A proposed $67.8 million rate hike by Delmarva Power is drawing resistance in Delaware, where opponents say higher utility bills would burden families already contending with housing, food, and energy costs.
During a public hearing, residents asked regulators to deny the filing, saying the plan would insulate the company and its investors at customers' expense, as WDEL reported.
Here's what to know
The request was filed in December 2025 by Exelon, Delmarva Power's parent company. The Delaware Public Advocate estimated it would add about $9.30 a month for the average heating customer and $15.63 a month for customers who use space heaters.
An interim increase took effect on July 9. A typical customer began paying an extra $3 per month, and Delaware law would raise that amount to $4.50 per month if regulators have not issued a final decision by Dec. 9.
Sierra Club Delaware's Marissa McClenton said, "It seems like a way to guarantee profit, while removing risk from shareholders."
She also criticized a proposal to shift $23.2 million recovered through the Distribution System Improvement Charge, saying Delmarva "has not hit the cap" and that approving the move in advance could "[open] us up to another 7.5% rate hike."
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More background
Several speakers described the filing as part of a broader pattern in which households are repeatedly asked to pay more, even as a major utility parent company continues to bring in billions in revenue.
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For Wilmington resident Jill Houston, Exelon's reported $5.97 billion in quarterly revenue was reason enough to oppose the request.
"There's absolutely no need for a rate increase," she said.
Exelon's stock performance has been mixed, but it has still risen 28.7%.
Critics say ordinary customers are being squeezed while investors remain protected.
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Resident Kristina Kelly said that branches from a nearby tree near power lines destroyed her sweet potato garden.
"Look at Delaware's housing crisis, look at what families are paying, look at Delmarva's executive compensation, and then look at people like me," Kelly said.
McClenton also argued that customers should not be stuck with infrastructure costs associated with data centers and other energy-intensive developments.
"If these big projects need infrastructure improvements, it should come out of their own pocket, not the energy bills of Delawareans," she said.
What's being done?
Residents can weigh in before regulators decide. Written comments can be emailed to the Delaware Public Service Commission at psc@delaware.gov, using 25-1555 in the subject line, by Sept. 18, 2026.
Delmarva said it is offering customer support measures such as bill payment arrangements, energy-efficiency programs, a $6.5 million Customer Relief Fund, and a proposed 20% discount on electric delivery charges for qualifying low- to moderate-income customers.
The company also said the filing reflects reliability investments already completed, including stronger poles, new substations, and updated technology.
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