Delmarva Power Rate Hikes Hit Delaware Homes: What You’ll Pay This Summer
Delmarva Power customers are facing another round of rate hikes. A gas rate increase took effect on Sunday, April 20, 2025, and electricity customers will see a new increase starting June 1, 2025.
These rate hikes follow a winter of high energy bills and growing frustration from Delaware residents. Legislative hearings in February and March 2025 addressed rising costs and the reasons behind them.
A Timeline of Delmarva Power Rate Increases
Delmarva Power attributes the winter spike to unusually cold weather and increased energy usage. However, the company has also seen multiple Public Service Commission (PSC)-approved rate hikes over the past four years:
📆 Historical Rate Increases:
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February 2021: $6.7 million gas rate increase
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November 2022: $13.4 million gas rate increase
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2021: $17.7 million electric rate increase
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April 2024: Settlement resulted in a $4 average monthly increase
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2024: $42.25 million electric rate increase
Total increase since 2021: Over $125 million
What’s Changing in 2025?
🛢️ April 20, 2025: Gas Rate Increase Begins
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Approved: Interim $17 million increase by PSC
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Original Request: $44.9 million — the largest ever from Delmarva
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Impact: ~$8/month more per customer, depending on usage
At a March 2025 Senate hearing, State Senator Stephanie Hansen (D-Middletown) criticized the request, noting Delmarva stated this could raise bills by 23% and boost shareholder profits by 10%.
If the final PSC ruling approves a lower rate, refunds may be issued.
⚡ June 1, 2025: Electric Supply Rate Increase
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Expected Increase: ~$10/month for the average household using 811 kWh
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Reason: Increased wholesale supply costs — a pass-through expense for customers
This is a result of the July 2024 PJM energy capacity auction, which saw a shocking 568% price surge (from $2.2B in 2023 to $14.7B in 2024). Customers will feel the effects of this spike from June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026.
“We’re not involved in generation. We procure energy from those markets,”
– Marcus Beal, Delmarva Power’s Regional VP, speaking in March 2025
What Will It Cost Customers?
Between gas and electric increases, Delmarva Power projects the average monthly bill will rise from $224 to $243.
Relief Measures and Support
Delmarva Power had implemented relief earlier this year:
January–March 2025 (Now Ended)
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No late payment fees
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Disconnections suspended
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Extended repayment plans (up to 24 months)
Ongoing Support in Spring 2025:
Customers can still find help at:
👉 Delmarva.com/billsupport
Resources include:
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Energy assistance programs
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Budget billing options
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Energy efficiency tips
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Tools to track and reduce usage
Legislative Action Underway
In response to mounting pressure, Delaware lawmakers in Spring 2025 are pushing new energy bills aimed at:
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Cost relief for ratepayers
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Increased in-state generation
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Stabilizing long-term supply and prices
The PSC continues to review the full gas rate increase request, with a final decision expected in the coming months.
Bottom Line: Higher Bills Are Here
With the gas rate hike already live as of April 20, 2025, and the electricity increase arriving June 1, most Delmarva Power customers will see a combined increase of nearly $20/month on their utility bills.
