Choice state: you can pick a supplierDelaware Electricity Rates
Rate data for Delaware is being refreshed. The regulator and market facts below are current; figures return with the next data load.
Can you choose your electricity supplier in Delaware?
Yes. Delaware opened its retail electricity market in 1999 under Delaware Energy Choice, so you can buy the supply portion of your bill from a competitive supplier while your utility keeps delivering the power and handling outages.
ElectricRates.org does not yet list Delaware plans. We add states as our enrollment partner brings their utilities online; you can compare and switch today in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington DC.
Rates and rules are overseen by the Delaware Public Service Commission. Major utilities: Delmarva Power. Grid operator: PJM Interconnection.
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Notify meDelaware's 1999 restructuring law gave both Delmarva Power and Delaware Electric Cooperative customers the right to choose a supplier, but a mover will find shopping exists only at Delmarva Power: the PSC lists active suppliers for Delmarva customers only, the co-op says that currently no supplier has registered to serve its members, and the city-owned utilities (nine DEMEC members) sit outside PSC jurisdiction entirely, so which of the three kinds of utility serves your new address decides whether you can shop at all.
Who will deliver your power in Delaware
The utility is fixed by your address. These are the largest in the state, with what each says it needs from a new customer.
Delmarva Powerinvestor-owned
Delmarva Power, an Exelon company, says it serves approximately 561,400 electric customers in Delaware and Maryland plus about 142,000 natural gas customers in northern Delaware; the Division of the Public Advocate says it is the only electric distribution company the Delaware PSC regulates. About approximately 561,400 electric customers in Delaware and Maryland combined (per Delmarva; no Delaware-only figure given).
Delmarva's FAQ says a deposit, when required, is two months of the estimated average annual bill, is due with a new customer's first bill, can be split over three monthly installments (1-800-375-7117), and is returned with interest after 12 consecutive on-time, in-full payments; its PSC-approved Delaware tariff caps deposits at 2/12 of estimated annual charges, waives any deposit under $50, lets customers with a prior unpaid balance be required to pay in full before new service, and starts every new customer on Standard Offer Service for at least the first three business days before a supplier switch can take effect. Delmarva's pages do not state how far ahead to request service.
Start service with Delmarva Power →Sources: delmarva.com, delmarva.com, delmarva.com, publicadvocate.delaware.gov
Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC)cooperative
DEC describes itself as the only electric cooperative in Delaware, founded in 1936 to serve rural Kent and Sussex County residents, and tells anyone buying or building in its territory to call 855-332-9090 to confirm it serves the address.
DEC says to transfer service online or by calling 855-332-9090, only for start dates within 30 days, with the service address, meter number, start date, Social Security number and phone number; requests are completed Monday through Friday excluding holidays. Fees are a $12 transfer fee, a $50 reconnection fee if power is off at the property, a $25 membership fee if you are not already a member, and a deposit of $0 to $250 set by a soft credit inquiry (the April 2026 tariff lists $0, $125 or $250 by credit risk, applied back to the account after 12 consecutive bills without arrears, plus a non-refundable $50 connection fee for new services).
Start service with Delaware Electric Cooperative →Sources: delaware.coop, delaware.coop, delaware.coop
City of Dover Electricmunicipal
Dover's city-owned utility says it generates its own electricity at the McKee Run Generating Station and is a Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation member; Customer Service is at 5 E. Reed Street (Weyandt Hall), 302-736-7035.
Dover says the property owner must contact Customer Service to establish service, documents (Agreement of Sale if buying, or a signed lease) can be emailed to ebilling@dover.de.us or brought in person, and new-service sign-ups and transfers must arrive before 4:30 p.m. (office hours 8:30–5:00, Monday–Friday). The residential deposit is three times the average monthly bill, all renters must pay one, a credit check costs a non-refundable $20, a letter of credit from a prior utility can reduce it, the deposit is payable by cash, check or money order, and it can be refunded or applied after two years of good payment history.
Start service with City of Dover Electric →Sources: cityofdover.com, cityofdover.com, cityofdover.com, cityofdover.com, demecinc.net
City of Newark Electricmunicipal
Newark runs its own electric utility for commercial and residential customers within the city limits, buying power on the wholesale market, and says approximately 12,800 customers are supplied from city lines. About approximately 12,800 customers (per City of Newark).
