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Delaware Electricity Information

Delaware offers retail electricity choice for most customers, so the utility delivers power while residents and businesses can select a third-party supplier for the supply portion of the bill. Customers served by Delmarva Power and Delaware Electric Cooperative are eligible to shop, and the Delaware Public Service Commission maintains an active list of licensed suppliers and consumer guidance. If you do not choose a supplier, the utility provides default supply service, and delivery remains with the utility either way. This market structure creates flexibility on price and product options while keeping reliability under regulated utility operations.

Smart Shopper’s Guide: Choosing an Electric Supplier

Because Delaware is a deregulated state, many residents (specifically those with Delmarva Power or Delaware Electric Cooperative) can choose who supplies their electricity.

Understand the “Price to Compare” (PTC): This is the most important number on your bill. It represents the rate your utility charges to supply energy. You can find the current PTC on your monthly statement or the utility’s website.

The Strategy: Only switch to a third-party supplier if their rate is lower than your utility’s Price to Compare.

Watch Out for Pitfalls:
- Variable Rates: Some plans start low but can skyrocket after the first 3 months. Look for “Fixed Rate” plans.
- Early Termination Fees: Check if the contract charges you a fee (e.g., $50-$150) for cancelling early.
- “Slamming”: Never show your utility bill to a door-to-door solicitor unless you intend to switch. Unethical agents can sometimes switch your service without consent if they get your account number.

Delaware Electricity Generation and Consumption

Delaware’s electricity generation is dominated by natural gas, which supplies the vast majority of the state’s power. While coal once played a larger role, it has mostly been phased out, and renewables like solar and offshore wind are gradually expanding. However, Delaware still imports much of its electricity from neighboring states.

Electricity consumption is moderate, but prices are slightly above the national average due to transmission costs and reliance on out-of-state power. The shift away from coal has helped reduce emissions, though natural gas remains a significant source of greenhouse gases. With growing investments in clean energy and efficiency, Delaware is working toward a greener and more resilient energy future.

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Electricity Production

Primary Source

Natural Gas

Total Generation: 4,772,059 MWh
Ranks 49th Highest in the U.S.
Average Price: 18.15¢ /kWh
Ranks 35th Cheapest in the U.S.
Average Electric Bill: $124.61
Ranks 17th Cheapest in the U.S.

Electricity Production By Source

Emissions From Electricity Generation

Carbon Dioxide Emissions Rank

48th Highest

2,374 TMT

Sulfer Dioxide Emissions Rank

48th Highest

173 tn

Nitrogen Oxide Emissions Rank

49th Highest

1,505 tn

Renewable Electricity Generation

Renewable Production Rank

50th Highest

159,414 MWh
3.34% of Total Production

Source U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Based on data from 2023

Energy Usage in Delaware

Energy Usage Per Capita Rank

23rd Lowest

Average Per Person: 270 million BTU

Delaware’s electricity use follows a Mid-Atlantic climate with cold winters and warm, humid summers that push winter heating and summer cooling peaks. Residential customers are the largest slice of demand at about 46% of electricity sales in 2024, with commercial at ~38% and industrial at ~17%, which keeps household usage central to grid planning. The state sits in a transition zone between humid subtropical and humid continental climates, so coastal moderation reduces extremes but seasonal swings still drive pronounced peaks.

Municipal Utilities in Delaware

While most cities, towns, and villages throughout the state of Delaware offer municipal essential services like providing clean water, sewage treatment and dealing with waste and storm water, some also offer other services like electricity, natural gas, sanitation or recycling. In Delaware, 10 cities offer municipal electricity utility services to their residents.

Largest Electric Companies in Delaware

The rest of Delaware receives electric utility service from one of many primary providers. Here’s a list of some of the larger providers that might be available to your home:

Delaware Natural Gas Information

Delaware’s reliance on natural gas has grown quickly over the past two decades as coal plants were retired or converted, making gas the backbone of electricity generation and an essential part of daily life. Cold Mid-Atlantic winters drive demand for home heating, while hot, humid summers push gas-fired plants to keep up with air-conditioning loads. With no in-state production, Delaware depends on interstate pipelines, so reliability and storage play a critical role in keeping both homes and the grid supplied.

