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Delaware’s Energy Policies

Are Failing Ratepayers

Energy prices aren’t just rising —they’re crushing Delaware families.

We’ve heard from Delmarva Power & Light customers across the state who are seeing electric bills tripling what they normally pay. We're not saying it was done purposefully, but it isn’t happening by accident. It’s the result of bad energy policy, unrealistic mandates, and a lack of planning for reliability and affordability.

Senate and House Republicans warned that policies like SB 33 would increase costs. Those warnings were ignored and now ratepayers are paying the price.

In our latest Substack, we break down:

• Why DP&L customers are being hit the hardest

• How renewable mandates and compliance penalties are increasing bills

• What Republicans have proposed to provide real relief

• Why grid reliability and energy diversity matter more than ever in the age of AI

Delaware can pursue cleaner energy without sacrificing affordability or reliability, but it requires realism, not ideology.

Read the post here

Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine Facilities

Delaware is facing an energy reliability and affordability challenge. To face this crisis, Senator Brian Pettyjohn joined Representative Kevin Hensley, Representative Ed Osienski, and Senator Jack Walsh in sponsoring HB 186, bipartisan legislation that would encourage the construction of high-efficiency, in-state power generation that can come online in the near future.

Modern combined-cycle natural gas facilities are proven, reliable, and can be built and operational years faster than technologies like small and micro modular nuclear reactors. We strongly support nuclear as part of Delaware’s future energy mix, and our caucus thanks our colleague Senator Bryant Richardson for spearheading that effort with SCR 18.

HB 186 is about addressing today’s energy needs while we continue planning for tomorrow. By incentivizing limited, high-efficiency power generation here in Delaware, this bill would:

- Strengthen grid reliability across Delaware and the PJM region

- Reduce reliance on out-of-state power and transmission costs

- Help stabilize electric bills for Delaware families and businesses

Senator Hocker and Senator Pettyjohn are also actively engaging with stakeholders on what it would take to restore generation at the Indian River Power Plant. Every responsible option should be on the table.

Delaware needs an all-of-the-above energy strategy and HB 186 is a practical, near-term step toward reliability, affordability, and energy security.

Senator Buckson Urges Delaware to Rethink SAT’s Role in Measuring School Success

Senator Eric Buckson is calling for Delaware to rethink its reliance on the SAT as the primary measure of high school success, arguing that a college admissions exam does not fully capture how well schools prepare students for life after graduation. Drawing on his 30 years as a public educator, Buckson points to declining college enrollment, the cost of administering the SAT to all 11th graders, and the growing importance of career and technical pathways. He is advocating for a more modern accountability system that recognizes multiple measures of success, such as industry credentials, apprenticeships, dual enrollment, and workforce readiness, rather than using the SAT as a one-size-fits-all benchmark.

The Cost of Unattainable Energy Mandates

While we agree that the Delmarva Power & Light (DP&L) rate increase should not be approved, they have been backed into a corner by Democrats and their green energy mandates.

SB 33 became law in 2021 and since then, DP&L has been unable to keep up with the RPS mandate set via SB 33. This isn't DP&L's fault. The 25% requirement is simply unattainable.

As a result, DP&L's ratepayers have paid over $40 million in alternative compliance payments since 2023. If you're a DP&L customer, this is part of the "Wind & Solar" component on your bill.

Senate and House Republicans, along with various stakeholders and advocacy organizations, said on record this legislation would drive up energy bills. Unfortunately, our warnings were ignored.

Joint Finance Committee

The Joint Finance Committee has completed the first week of its month-long budget hearings. Hearings continue every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday throughout February.



Visit legis.delaware.gov for the full schedule and daily hearing agendas.

For The Record Podcast

As the General Assembly is out of session while the Joint Finance Committee continues its budget hearings in February, be sure to catch up on the latest episodes of our caucus's podcast, For The Record!

Available on Spotify, YouTube, and more.

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