak Load Contribution level.  For more information on POLR pricing and timelines, go to the POLR link on the BGE web site or the BGE Programs, Electric Tariffs & POLR Information link on this web site.

8.  When did Price Freeze Service end?

July 2002 for all Primary Service accounts

July 2004 for all other business accounts

July 2006 for all residential accounts

9.  Are there any penalties associated with customers switching from BGE's Standard Offer Service to an electricity supplier and back?

A customer may switch between electricity suppliers and BGE's Standard Offer Service as many times they want with no associated penalties.  The only requirement is that all enrollments and drops must be effective on the customer's meter read date.