Newark says to contact customer service (302-366-7000, lobby 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Monday–Friday) to set up or close an account, and that rental units can open or close an account online through the SilverBlaze portal; the security deposit for new rental accounts is $300 and homeowners do not pay a deposit.
Start service with City of Newark Electric →Sources: newarkde.gov, newarkde.gov, newarkde.gov
Lewes Board of Public Works (Lewes BPW)municipal
Lewes BPW says it serves 4,200 customers in the Lewes community across electric, water, wastewater and stormwater, from its office at 107 Franklin Avenue (302-645-6228, Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.). About 4,200 customers across all utilities (per Lewes BPW).
Lewes BPW says a tenant's electric service begins on the date the tenant completes the application and meets the deposit requirements, with any earlier charges the property owner's responsibility. Its electric tariff sets the deposit at 2/12 of estimated annual revenue with a $125 minimum, collected from new customers with unsatisfactory credit or adverse credit history with a prior utility, and its fee schedule lists a $25 application fee, a $50 transfer fee and a $40 regular-hours reconnection fee.
Start service with Lewes Board of Public Works →Sources: lewesbpwde.gov, lewesbpwde.gov, lewesbpwde.gov
Municipal Services Commission of the City of New Castle (New Castle MSC)municipal
New Castle MSC was established by a 1921 act to furnish water and electric service to the residents of New Castle, and may also supply water to customers within three miles of the city's corporate limits; its office is at 216 Chestnut Street, (302) 323-2330.
New Castle MSC says new residents complete a Residential Application for Service (or a Residential Transfer form if the home already has service), email it with a copy of a valid ID and/or signed lease to msccustomerservice@newcastlemsc.delaware.gov, pay a $15.00 per-person application fee billed to the first statement, and may also be required to pay a meter deposit (amount not stated).
Start service with Municipal Services Commission of the City of New Castle →Sources: newcastlemsc.delaware.gov, newcastlemsc.delaware.gov, newcastlemsc.delaware.gov
Deposits, ID, and supplier choice in Delaware
Deposits. The PSC's consumer pages point customers to each utility's own tariff for the rules it must follow (its Customer Assistance page says so for disconnection), and Delmarva Power is the only electric distribution company the PSC regulates, so the only PSC-approved electric tariff is Delmarva's: a deposit may not exceed 2/12 of the estimated annual electric supply and delivery charges, is waived if under $50, may be deferred to the first bill or paid over three consecutive monthly billing periods, earns simple interest at the 1-year Treasury yield if held more than 90 days, and is refunded after one year once the last 12 consecutive monthly bills were paid without an unpaid balance. The co-op and the municipal utilities (the nine DEMEC members) are outside PSC jurisdiction and set their own deposit rules (see each utility above). (delmarva.com)
Choosing a supplier. Yes, but in practice only for Delmarva Power customers: the PSC's Customer Electric Choice page says the option 'is currently available to Delmarva Power customers for electric only', lists 15 active residential suppliers, and says the PSC does not regulate supplier rates; customers who do not choose stay on Delmarva's Standard Offer Service. Delaware Electric Cooperative says all its members have the option under the 1999 restructuring law, but 'currently, no suppliers have registered with the Co-op', and municipal electric companies (26 Del. C. § 202(a)) and a co-op whose members voted out of PSC regulation (§ 202(g), § 223) are outside PSC oversight. Sources: https://depsc.delaware.gov/customer-electric-choice/ ; https://www.delaware.coop/important-information-members ; https://delcode.delaware.gov/title26/c001/sc02/index.html ; https://delcode.delaware.gov/title26/c010/index.html
Standard Offer Service (SOS) is the default supply Delmarva buys for non-shopping customers through a PSC-overseen competitive bid (26 Del. C. § 1007; PSC Order No. 6746), with new SOS rates taking effect June 1 for summer and October 1 for winter; the Public Advocate reported in April 2026 that the residential SOS supply rates Delmarva filed with the PSC would rise 19% for summer ($0.093569 to $0.111063/kWh) and 20% for winter beginning June 1, 2026, which Delmarva estimated at about a 9% overall bill increase, or about $14.64 a month for a typical household using 811 kWh. The Public Advocate says supply is about 60% of the total bill and that a supplier offering less than Delmarva's Residential Price to Compare saves you money; the PSC (302-736-7500 / 800-282-8574) and the Public Advocate (1-888-607-2427) handle Delmarva complaints only, and neither can help co-op members.
