Who Owns Delmarva Power?

Delmarva Power operates under Exelon Corporation's comprehensive sustainability framework, implementing environmental initiatives focused on renewable energy integration, energy efficiency programs, and community engagement. As a utility serving over 600,000 customers across Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore, Delmarva Power has developed programs to address environmental responsibility while maintaining reliable energy service and supporting regional economic development.

Renewable Energy Integration and Clean Energy Transition: Delmarva Power actively supports the integration of renewable energy sources into its service territory, working to advance clean energy transition goals while maintaining grid reliability. The company participates in Exelon's broader commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable energy practices, supporting both utility-scale and distributed renewable energy projects that reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental protection.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programs: Delmarva Power operates comprehensive energy efficiency programs for residential and business customers, including the Energy Savings for Business program that recognizes service providers for excellence in energy savings, project work, and customer service. These programs help customers reduce energy consumption, lower utility costs, and minimize environmental impact through energy-efficient technologies and practices.

Environmental Stewardship and Infrastructure Modernization: Delmarva Power's commitment to environmental excellence extends to infrastructure modernization projects that reduce environmental impact while improving service reliability. The company invests in sustainable infrastructure upgrades, including smart grid technologies and environmentally beneficial equipment that enhance operational efficiency and reduce the utility's carbon footprint.

Community Grants and Environmental Partnerships: Delmarva Power demonstrates environmental and community commitment through grant programs and partnerships with environmental organizations. The company has awarded $40,000 in sustainable community grants to fund environmental and community development projects, often in partnership with organizations like the Delaware Nature Society. These grants support local environmental initiatives, conservation efforts, and community development projects that align with sustainability goals.

Green Building and Sustainable Operations: Delmarva Power maintains green building certifications for its facilities, including Edison Place, which was recertified as LEED Gold in February 2016. The certification reflects the company's commitment to sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. These practices demonstrate Delmarva Power's dedication to environmental responsibility in its own operations.

Environmental Commitment and Reporting: Delmarva Power maintains comprehensive environmental reporting and sustainability metrics as part of Exelon's corporate environmental programs. The company tracks and reports on environmental performance indicators, including carbon emissions reduction, renewable energy integration, and energy efficiency achievements. This transparency supports accountability and continuous improvement in environmental performance.

Ethical Business Practices and Regulatory Compliance: As a regulated utility, Delmarva Power operates under strict ethical standards and regulatory requirements. The company maintains transparent business practices, ethical supply chain management, and compliance with environmental regulations while balancing the interests of customers, shareholders, and the communities it serves.

Workforce Development and Community Engagement: Delmarva Power invests in workforce development programs that support sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. The company engages with local communities through educational programs, environmental initiatives, and volunteer activities that demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility and community partnership.

Delmarva Power has received recognition for its environmental stewardship, community engagement, and energy efficiency programs, though the utility maintains a focused presence on operational excellence rather than pursuing extensive independent awards programs. The company's awards and recognition reflect its commitment to sustainability, customer service, and community partnership within the utility industry.

Environmental Grants and Community Partnership Recognition: Delmarva Power has received acknowledgment for its $40,000 sustainable community grants program in partnership with the Delaware Nature Society. This recognition highlights the company's commitment to funding environmental and community development projects that align with sustainability goals and support local conservation efforts. The grant program demonstrates Delmarva Power's leadership in corporate environmental responsibility within the Delaware region.

Energy Efficiency Program Recognition: The Delmarva Power Service Provider Awards have been established to recognize the efforts of participating service providers in the Energy Savings for Business programs. These awards reward excellence with respect to energy savings, project work, and customer service, demonstrating Delmarva Power's commitment to promoting energy efficiency among its business customers and recognizing outstanding performance in energy conservation.

LEED Certification Achievement: Delmarva Power's Edison Place facility achieved LEED Gold recertification in February 2016, maintaining existing and implementing new practical and measurable strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. This certification represents recognition of the company's commitment to green building standards and sustainable facility management.

