House and Senate Republicans address high energy costs
Following meetings with energy providers and power grid experts, Republican legislators have proposed some solutions to reduce energy costs and improve energy production.
“For years, our members have been the voice of reasonable dissent, pointing out the flaws in our state’s misguided energy laws and regulations, warning of the problems they would likely create, and proposing rational alternatives,” said Joseph Fulgham, chief of policy & communications, in a press release. “The bills we’re promoting today are the latest in that ongoing effort. They are not a panacea for the high electricity bills many consumers are experiencing, and are likely to see again this summer. Still, they will help to correct our state’s course and avoid even larger problems in the future.”
Proposals include:
• Reducing Delaware’s Renewable Portfolio Standard from 25% to 10%, and keeping it at 10% for a decade to allow more time for renewable energy to come online
• Eliminating a state mandate on zero-emission vehicles. Under a state regulation, 43% of new cars and trucks sent to Delaware dealerships will be required to be ZEVs beginning in fall 2026, and increasing to 82% by 2032
• Encouraging natural gas and steam turbine power plants to be built and offering them tax breaks
• Removing Delaware from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which passes on costs to ratepayers.
"Delaware has already surpassed the original emissions reduction goals set by RGGI, yet our residents and businesses continue to bear the burden of higher electricity costs,” said Senate Minority Leader Sen. Gerald Hocker, R-Ocean View, in a press release. “It’s time to step away from a program that no longer serves its intended purpose and instead focus on policies that promote economic growth and energy affordability."
The proposal is also supported by Rep. Bryan Shupe, R-Milford.
Meyer announces his own energy package
Gov. Matt Meyer announced his own plan March 5 to help bring down energy costs, particularly for Delmarva Power customers stuck with high bills over the winter cold snap.
“Too many Delaware families opened their energy bills this winter and saw outrageous rate hikes with little explanation,” Meyer said in a press release. “That’s unacceptable. No one should be forced to decide between heating their home and paying for groceries. My administration is advocating for immediate relief, stronger oversight and lasting reforms to protect Delaware ratepayers.”
Meyer said Delaware’s energy system must work for consumers, not just corporations.
In a recent hearing on Delaware’s energy costs, an official with PJM Interconnection reiterated a 2023 report by the company which said a combination of federal and state policy is forcing the retirement of fossil-based power sources, and not enough alternative energy power plants have been built to replace them.
Meyer said utility companies are passing unnecessary costs on to consumers with little accountability.
“That changes today,” he said. “We’re demanding immediate relief, putting stronger oversight in place, and pushing for real reforms that protect Delaware families now and in the future.”
Effective immediately, Meyer said he is demanding Delmarva Power adjust bills for customers who were affected by rate spikes. Meyers said he is also appointing a new public advocate to aggressively challenge unfair rate hikes and improve transparency for consumers; reappointing a Public Service Commission commissioner who will focus on strengthening oversight and protecting Delaware ratepayers; and reviewing and overhauling the PSC dispute resolution process to ensure that ratepayers have a transparent, responsive system to challenge unfair charges.
Long term, Meyer said he supports legislative bills to increase transparency, accountability and fairness in Delaware’s energy system. These include Senate Bill 59, which would ensure ratepayers don’t pay for unnecessary or wasteful spending by utility companies by requiring the PSC to apply the prudence standard when evaluating utility costs; SB 60, which would prevent utilities from using customer funds for unregulated activities like lobbying and political contributions, and caps excessive capital spending by electric distribution companies to control costs; and SB 61, which would require public disclosure of votes cast at PJM Interconnection meetings so Delaware ratepayers and policymakers can access the decisions impacting their energy costs.