Sources: depsc.delaware.gov, depsc.delaware.gov, depsc.delaware.gov, depsc.delaware.gov, delmarva.com, news.delaware.gov, publicadvocate.delaware.gov, delaware.coop, delcode.delaware.gov, delcode.delaware.gov, delmarva.com
Help paying an electric bill in Delaware
Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP) — Delaware's LIHEAP
Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Social Services, with Catholic Charities and other community partner agencies
DSS says eligibility is based on income capped at 60% of Delaware's State Median Income; Winter Heating Assistance runs October 1 through March 31, Crisis Assistance (shut-off notice, past-due bills, or a fuel tank at or below 10%) is year-round, and Summer Cooling Assistance is a one-time payment toward summer electricity (with a free window air conditioner for households with demonstrated need) that requires a LIHEAP application in the same program year. Apply online through the ASSIST portal (assist.dhss.delaware.gov), through Catholic Charities at 302-654-9295 (New Castle), 302-674-1782 (Kent) or 302-856-6310 (Sussex), or First State Community Action Agency in Georgetown at 1-800-372-2240; DEAP questions go to DSS at 302-255-9875. The federal LIHEAP Clearinghouse lists FY2026 Delaware benefits of $100 to $2,464 for heating, $1 to $1,000 for cooling and up to $10,000 for crisis.
Sources: dhss.delaware.gov, dhss.delaware.gov, liheapch.acf.gov
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy; delivered statewide by the Energy Coordinating Agency under contract
DNREC says eligibility is by household size and income, with maximum annual household income of $31,920 for one person, $66,000 for four and $111,440 for eight (add $11,360 per additional person); eligible households go on a waiting list prioritized by need, age and special needs of residents, and must reapply if not served within 12 months. The free services include a home energy assessment, air sealing, attic/wall/floor insulation, duct sealing, water-heater and pipe insulation and one heating-system maintenance check; call the Energy Coordinating Agency at 302-504-6111 to apply, or DNREC at 302-735-3480 with other questions.
Sources: dnrec.delaware.gov, dhss.delaware.gov
Delmarva Power assistance programs (Delaware)
Delmarva Power (1-800-375-7117)
Delmarva lists Budget Billing (a pre-arranged even monthly amount), an Extended Due Date service that moves the bill due date by 14 calendar days, a one-time 30-day payment delay for eligible customers, Third-Party Notification, the Emergency Medical Equipment Notification Program, virtual appointments with an assistance counselor to apply for grants, and a Delaware Customer Relief Fund; the Public Advocate adds that enrolling in the medical equipment program does not exempt a customer from disconnection for non-payment, and Energize Delaware says the Delmarva Power Customer Relief Fund has expended all its funds.
Sources: delmarva.com, delmarva.com, publicadvocate.delaware.gov, energizedelaware.org
Delaware Energy Fund (Energize Delaware / Sustainable Energy Utility)
Energize Delaware, the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (302-883-3048 per the Public Advocate)
Energize Delaware says the Delaware Energy Fund, established through House Substitute 1 to House Bill 50, is available, and the Public Advocate describes it as help with energy costs for low-to-moderate-income households; neither page publishes income limits or an application procedure, so call before relying on it. The Public Advocate also points Delawareans to Delaware 211 (call or text 211) for referrals to utility and emergency programs.
Programs that change what you pay
- Rooftop solar (net metering)available
- 26 Del. C. § 1014 requires net energy metering at Delmarva Power, Delaware Electric Cooperative and the municipal electric companies for residential systems up to 25 kW, with excess kWh credited against later months; Delmarva's FAQ says the Delaware interconnection process takes approximately 77 business days, while DEC warns that in some parts of its territory members can no longer install solar that feeds back onto co-op lines.
Source: delcode.delaware.gov
- Community solaravailable
- The PSC says any Delmarva Power customer, including renters, may subscribe to a PSC-certified community solar project anywhere in Delmarva's territory (up to four projects, capped at 110% of expected use), receives a monthly Delmarva bill credit for their share of generation, pays the project a separate subscription fee, has a 3-day rescission period after signing, and can take the subscription along when moving within Delmarva territory or cancel without penalty when moving out of it. Delaware Electric Cooperative's separate 'Co-op Community Solar' is a $10-a-month add-on that the co-op says does not offset your energy use.
