UPDATED: High Electric Bills was the Topic of a Delaware Senate Committee Discussion Friday
A discussion on high electric bills received by many Delawareans was held Friday morning by the Senate Environment, Energy and Transportation Committee in Dover. Delmarva Power officials were also on hand to answer questions, but repeated that high usage was the main driver in the cost increases along with a rate increase that went into effect at the start of the year.
State Senators Eric Buckson (R-16) and Brian Pettyjohn (R-19) feel there’s more than just the cold temperatures in January that is causing electric bills to skyrocket and add that green mandates that have been put in place by lawmakers are also an issue. Senator Pettyjohn stated that the renewables like solar and wind are not yet available – but those pushing for solar and wind are trying to force the issue before we are caught up. And State Senator Kyra Hoffner (D-14) told Delmarva Power officials that they keep saying they’re looking into the high electric bills, but not giving any answers. Over 2 dozen Delawareans also commented on the issue.
Another meeting on skyrocketing electric costs will be held in the Senate Chamber on Monday, February 24th from 1 to 3pm.
UPDATED: 02/15/25 – Senate Republican Leader Gerald Hocker (R-Ocean View) and Representative Bryan Shupe (R-Milford) issued the below statement regarding rising energy prices and legislative action that will be taken to address the issue.
“Delawareans are facing an unsustainable rise in electricity rates, placing an undue financial burden on families and businesses. We and our colleagues have heard from countless constituents pleading for relief, and we are committed to taking action.
“After meeting with stakeholders in the energy sector, it has become clear that Delaware’s green energy mandates, including its participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), are a significant factor driving up costs. These policies, while well-intended, are having unintended consequences, forcing Delaware to import electricity at higher costs while discouraging traditional energy investments within our state.
“New Hampshire recognized this burden and took decisive action by redirecting RGGI revenues back to ratepayers. We are introducing legislation (Senate Bill 64) to do the same in Delaware. Rather than funneling millions of dollars into government-controlled programs, we should return these funds to the people who paid them, providing much-needed relief to families and businesses struggling with high energy bills.
“If this measure fails, we will introduce legislation to withdraw Delaware from RGGI altogether (Senate Bill 65). While reducing emissions is a shared goal, it should not come at the expense of affordability and reliability. Delawareans should not be forced to shoulder ever-increasing costs while our state government continues imposing mandates that make energy more expensive.
“Additionally, we will revisit Senate Bill 33 from the 151st General Assembly, which significantly increased Delaware’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards (RPS). The current mandates require increasing percentages of Delaware’s electricity to come from renewable sources through 2035, while eliminating the previous cost cap protections that prevented excessive rate hikes. We will push to extend the compliance deadlines and lower the required percentages, allowing more time for Delaware to invest in the necessary energy infrastructure without overburdening ratepayers.
“As we move forward, we encourage our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put Delawareans first. Energy policy must balance environmental responsibility with economic reality, and right now, that balance has been lost. It’s time to correct course and bring relief to our constituents.”
NOTE: In 2011, 33rd District Representative Jack Peterman of Milford introduced House Bill 86 which would terminate Delaware’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in an effort to save money for every electricity user in Delaware. The measure was assigned to the House Energy Committee where it died.