Moving to Maryland: utilities and your first-month checklist
Which company serves your new address depends on where in Maryland it is. Each link below goes to that company's own page for starting service. Start it two to three weeks ahead, from the day you get the keys.
Electric companies in Maryland
Baltimore City and central MarylandPepco
Montgomery and Prince George's countiesPotomac Edison (FirstEnergy)
Western Maryland and Frederick, Washington, Carroll countiesDelmarva Power
Eastern Shore and Cecil CountySMECO (Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative)
Southern Maryland: Calvert, Charles, St. Mary's and southern Prince George's
Natural gas in Maryland
Baltimore City and central MarylandWashington Gas
Montgomery, Prince George's, Frederick, Charles and other suburban Washington countiesColumbia Gas of Maryland
Western Maryland: Hagerstown, Cumberland and nearbyChesapeake Utilities
Parts of the Eastern Shore
Water in Maryland
Usually run by the city, town or county. Search the new address's town name with "water service".
Choosing a supplier
Maryland lets some customers choose who supplies their electricity. The wires and pipes stay with the utility. Compare on the state's own page before signing anything a door-to-door seller offers: official shopping page.
Help with the bills
If deposits or bills are a stretch, Maryland runs energy assistance: official assistance page. Ask the utility about deposit waivers too; many waive the deposit with a good payment letter from your old company.
Problems with a utility
The Maryland Public Service Commission regulates utilities in Maryland and takes complaints.
New-resident deadlines in Maryland
- Driver's license: within 60 days of moving. Official page
- Car registration and title: within 60 days of moving. Official page
- Inspection: Maryland safety inspection required before you title and register. An emissions test notice comes about three months later. Official page
- Maryland driver license office
- Register to vote in Maryland
From the state's own websites, checked October 2026. Deadlines can change; check the official page before you rely on one.
Your first month in a new state
- USPS: change your address: Start mail forwarding up to 30 days early. The real site is usps.com.
- Your new state's motor vehicle office: Driver's license, registration and title. Most states set a short deadline after you move, so check yours first.
- Register to vote: Routes you to the official registration for the new state.
- Medicaid, if you have it: Medicaid doesn't move with you. You apply again in the new state.
- Health insurance: A permanent move can open a special enrollment period.
- Social Security: Change your address once here; Medicare gets it from Social Security.
Utility companies and service areas checked October 2026. Service areas follow addresses, not county lines exactly: confirm with the company before you book.