Companies offering to beat Baltimore Gas and Electric's standard price for dirty electricity are few or none. But several sell more expensive "green" energy. And if you're afraid BGE's price will rise substantially, you can lock in with competitors for up to three years.

The rates are higher than BGE's present price, but at least you'll know they won't go any higher during the contract period.

Prices don't include delivery charges. Check for cancellation fees. Every 1-cent difference in the kilowatt-hour price means roughly a $10 difference in the monthly bill.

My blog always has links to offers and updated prices: www.baltimoresun.com/hancockblog. BGE's standard price: 10.86 cents per kilowatt hour. Washington Gas Energy Services: 1-888-884-9437 2- or 3-year contract, regular power: 12.80 cents 1-year contract, 50 percent wind power: 13.60 cents 2-year contract, 50 percent wind power: 13.90 cents 1-year contract, 100 percent wind power: 14.80 cents 2-year contract, 100 percent wind power: 15.20 cents Commerce Energy: 1-800-353-2874 1-year contract, 50 percent wind power: 13.90 cents 2-year contract, 100 percent wind power: 14.10 cents 1-year contract, regular power: 13.60 cents 2-year contract, regular power: 13.60 cents Pepco Energy Services: 703-253-1800 1-year contract, 100 percent "green" power (hydro, solar, wind and biomass): 13.53 cents 1-year contract, 100 percent wind power: 14.13 cents Horizon Power & Light: 866-727-5658 Contract through May 31, 2008: 11.8 cents.

jay.hancock@baltsun.com