Delaware2025Passed Legislature
HB481
HB481: New Rules for Delaware Public Utilities
Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 10:01 AM
In one sentence
This bill requires public utilities in Delaware to share clearer rate information, undergo regular management audits, and limits how much Delmarva Power can charge customers for non-mandatory infrastructure projects.
What it does
- Requires the Commission to conduct management audits of electric distribution companies at least once every five years unless deemed unnecessary.
- Mandates that public utilities create a Rate Summary Table listing all rate elements, including base rates, transmission charges, and surcharges.
- Limits how much Delmarva Power can collect from customers for non-mandatory capital expenses by indexing the limit to its rate base.
- Prohibits public utilities from recovering certain specific expenses through customer rates.
- Requires the Public Service Commission to explain its reasons when accepting settlement agreements with utilities.
- Limits how much money utilities can collect in interim rates before a final ruling on a rate increase request.
Who it affects
- Public utility companies operating in Delaware, including electric and natural gas distribution firms.
- Delmarva Power specifically regarding limits on non-mandatory capital spending recovery.
- The Delaware Public Service Commission which must enforce audits and review rate filings.
Limits and unknowns
- The official text provided ends abruptly while explaining penalties for water utilities if they do not meet customer growth projections within three years.
- The bill does not state a specific effective date in the provided metadata or summary text.
- While limits on Delmarva Power are indexed to its rate base, no fixed dollar amounts or percentages are listed.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Rate Summary Table
- A document that lists every part of a customer's bill, including base rates, transmission charges, and surcharges, so customers can see exactly what they are paying for.
- Management Audit
- An official review required by the Commission to check how well an electric distribution company is managed and if it is running efficiently.
- Non-mandatory projects
- Construction or spending that is not required to maintain system reliability, such as projects driven by a parent company's goal to increase earnings.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.