Energy Purchasing Cooperative Programs
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 ENERGY CO-OP
When commercial energy purchasing was deregulated in Maryland in 2004, the Cecil County Chamber of Commerce partnered with CQI Associates to establish a Commercial Energy Purchasing Cooperative for its members. Since then, the Cecil County Chamber of Commerce - CQI Energy Cooperative has helped hundreds of area businesses realize long-term budget stability and savings. In fact, since its inception, CQI Associates has assisted over 19,000 businesses with over 34,000 utility accounts in several states lower their utility bills.
Benefits of the Cecil County Chamber of Commerce Commercial Energy Cooperative:
- Chamber Members in the program receive better rates that they can do individually.
- Historically, the average co-op member saves about the equivalent of their July electricity bill and/or their February natural gas bill.
- Co-op members share the cost to bring a competitive energy rate to businesses, eliminating the need to go it alone.
- Budget stability (no more roller coaster rates).
- Assistance in being proactive in fulfilling energy buying needs.
- We offer the opportunity for businesses to share in the valuable energy expertise that the cooperative provides.
This program offers free informational seminars and webinars about energy deregulation and valuable insight into energy procurement options. CQI manages the member education and bid phases of the program, oversees the transition of the members’ energy accounts, and offers continuing technical expertise to members throughout the term of the energy contracts.
Learn how your business can benefit from joining the Cecil County Chamber of Commerce - CQI Commercial Energy Purchasing Cooperative by visiting www.cqiassociates.com or calling 410-392-3833 for more information.
Residential Energy CO-OP
In addition to commercial energy procurement, CQI Associates is also a leader in the Chamber Residential Energy Purchasing Cooperative. CQI offers very competitive fixed supply rates to the chamber residential energy cooperative members. To learn more or to sign up, go to www.cqiassociates.com/residential. When signing up, please designate the Cecil County Chamber of Commerce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes this purchasing cooperative preferable to anything else available?
The Maryland Residential Energy Purchasing Cooperative, the first and largest of its kind, was formed with the express purpose of providing consumers savings, budget stability, and choice.
What is the benefit of joining a co-op, rather than going directly to a third-party supplier?
Every time a new member joins the Maryland Residential Energy Purchasing Cooperative, consumer purchasing power increases and we (as individuals and as a group) have the opportunity to purchase electricity and natural gas as more affordable, consistent rates, at prices that are lower than what is available to individual residents.
What happens if we lose power? Who do we call?
That doesn't change. BGE will remain your local distributor. You receive the same service at a better price.
Who are CQI Associates?
CQI is a Maryland-based, licensed and bonded energy management and procurement firm that has been working with commercial and residential customers nationwide for more than 15 years. CQI has developed this special program so Chambers can provide value-added benefits for their members.
How do I sign up?
Click here to apply. There is no application fee for residential customers.
