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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. Delmarva continues to deliver power, handle billing, and manage outage restoration.
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.
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.
Choose a plan and sign up online or by phone. Your new supplier handles the switch notification to Delmarva Power.
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’s electricity market is primarily served by one investor-owned utility, with a cooperative serving some rural areas.
The primary electric utility in Delaware, serving about 310,000 customers statewide. Coverage includes 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.
A member-owned cooperative serving about 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.
Delaware’s competitive market offers several plan types through licensed suppliers. Understanding your options helps you match your plan to your household’s needs.
Your supply rate stays locked for the contract term. Provides budget certainty through Delaware’s hot summers and cold winters.
Your rate adjusts monthly based on PJM wholesale prices. Flexibility to switch anytime without penalty.
Delaware’s Renewable Portfolio Standard requires 25% renewable energy by 2026. Many suppliers offer 100% green plans.
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. PJM is the nation’s largest wholesale electricity market. This gives Delaware access to diverse generation sources:
The state is also positioned to benefit from planned offshore wind projects in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Mild weather reduces heating and cooling demand. PJM wholesale prices drop and suppliers offer competitive rates to attract new customers.
Delaware’s humid summers drive air conditioning demand higher. PJM wholesale prices rise, especially during heat waves along the Eastern Seaboard.
Cooling demand fades and winter hasn’t arrived. An excellent window to lock in a fixed rate before winter price increases.
| 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 |
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.
The average residential rate is 19.38¢/kWh. That’s slightly above the national average of 18.44¢/kWh. The commercial rate averages 13.4¢/kWh, which is below the national commercial average.
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.
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.
Rates change periodically. Comparing SOS to competitive supplier offers helps you determine whether switching saves you money.
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.