Utility Industry Environmental Leadership: As part of Exelon Corporation, Delmarva Power participates in broader utility industry environmental leadership initiatives and recognition programs. The company's advancements in renewable energy and energy efficiency have been acknowledged as demonstrating commitment to environmental preservation alongside customer service excellence.

Customer Service and Operational Excellence: Delmarva Power has received recognition within the utility industry for customer service excellence and operational reliability. The company's focus on maintaining high service standards while implementing sustainability initiatives has been acknowledged as demonstrating balanced approach to utility operations.

Community Partnership Recognition: Delmarva Power's partnerships with environmental organizations, educational institutions, and community groups have received recognition for supporting sustainable development and environmental education. These partnerships reflect the company's commitment to community engagement beyond traditional utility operations.

Workforce Development and Safety Recognition: Delmarva Power has been acknowledged for its workforce development programs and safety record, reflecting the company's commitment to employee training, professional development, and maintaining safe operational practices while implementing new technologies and sustainability initiatives.

Delmarva Power has faced significant controversies related to rate increase requests, regulatory scrutiny, and customer affordability concerns. These issues reflect broader challenges in the utility industry regarding infrastructure costs, regulatory oversight, and balancing customer interests with utility financial requirements. The controversies have attracted attention from policymakers, consumer advocates, and the general public.

2026 Rate Increase Request Controversy: In December 2025, Delmarva Power filed an application with the Delaware Public Service Commission to increase its total revenue from base rates by $67.8 million compared to 2024 levels. This request, representing the third rate increase in five years, sparked significant controversy among customers and policymakers. The proposed increase would raise residential customer bills by approximately 4.13%, from $155.37 to $161.79 for average usage of 810 kilowatt-hours per month.

Public Advocate and Legislative Opposition: Delaware Public Advocate Jameson Tweedie strongly opposed the rate increase request, stating it would "significantly increase electricity bills for Delmarva customers" at a time when they are already facing rising costs. Tweedie particularly criticized Delmarva's request for a 10.5% return on equity, calling it "a complete non-starter" when customers are facing an affordability crisis. State Senate President Pro Tempore David Sokola also criticized the request as "disconnected from the economic realities facing our constituents."

Infrastructure Cost Justification Debate: Delmarva Power President explained that the increases are necessary to maintain aging electric infrastructure reliability. The utility serves approximately 344,000 residential and commercial customers in Delaware and faces growing infrastructure needs. However, critics questioned whether the requested return on equity and infrastructure investments are reasonable, particularly given the timing during economic challenges for customers.

Temporary Rate Increases and Refund Issues: The utility's practice of implementing temporary rate increases while regulatory proceedings are ongoing has drawn criticism. Customers begin seeing higher rates as of July 9, but if regulators ultimately reduce the requested amounts, customers receive refunds for excess charges. This practice has been questioned for creating financial uncertainty for customers during regulatory review periods.

Capacity Cost Pass-Through Concerns: Delmarva Power customers have experienced dramatic increases in utility bills due to capacity costs from PJM Interconnection, a regional grid serving multiple states. These pass-through costs, combined with Delmarva's own rate requests, have created significant affordability concerns, particularly for customers on Maryland's Eastern Shore who reported December charges doubling or tripling in some cases.

Infrastructure Modernization Timing: Questions have been raised about the timing of infrastructure investments and rate increase requests. Critics suggest that Delmarva Power should prioritize operational efficiency and cost management before seeking rate increases, particularly during periods when customers are already experiencing financial strain from other rising costs.

Regulatory Process Scrutiny: The Delaware Public Service Commission's review process has come under scrutiny for its effectiveness in protecting consumer interests while ensuring utility reliability. The commission's role in balancing utility financial needs with customer affordability represents an ongoing challenge in utility regulation.

Regional Energy Market Pressures: Delmarva Power operates within the PJM Interconnection regional electricity market, which has experienced rising capacity costs and supply constraints. These regional market pressures have contributed to higher customer bills and have complicated Delmarva's efforts to balance infrastructure needs with customer affordability concerns.