Who Owns Delmarva Power?

Delmarva Power operates under Exelon Corporation's sustainability framework, implementing environmental initiatives focused on renewable energy integration, energy efficiency programs, and community engagement.

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.

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.

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.

Delmarva Power's Edison Place facility achieved LEED Gold recertification in February 2016, reflecting commitment to sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

However, Delmarva Power's rate increase requests in 2025 and 2026 have raised ethical concerns about customer affordability. Delaware Public Advocate Jameson Tweedie strongly opposed the December 2025 rate increase request, calling Delmarva's requested 10.5 percent return on equity "a complete non-starter" when customers face an affordability crisis. State Senate President Pro Tempore David Sokola criticized the request as "disconnected from the economic realities facing our constituents."

Exelon provided $60 million in direct customer assistance through its Customer Relief Fund in 2025, and Delmarva Power offers an Assistance Finder tool to help customers apply for energy assistance programs and community resources.

Delmarva Power has received limited formal awards recognition, as the utility focuses primarily on operational excellence rather than pursuing industry accolades. The company's recognition has centered on environmental initiatives and energy efficiency programs.

Delmarva Power's Energy Savings for Business program has been recognized for promoting energy efficiency among business customers, with Service Provider Awards recognizing excellence in energy savings, project work, and customer service.

The Edison Place facility's LEED Gold recertification in February 2016 represented recognition of the company's commitment to green building standards and sustainable facility management.

As part of Exelon Corporation, Delmarva Power benefits from Exelon's broader recognition, including rankings as top quartile or better in customer satisfaction and service reliability. Exelon utilities rank 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 7th among the most reliable utilities in the country.

Delmarva Power's partnerships with environmental organizations, educational institutions, and community groups have received recognition for supporting sustainable development and environmental education in Delaware and Maryland.

Delmarva Power has faced significant controversies related to rate increase requests, regulatory scrutiny, and customer affordability concerns in 2025 and 2026.

December 2025 Base Rate Increase Request: 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 represented the third rate increase request in five years. The proposed increase would raise residential customer bills by approximately 4.13 percent, from $155.37 to $161.79 for average usage of 810 kilowatt-hours per month. Delaware Public Advocate Jameson Tweedie strongly opposed the request, particularly criticizing Delmarva's requested 10.5 percent return on equity as "a complete non-starter" during an affordability crisis. State Senate President Pro Tempore David Sokola called the request "disconnected from the economic realities facing our constituents."

March 2026 Standard Offer Service Rate Increase: Delmarva Power filed for changes to its Standard Offer Service rates, requesting an increase that would raise the average residential customer's monthly bill by approximately $15.14, a 9.66 percent change. The increase was driven by higher wholesale electricity procurement costs from PJM capacity auctions. On April 22, 2026, the Delaware PSC allowed the proposed rates to go into effect on a temporary basis starting June 1, 2026, subject to refund with interest if the Commission later determines the rates are unjust.

July 2026 Interim Rate Increase: On July 1, 2026, the Delaware PSC voted to approve an interim electric rate increase for Delmarva Power customers effective July 9, 2026. Delmarva Power requested an interim increase of approximately $3 per month for a typical customer, a lower amount than originally sought. The approved interim increase equals 50 percent of the company's total request, consistent with newly passed Senate Bill 326, which limits interim utility rate increases. Commissioners Dallas Winslow Gray, Anthony DePrima, Regina Iorii, and Robert Wheatley voted in favor, with Commissioner Michael Richard abstaining.

PJM Capacity Cost Pass-Through: Delmarva Power customers have experienced dramatic increases in utility bills due to capacity costs from PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator. These pass-through costs, combined with Delmarva's own rate requests, created significant affordability concerns. Customers on Maryland's Eastern Shore reported December charges doubling or tripling in some cases. The capacity cost increases are driven by growing electricity demand from data centers in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, which are in the same regional grid as Delaware.

Senate Bill 326 Legislative Response: The Delaware General Assembly passed Senate Bill 326 on June 30, 2026, establishing new limits on interim utility rate increases. The legislation limits the amount utilities may collect through interim rates before a final decision, limits how utilities recover infrastructure spending, and restricts certain non-mandatory capital expenses passed on to customers. Governor Matt Meyer expressed support for SB 326 and called for a reset of Delmarva Power's profit model.

Data Center Demand Concerns: Delmarva Power is working with five developers seeking to build data centers in Delaware. If all are approved, the data centers would nearly double the current electricity demand of all homes and industry in the state. Delmarva Power is required by law to serve these customers, raising concerns about the impact on residential customer rates and the utility's ability to meet growing demand.

Temporary Rate Practice: Delmarva Power's practice of implementing temporary rate increases while regulatory proceedings are ongoing has drawn criticism. Customers begin seeing higher rates while the PSC reviews the full request, with refunds issued only if regulators ultimately reduce the requested amounts. This practice creates financial uncertainty for customers during regulatory review periods.