CQI is the industry leader in this exciting program designed to help small to mid-sized businesses realize long-term budget stability. Chambers of Commerce are built upon the core concept of many businesses coming together to accomplish what no one business can do alone. Energy Purchasing Cooperatives are based upon the same premise – bringing members together to procure energy at rates lower than any single member can purchase on its own.  

COMMERCIAL COOPERATIVES

The Chamber started an electricity purchasing cooperative program in 2004 to provide long term budget stability and savings to its members. Members in the first enrollment group with contracts ending in 2008 and 2009 saved over 25% when compared to the utility default rates.

This is an excellent time to seek pricing for electricity and natural gas supply services for new cooperative members. Members who have not joined a cooperative or who are not in a supply contract with a third party provider should consider joining a Chamber Energy Cooperative to reduce energy costs.

Enroll in a Commercial Energy Cooperative Program

Existing Energy Cooperative Members with Contracts Ending in 2011

For Those Interested in Joining a Energy Cooperative for the First Time

RESIDENTIAL COOPERATIVES

Deregulation legislation in Maryland permits customers to purchase electricity and natural gas supply services on a contractual basis from a licensed supplier. Whether customers continue to purchase energy under the "standard offer service" from their current utility or purchase from an alternative, licensed supplier, the utility will continue to deliver that energy service to the customer’s home.

Chamber of Commerce-sponsored energy purchasing cooperatives started in 2004 to serve commercial accounts. 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 principle – bringing Chamber of Commerce members together to procure energy at better rates than single applicants can purchase on their own.

Residential rates were deregulated in January 2006 and many customers have seen a 60% or more increase in their rates. Residential customers in Maryland living in BGE, Pepco, Delmarva Power, Allegheny Power, and Washington Gas territories/service areas can now join a Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Residential Energy Purchasing Cooperative created to reduce the cost of electricity and natural gas supply services at their homes. Residential customers who have joined cooperatives have reduced their costs by 6 to 10 percent on an annual basis.

Who can join a Residential Energy Cooperative?

Employees and now retirees of current Chamber member organizations, home-based business members and individual members of the Chamber can join the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Residential Energy Purchasing Cooperative. Retirees are defined as former employees who are now receiving a pension as a result of their employment with the Chamber member organization.

Enroll in a Residential Energy Cooperative Program

 Residential Enrollment Information