About 42% of households in Delaware use natural gas as their primary heating source, while electricity and propane make up much of the rest. The industrial sector accounts for roughly 40% of all natural gas deliveries, and the residential sector about 13%. Most households are served by Chesapeake Utilities or Delmarva Power, which both purchase and deliver the fuel. This blend of local utility service and interstate pipeline reliance makes natural gas a cornerstone of Delaware’s energy system in every season.

Average Natural Gas Price

$2.644 /CCF

Ranks 24th Cheapest in the U.S.

Average Natural Gas Bill

$119 /month

Ranks 40th Cheapest in the U.S.

Natural Gas Usage Per Capita

7th Lowest

Average Per Person: 159.52 MCFs Annually

Largest Natural Gas Companies in Delaware

Many of the residents of Delaware receive their natural gas utility service from one of the larger companies that service the state.

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Delaware Internet Connectivity

Broadband Availability

97.42%

Ranks 48th in the U.S.

Percent of Ppopulation with access to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload

1 Gig Availability

15.2%

Ranks 3rd in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to download speeds of 1 Gbps

Fiber Availability

47.31%

Ranks 36th in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to Fiber Internet

Largest Internet Providers in Delaware

When it comes to high-speed internet, homes in Delaware have plenty of options to stay connected! From bustling cities to quiet rural areas, a variety of providers offer reliable service across the state. Here are some of the biggest names keeping Delaware homes online and in the loop:

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Consumer Rights & Protections: Know Your Safeguards

Delaware law provides specific protections to ensure residents are not left without essential services during critical times.

The "Cold Weather Rule": To protect households during freezing conditions, Delaware utilities are generally prohibited from terminating heating-related service (gas or electric) if the temperature is forecasted to fall below 32°F during the next 24-hour period.
Medical Certification: If you or a family member has a serious illness that would be adversely affected by a loss of power, you can delay a shut-off.
- How it works: A licensed physician or nurse practitioner must sign a "Medical Certification" form stating that termination of service would be dangerous to the patient's health.
- Duration: This certification is valid for 120 days and can be renewed if the condition persists.
Dispute Resolution: If you have a billing dispute or feel your rights have been violated, follow this order of operations:
1. Contact your Utility Provider first to try and resolve the issue.
2. If unresolved, contact the Delaware Division of the Public Advocate (DPA) for free mediation.
3. File a formal complaint with the Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) as a final step.

Delaware’s "Triple Stack" Solar Incentives

Delaware offers one of the most lucrative solar incentive packages in the region by allowing homeowners to stack three different benefits.

Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC): You can claim 30% of the total cost of your solar system as a credit against your federal income taxes.
Delaware Green Energy Program Grants: The state provides cash grants to offset installation costs. Amounts vary by provider, for example, Delmarva Power customers may receive different grant amounts compared to Delaware Electric Cooperative members.
SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits): This is a unique recurring income stream.
- How it works: For every 1,000 kWh your panels produce, you earn one "credit."
- The Auction: You can sell these credits back to the utility through the annual Delaware SREC Procurement Program. This auction typically takes place in November (managed by InClime), allowing you to lock in 20-year contracts for selling your credits.

A "New Resident" Moving Checklist

Moving to Delaware? Here are a few utility-specific tips to save you money and stress.

Waive Your Deposit: Most Delaware utilities (including municipal ones like the City of Dover) require a security deposit for new service, often ranging from $100 to $300+.
- Pro Tip: You can often have this waived by providing a "Letter of Credit" from your previous utility company showing 12 months of on-time payments. Ask for this before you close your old account!
Know Your Jurisdiction: Delaware is a mix of private and municipal utilities.
- If you live within town limits (e.g., Newark, Middletown, Dover, Seaford), your electric is likely provided by the town. This means you cannot shop for a third-party supplier, but your rates are often lower and more stable than the open market.
Trash & Recycling: In many unincorporated areas of Delaware (outside city limits), trash collection is not provided by the government. You must privately contract with a waste hauler (e.g., Waste Management, Republic Services) for pickup.

