Utilities setup and providers in Maryland: Research local utility companies. Set up water service. Establish electricity account. Schedule gas connection. Learn about trash services. Compare internet providers. Explore cable TV options. Check phone service availability. Understand billing cycles. Verify deposit requirements.
Research local utility companies.
In Maryland, electricity is provided by four major utility suppliers: Baltimore Gas and Electric, Potomac Electric Power Company, Delmarva Power, and Potomac Edison Company. Additionally, there are two electric cooperatives, Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative and others, alongside several municipal utilities. All these entities are regulated by the Maryland Public Service Commission (MD PSC), ensuring the reliable and efficient distribution of electricity throughout the state.
Set up water service.
To set up water service in Maryland, you need to contact one of the 22 regulated water systems under the Maryland Public Service Commission's jurisdiction. This involves providing necessary documents such as a copy of your lease or purchase agreement, a picture ID, and your Social Security Card, along with any applicable setup fees. For more information, you can visit the website of the Maryland Public Service Commission which offers comprehensive guidance on this process.
Establish electricity account.
To establish an electricity account in Maryland, you need to provide your name, address, contact information, and identification details, and may be required to pay a service application or installation charge and a security deposit. You can make the request by calling the utility or completing an application form on their website, typically requiring at least 72 hours' notice.
Schedule gas connection.
To schedule a gas connection in Maryland, BGE offers a step-by-step process that includes initiation, design, scheduling, construction, and connecting your gas appliances, with the entire process typically taking several weeks to a year to complete. For more detailed information, you can visit their Gas Connection page to learn more about the services they provide and how to proceed with your gas connection needs.
Learn about trash services.
In Hagerstown, Maryland, Trash and Recycling services are efficiently managed by the city, ensuring that collection for trash, recycling, and yard waste occurs on the same night. The city provides several plans to accommodate residents' needs, including an option for a 95-gallon cart for either trash or recycling at a rate of $130 per year. For those requiring both services, there is a combined option available for $260 per year. For more detailed information, residents are encouraged to visit the city's official website on Trash and Recycling.
Compare internet providers.
In Maryland City, MD, the best internet provider is EarthLink Fiber, which offers impressive speeds up to 5 Gbps starting at $39.95. Other notable providers include Verizon Fios Fiber, with speeds reaching up to 2 Gbps, and Xfinity, providing speeds up to 1 Gbps. Additionally, there are satellite options such as Viasat and HughesNet, each offering varying speeds and pricing to accommodate different needs. For more detailed information and options tailored to Maryland City, visit the Maryland City Internet Providers page to make an informed decision. Overall, these providers ensure diverse choices for residents seeking high-speed internet services.
Explore cable TV options.
In Maryland, top cable TV providers include DIRECTV, Dish Network, Verizon, Xfinity, and several local providers like Telegia Communications and Antietam Broadband, with varying coverage and channel offerings across different cities. For more specific information regarding the providers in your area, visit the In My Area website, which offers detailed insights into these services to help you make an informed decision.
Check phone service availability.
In Maryland, several major cell phone carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint, offer extensive coverage. AT&T is noted for its best speed and coverage, with 99.92% of Maryland homes covered, while T-Mobile and Verizon also provide robust networks, especially in densely populated areas. For further details on these options, you can visit the Maryland Cell Phone Plans page.
Understand billing cycles.
In Hagerstown, MD, utility billing is structured such that electric accounts are billed over 12 monthly cycles, whereas water, sewer, and recycling accounts follow a billing cycle composed of 24 quarterly cycles and one monthly cycle. Meanwhile, in Anne Arundel County, the billing system takes a slightly different approach, where meters are read approximately every 90 days, and wastewater services are billed quarterly at either a flat rate or based on metered usage, with late fees assessed if payment is delayed. Similarly, in the City of Frederick, utility bills are expected to be settled within 30 days of the bill issuance date. A monthly penalty of 1% is added for late payments, and failure to pay within 60 days may lead to service discontinuation, underscoring the importance of timely payment across these regions.
Verify deposit requirements.
In Maryland, utility deposits are regulated to ensure fairness to consumers. The deposit amounts cannot be less than $5 or exceed 2/12 of the estimated annual charges. However, for those on a quarterly billing cycle, the deposit can be as much as 3/12 of the estimated charges. Importantly, utilities must provide the option of installment plans for deposits exceeding $50, ensuring affordability and accessibility for all customers. Additionally, utilities are required to pay simple interest on these deposits, promoting transparency and value for consumers. For more detailed information on these regulations, you can visit the Cornell Law School website.