Residential Electricity and Gas Purchasing Cooperative
A Unique Opportunity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Residential Electricity and Gas Purchasing Cooperative?
The Pikesville Chamber of Commerce in partnership with CQI Associates, our energy broker, will pool the buying power of homeowners to negotiate a better price for electricity and gas from energy suppliers approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission.
Who is eligible to join?
Any residential customer in the BGE, Pepco or Delmarva area who is an employee or member of a business or organization who is a member or becomes a member of the Pikesville Chamber of Commerce is eligible to participate. Chamber membership is a requirement to joining the coop. Your residence, business or organization does not have to be in Pikesville.
What does it cost to join the coop?
The annual enrollment fee is $37.50 for electric per household and $30 for gas per household. These fees are only refundable if your credit does not check out.
What kind of savings can I expect?
6 – 10% annually, or equal to one month’s electric bill
Why is this a good time to do this?
Rates are advantageously low right now which presents an opportunity for homeowners
How do I sign up?
You can go to the Pikesville Chamber Website at www.pikesvillechamber.org to find a link to the CQI on-line sign-up. After signing up, you will be contacted via email with the actual bid rate and a cost comparison with the BGE rate. You will be asked to either accept or decline the offer on bid day. The contract is between you and the supplier and there is no middleman.
What is the deadline to sign up?
There is no deadline. This is a rolling enrollment. The sooner you sign up, the sooner you begin to save.
What happens to my account with BGE?
BGE will continue to deliver, bill and service the account. The new supplier will notify BGE about your change in supplier. BGE will add a notation on your bill that indicates the name of your supplier. Other than that, nothing will change about your relationship with BGE. You do not have to notify BGE about the change.
What happens if I sign up and then want to get out of the contract?
This is a binding contract for one year.
Is my vacation home also eligible?
Yes, as long as you are a BGE, Pepco or Delmarva customer.
How does my organization or business join the Pikesville Chamber?
Membership in the Chamber is a nominal fee of $200 per year. Contact the Pikesville Chamber of Commerce at 410 484-2337 or on the web at www.pikesvillechamber.org.
On-line Webinar meeting:
On-line web meeting on Monday, March 23 at noon. To make a reservation please email pikesvillechamber@verizon.net and Rachel Trager at Rachel@cqiassociates.com.
If you have additional questions, we encourage you to attend one of our information meetings or webinars listed on our website, www.pikesvillechamber.org.