New Castle, DE – A heated Town Hall meeting Wednesday night at Gunning Bedford Middle School saw frustrated residents demanding answers from Delmarva Power representatives about skyrocketing utility bills. Many attendees dismissed the company’s explanation that the increases were primarily due to a recent cold spell, repeatedly stating that “the math ain’t mathing.”
During the meeting, one woman passionately expressed her frustration, warning that Delaware was heading toward economic collapse because the middle class could no longer afford basic necessities. She argued that rising utility costs, combined with increasing expenses for food, clothing, and even cars, were pushing working families to the brink. “At this rate, we won’t be able to buy anything,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. She also feared that without relief, residents would “freeze in the winter and suffocate in the summer,” as high energy costs would make heating and cooling their homes unaffordable. Her remarks drew nods of agreement and cheering from many in the audience.
Instead of a structured presentation, the meeting largely unfolded as a contentious Q&A session, with residents pressing Delmarva Power officials for clarity on billing changes. The live stream that carried the Town Hall had poor audio quality so much of the back and forth was unintelligible.
However, First State Update did reached out to Delmarva Power a couple of weeks ago and this is what they said “Due to the cold temperatures we have experienced over the last two months, we know our customers used 40 percent more electric and 200 percent more natural gas in December as compared to November on average, with an expectation January impacts of weather will be even greater. This trend of usage is the primary factor contributing to customers experiencing higher energy bills.
Based on Delaware law, we are required to meet the State’s renewable energy requirements by incorporating a blend of renewable resources into the energy procured and passed along to customers. And by 2035, we will need to procure 40 percent of the energy we deliver our customers from renewable sources. At this time, renewable energy credits are not available in Delaware. All states within PJM’s territory have increased renewable portfolio standard (RPS) commitments, which creates increasing demands on facilities that provide renewable energy credits, therefore causing the price to increase.”
Several state lawmakers, including Senator Brian Pettyjohn and Representative Bryan Shupe, have been vocal about the impact of state energy policies on rising bills. Pettyjohn noted that for two years, Delmarva Power has paid approximately $13 million annually in Alternative Compliance Payments (ACPs), totaling $26 million, which was funneled into the state’s Green Energy Fund.
Shupe echoed concerns, arguing that the state has effectively penalized Delmarva Power for not meeting renewable energy targets while forcing ratepayers to cover the cost. “The state set the rules for a private business. When the company fell short, they were charged millions, which was funneled into a state fund,” Shupe said. “At the same time, Delmarva Power customers saw increased delivery and compliance charges on their bills to cover this payment.”
State Representative Mike Smith, who organized the Town Hall, called for greater transparency, asking that Delmarva Power itemize what costs are included in the controversial “Delivery Charge” on customer bills. He acknowledged that he personally believes state policies contribute to high energy prices and pointed to Delaware’s lack of in-state power generation as a key issue.
“Do I believe some of what’s in the delivery fee is due to Delaware public policy? Yes, I absolutely do,” Smith said at a Thursday morning meeting in Hockessin. He added that with the shutdown of the Indian River coal plant, Delaware imports most of its electricity from as far away as Ohio, further complicating affordability and reliability.
At the Town Hall, Sierra Club Delaware Chapter Director Dustyn Thompson pushed back against claims that Delmarva Power’s ACP payments were fines. He argued that the payments were funds to support local energy assistance programs, including free solar panels for low-income households.
Thompson told attendees at the Town Hall that if the state refunded the $26 million to ratepayers, each Delmarva Power customer would receive $75. He noted that this would mean defunding low-income heat assistance and weatherization programs, prompting some attendees to respond, “We’ll take the money!”
Smith later expressed frustration that Thompson was allowed to speak at the Town Hall, which was organized by himself and Representative Kevin Hensley, claiming that Thompson’s group financially benefits from the state’s renewable energy policies.
With concerns over energy costs mounting, lawmakers are exploring alternative solutions. Senator Bryant Richardson introduced a resolution to establish the Delaware Nuclear Energy Feasibility Task Force, which would evaluate the potential of incorporating Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) into the state’s energy mix.
“Nuclear energy, and specifically SMRs, presents an opportunity to provide Delaware with a stable, reliable, and carbon-free source of power,” Richardson said. The task force, which will include public and private sector representatives, is expected to deliver its findings to the General Assembly by October 2025.
As Delaware grapples with energy affordability and reliability, the debate over renewable energy mandates, state intervention, and potential new power sources is only expected to intensify.
Residents remain frustrated as their energy bills continue to climb, with many demanding clearer breakdowns of what they are paying for. Meanwhile, lawmakers and advocacy groups are divided on the best path forward, whether to roll back state regulations, increase local energy production, or double down on renewable investments.