Source: depsc.delaware.gov
- Time-of-use rateslimited
- Both large utilities file an optional residential time-of-use rate: Delmarva's Delaware tariff carries 'R-TOU-ND' (Residential Time of Use Non-Demand Metered) with on-peak and off-peak distribution and SOS supply prices, and Delaware Electric Cooperative's Schedule R-BTP (Residential Beat the Peak Time-of-Use) prices on-peak 3–6 p.m., off-peak 5 a.m.–3 p.m. and 6–11 p.m., and super off-peak 11 p.m.–5 a.m., requires a one-year contract and may be limited to 500 members.
Source: delmarva.com
Questions people ask before moving to Delaware
How far ahead should I set up electricity before moving to Delaware?
Delaware Electric Cooperative asks you to submit transfer requests only for start dates within 30 days and completes them Monday through Friday excluding holidays; Dover requires the property owner to contact Customer Service (302-736-7035), with sign-up documents emailed or brought in before 4:30 p.m. on a business day; Newark lets rental accounts open online through SilverBlaze or by calling 302-366-7000 in business hours. Delmarva Power does not publish a lead time on the pages read, but its tariff keeps every new customer on Standard Offer Service for at least the first three business days.
Sources: delaware.coop, cityofdover.com, cityofdover.com, newarkde.gov, delmarva.com
Will I have to pay a deposit to start electric service in Delaware?
It depends on the utility: Delmarva Power may charge two months of the estimated bill (never more than 2/12 of annual charges, waived under $50, payable over three bills, refunded with interest after 12 on-time payments); Delaware Electric Cooperative runs a soft credit check and charges $0, $125 or $250; Dover's residential deposit is three times the average monthly bill, every renter must pay one, and an optional credit check costs a non-refundable $20; Newark charges renters $300 and homeowners nothing; Lewes BPW's minimum is $125 for new customers with unsatisfactory credit.
Sources: delmarva.com, delmarva.com, delaware.coop, cityofdover.com, newarkde.gov, lewesbpwde.gov
Can I choose my electricity supplier in Delaware?
Only if Delmarva Power delivers your electricity: the PSC says customer choice is currently available to Delmarva Power customers for electric only, and lists the active residential suppliers and their phone numbers. Delaware Electric Cooperative members technically have the option but the co-op says no supplier has registered to serve them, and customers of the municipal utilities (the nine DEMEC members: Newark, New Castle, Middletown, Clayton, Smyrna, Dover, Milford, Lewes, Seaford) are outside PSC jurisdiction (26 Del. C. § 202(a)), so the PSC's choice program does not reach them.
Sources: depsc.delaware.gov, delaware.coop, delcode.delaware.gov, demecinc.net
What is Standard Offer Service, and when does the rate change?
Standard Offer Service (SOS) is the default electricity supply Delmarva Power buys through a PSC-overseen competitive bid for every customer who has not picked a supplier; Delmarva says new SOS rates take effect June 1 for summer and October 1 for winter. The Public Advocate reported in April 2026 that the residential SOS supply rates Delmarva filed would rise 19% for summer (from $0.093569 to $0.111063 per kWh) and 20% for winter beginning June 1, 2026, which Delmarva estimated at about a 9% increase in the overall bill, or roughly $14.64 a month for a typical household using 811 kWh.
Sources: delmarva.com, depsc.delaware.gov, news.delaware.gov
Where can I get help paying my electric bill in Delaware?
The Delaware Energy Assistance Program (Delaware's LIHEAP) is open to households at or below 60% of state median income, with winter heating applications October 1 through March 31 and crisis help year-round, through the ASSIST portal, Catholic Charities (302-654-9295 New Castle, 302-674-1782 Kent, 302-856-6310 Sussex) or First State Community Action Agency (1-800-372-2240). DNREC's free Weatherization Assistance Program is reached through the Energy Coordinating Agency at 302-504-6111, Delmarva Power offers Budget Billing and extended due dates at 1-800-375-7117, and Delaware 211 gives referrals.
Sources: dhss.delaware.gov, dnrec.delaware.gov, delmarva.com, delmarva.com, publicadvocate.delaware.gov
Researched 2026-10-16 from utility, regulator, and agency pages; every statement links to where it was read. Rules change: confirm deposits and program dates with the utility or agency before you rely on them.
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