Why energy prices are higher, what Delaware lawmakers plan to do about it
State Sen. Stephanie Hanson discusses why Delawareans saw higher energy prices this year and what the state legislature plans to do about it. 3/14/25
Gov. Matt Meyer signed environmental bills on July 16 that provide more public utility transparency, update fines for polluters and designate a new state dragonfly and migratory bird.
These bills “take on rising energy costs, crack down on polluters, and protect the natural beauty that makes our state special,” Meyer said in a statement.
“Delawareans should be able to keep the lights on and breathe clean air no matter what ZIP code they live in,” Meyer said. “This is common-sense, people-first governance.”
What’s in the environmental bills?
Meyer signed a blend of both environmental policy and energy-centered bills into law.
The energy bills include House Bill 116, which allows the Delaware Public Service Commission to consider and rubber stamp lower utility rates for lower-income residents, and Senate Bill 59, which changes the standards for which costs would be included in a utility rate increase pitched to the commission.
This also included Senate Bill 175, which bars commission-regulated utilities and other entities from crediting or reimbursing net energy meeting consumers for specific credits at the end of the annual billing period.
The environmental bills include House Bill 189, which deems the red knot as the First State’s migratory bird; House Bill 210, which modifies fines for large commercial polluters; and Senate Bill 148, which officially names the blue dasher as Delaware’s state dragonfly.
Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com.