Delaware Electricity Rates
Delaware deregulated its electricity market in 1999 under the Electric Utility Restructuring Act, giving all residential and commercial customers the power to choose their electricity supplier. With rates averaging 18.39¢/kWh—near the national average—Delaware residents can shop for competitive plans from licensed suppliers. Despite being the second-smallest state, Delaware’s position within the PJM wholesale market and its proximity to major Mid-Atlantic generation resources keep rates competitive.
Key Takeaways
Delaware Avg Rate
U.S. National Average
How Delaware Electricity Deregulation Works
Delaware passed the Electric Utility Restructuring Act (SB 60) in 1999, separating electricity generation from delivery. All residential and commercial customers served by Delmarva Power can choose their own electricity supplier, while Delmarva continues to deliver power, handle billing, and manage outage restoration.
Check Your Utility
Most Delaware residents are served by Delmarva Power (an Exelon subsidiary). Some rural areas are served by Delaware Electric Cooperative, which does not participate in retail choice.
Compare Suppliers
Browse licensed suppliers and compare supply rates, contract terms, and plan features. Delaware’s Division of Energy & Climate and ElectricChoice.com both provide comparison resources.
Select & Enroll
Choose a plan and sign up online or by phone. Your new supplier handles the switch notification to Delmarva Power.
Start Saving
The switch completes within 1–2 billing cycles with zero service interruption. Delmarva Power continues to deliver your power. Only the supply charge on your bill changes.
Delaware Electric Utilities
Delaware’s electricity market is primarily served by one investor-owned utility, with a cooperative serving some rural areas.
Delmarva Power
The primary electric utility in Delaware, serving approximately 310,000 customers statewide including Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and most populated areas. An Exelon subsidiary that also serves portions of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Customers can choose their electricity supplier. Outage line: 800-898-8042.
Delaware Electric Cooperative
A member-owned cooperative serving approximately 100,000 accounts in rural Kent and Sussex counties. As a cooperative, DEC does not participate in retail choice—rates are set by the cooperative’s board. Outage line: 800-282-8517.
Types of Delaware Electricity Plans
Delaware’s competitive market offers several plan types through licensed suppliers. Understanding your options helps you match your plan to your household’s needs.
Fixed-Rate Plans
Your supply rate stays locked for the contract term. Provides budget certainty through Delaware’s hot summers and cold winters.
- Rate locked for full contract term
- Protection from seasonal price swings
- Terms typically 6–24 months
- Early termination fees may apply
Variable-Rate Plans
Your rate adjusts monthly based on PJM wholesale prices. Flexibility to switch anytime without penalty.
- No contract or cancellation fees
- Rates may drop during mild months
- Risk during extreme weather
- Cancel or switch anytime
Green Energy Plans
Delaware’s Renewable Portfolio Standard requires 25% renewable energy by 2026. Many suppliers offer 100% green plans.
- Support DE’s renewable goals
- Often competitively priced
- Offshore wind coming to DE coast
- Same grid reliability
Delaware Energy Profile
Delaware is one of the smallest states by area but sits at the crossroads of the Mid-Atlantic energy market. The state imports most of its electricity through the PJM grid, with limited in-state generation primarily from natural gas.
While Delaware’s in-state generation is heavily natural gas dependent, the state benefits from its position within the PJM Interconnection—the nation’s largest wholesale electricity market. This gives Delaware access to diverse generation sources including Pennsylvania’s nuclear fleet, Appalachian wind farms, and New Jersey’s growing solar capacity. The state is also positioned to benefit from planned offshore wind projects in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Best Time to Shop for DE Electricity
Spring: Mar–May
Mild weather reduces heating and cooling demand. PJM wholesale prices drop and suppliers offer competitive rates to attract new customers.
Summer: Jun–Aug
Delaware’s humid summers drive air conditioning demand higher. PJM wholesale prices rise, especially during heat waves along the Eastern Seaboard.
Fall: Sep–Nov
Cooling demand fades and winter hasn’t arrived. An excellent window to lock in a fixed rate before winter price increases.
Delaware’s Major Cities
| City | Utility |
|---|---|
| Wilmington | Delmarva Power |
| Dover | Delmarva Power |
| Newark | City of Newark (municipal) |
| Middletown | Delmarva Power |
| Bear | Delmarva Power |
| Georgetown | Delaware Electric Cooperative |
| Milford | City of Milford (municipal) |
| Seaford | City of Seaford (municipal) |
| Smyrna | Delmarva Power |
| New Castle | Delmarva Power |
Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware Electricity
Is Delaware a deregulated electricity state?
Yes. Delaware deregulated its electricity market in 1999 under the Electric Utility Restructuring Act (SB 60). All residential and commercial customers served by Delmarva Power can choose their electricity supplier. Some areas served by municipal utilities and the Delaware Electric Cooperative do not participate in retail choice.
What is the average electricity rate in Delaware?
The average residential rate is 18.39¢/kWh—slightly above the national average of 18.05¢/kWh. The commercial rate averages 12.69¢/kWh, which is below the national commercial average.
How do I switch electricity suppliers in Delaware?
Switching takes about 10 minutes. Compare suppliers using your ZIP code, choose a plan, and enroll online or by phone. Your new supplier notifies Delmarva Power, and the switch completes within 1–2 billing cycles with zero service interruption.
What is Delmarva Power’s Standard Offer Service?
Standard Offer Service (SOS) is the default supply rate for Delmarva Power customers who haven’t chosen a competitive supplier. SOS rates are set through a competitive bidding process overseen by the Delaware Public Service Commission and change periodically. Comparing SOS to competitive supplier offers helps you determine whether switching saves you money.
Who do I call for power outages in Delaware?
For power outages, contact your utility. Delmarva Power: 800-898-8042. Delaware Electric Cooperative: 800-282-8517. Municipal utilities: contact your city directly. Your utility handles all outage restoration regardless of your supplier.
About this Data
Rate data is sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the Delaware Public Service Commission, Delmarva Power, and the ElectricChoice.com electric rate marketplace. Last data refresh: March 2026.
