Gov. Meyer Nominates New Public Advocate as Delmarva Power Rates Climb

As Delaware residents brace for higher utility bills this summer, Gov. Matt Meyer has nominated a new public advocate to represent consumers during this critical time of rising energy costs. Environmental attorney Jameson Tweedie has been tapped to step into the role, just as Delmarva Power enacts another round of rate increases.

Why the Timing Matters

This winter, many Delawareans were shocked by unusually high heating bills. While Delmarva Power pointed to colder-than-usual weather as the culprit, the utility has since pushed forward with new rate hikes:

• April: An interim gas rate increase added about $8 per bill

• June 1: A new electric rate increase will raise bills by an average of $10, driven by higher supply charges

With the pressure mounting, Gov. Meyer is betting on Tweedie’s legal and environmental background to challenge utilities and advocate for residents.

“I don’t think right now Delmarva is doing a great job delivering low-cost power and gas to Delawareans,” Meyer said. “Jameson knows I feel that way… and he’s ready to fight for Delawareans.”

Who Is Jameson Tweedie?

• Currently: Senior Staff Attorney at the State Energy and Environmental Impact Center at NYU School of Law

• Formerly: Six years in the Environmental Unit at the Delaware Department of Justice

• Past Role: Lead counsel to DNREC’s Division of Climate, Coastal, and Energy

If confirmed by the State Senate, Tweedie will lead the Division of the Public Advocate, which represents consumer interests in rate cases before the Delaware Public Service Commission.

What’s Next?

Tweedie’s nomination comes amid broader legislative activity around energy policy. Lawmakers are considering:

• A bill to give the Public Service Commission more oversight authority over utility rate hikes

• A package of energy-related legislation aimed at strengthening Delaware’s energy grid and affordability

Meanwhile, with coal-fired plants closing across the region, Delaware is racing to expand renewable energy infrastructure—a shift that’s driving up costs in the short term due to limited transmission and generation capacity.

“The demands for power keep increasing… but the transmission lines are still the same,” said Meyer. “Delmarva doesn’t seem willing to bend that much. So we’re going to do what we have to do to hold their feet to the fire.”

Final Step: Senate Approval

Before taking office, Tweedie must first pass through the Senate Executive Committee and receive full Senate approval. If confirmed, he’ll become a central voice in Delaware’s evolving energy conversation—just when residents may need it most.