Water Quality & Safety

Whether your water comes from a municipality, a private company (like Artesian or Veolia), or a private well, you have access to information about its safety.

Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR): Every public water supplier is legally required to publish an annual water quality report by July 1st of each year. These reports detail the levels of contaminants found in the water. You can find them on your provider’s website or the EPA’s database.
Lead Testing: If you live in a pre-1978 home and are concerned about lead pipes or solder:
- The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Office of Drinking Water can provide guidance.
- Private Wells: If you have a private well, you are responsible for testing. DPH labs sell low-cost testing kits for bacteria and chemicals. It is recommended to test your well annually.

Utility Costs in Delaware

The average monthly total utility bills in Delaware is $291.78, which is 5.28% higher than the national average.

Average Electric Bill

$125

Lower than national average

Average Natural Gas Bill

$119

Higher than national average

Average Water Bill

$48

Higher than national average

Assistance for Paying Utility Bills in Delaware

If you are struggling to keep up with utility payments in Delaware, several state, federal, and non-profit programs can provide financial relief. These resources are designed to help low-to-moderate-income households maintain essential services like heating and cooling.

General Assistance Programs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Also known as the Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP), this federally funded program helps income-eligible households pay their heating and cooling bills. It typically runs from October through March for heating and provides a Summer Cooling Assistance Program during hotter months.

Administrator: Catholic Charities
How to Apply: Visit the Catholic Charities of Delaware website or call your county office (New Castle: 302-654-9295, Kent: 302-674-1782, Sussex: 302-856-6310).

Delaware Energy Fund Managed by Energize Delaware, this fund assists households that may not qualify for LIHEAP but still struggle with energy costs (up to 350% of the federal poverty level). It works with major utility providers like Delmarva Power and Delaware Electric Cooperative.

How to Apply: Visit the Energize Delaware website or contact your specific utility provider for a referral.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) This program reduces energy costs for low-income families by improving the energy efficiency of their homes (e.g., insulation, air sealing) at no cost to the homeowner or renter.

How to Apply: Information is available through the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).

Special Programs for Seniors

Senior citizens often receive priority processing for state assistance, but there are also private funds specifically designed for them.

The Sharing Program: Sponsored by Chesapeake Utilities, this fund offers grants specifically for the elderly, disabled, or those on a fixed income who need help with heating costs. You can apply through Chesapeake Utilities.
Good Neighbor Energy Fund: Administered by the Salvation Army for Delmarva Power customers, this fund often assists seniors who are facing an emergency financial crisis.

Special Programs for Veterans

Veterans facing housing instability or financial hardship can access specialized support that includes utility payment assistance.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): This program is dedicated to preventing homelessness among veterans. It can provide temporary financial assistance for utility deposits and arrears.
Connections Community Support Programs: A local organization that often helps veterans navigate available benefits and emergency aid.
How to Apply: Veterans should call Delaware 211 (dial 2-1-1) to be connected with the specific SSVF provider for their county.

Special Programs for Students

Students living off-campus who are financially independent may qualify for general state aid like LIHEAP. However, universities also have emergency funds for students facing unforeseen crises (such as the loss of a job or family support).

University of Delaware: The Student Crisis Fund and Blue Hen Essentials provide support for students facing food, housing, or utility insecurity. Visit UD Student Advocacy & Support.
Delaware State University: The Student Impact Fund offers immediate financial relief for students to ensure they can continue their education during a crisis. Contact DSU Student Success.
Tip: Independent students should also check if they qualify for SNAP or other state benefits by visiting the Delaware ASSIST portal.

Learn more in the Student Utility Setup Guide