Delaware
8 Ways Delaware homeowners can cut energy costs as summer approaches
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
Delaware homeowners are feeling the pinch of soaring energy bills, with the state’s electricity costs ranking among the highest in the country.
After a winter of steep price hikes sparked heated debates over the causes, residents are seeking solutions to curb their expenses. Google Trends data reveals a 366% surge in nationwide searches for “how to lower electric bills” — a clear sign energy-saving strategies are top of mind.
Energy experts at Delmarva Power and the U.S. Department of Energy have shared practical, effective tips to help Delawareans cut costs and keep their homes comfortable, even as temperatures rise.
8 energy-saving tips to lower your home’s electric bills
If you’re looking to save money on your electric bills, here are some key strategies from energy experts to help you manage rising costs:
1. Run appliances at night: Using heat-generating appliances, such as dishwashers, dryers, and ovens, during the hottest part of the day makes your AC work harder. Instead, run these appliances at night or during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower.
2. Add houseplants for natural cooling: Indoor plants do more than brighten up a space — they also help reduce humidity. By absorbing excess moisture, houseplants can naturally lower the temperature, decreasing the need for AC use.
3. Install blackout curtains: Blocking out sunlight with blackout curtains is a simple yet effective way to keep indoor temperatures down. Keeping them closed during the day prevents heat from entering your home, reducing your cooling needs.
4. Use a dehumidifier: Humid air makes it harder for your body to cool down, forcing your AC to work overtime. Running a dehumidifier can reduce humidity levels and lower your home’s temperature, making it feel cooler with less energy usage.
5. Seal drafts and insulate properly: Small gaps around windows and doors allow hot air to seep in. Use weather stripping and caulk to seal leaks, and make sure your attic is well-insulated and ventilated. This helps keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
6. Monitor energy use with a power meter: A power-consumption meter can reveal which appliances are draining the most energy. By identifying and unplugging energy hogs, you can reduce waste and trim your electric bill.
7. Lower water heater temperature: Water heaters account for a significant portion of household energy costs. Lowering the temperature from 140°F to 130°F can save money without sacrificing comfort.
8. Upgrade to smart lighting: Automated or motion-sensor lighting can reduce unnecessary energy use. Smart lighting systems adjust brightness based on natural light levels and turn off when rooms are unoccupied, leading to long-term savings.
How to get a free home energy checkup
In a move to support energy conservation, Energize Delaware has expanded its Home Energy Checkup and Counseling program to all Delaware residents, removing previous income restrictions.
The program provides:
- Free one-hour home energy assessments
- Installation of energy-saving products
- Expert guidance on reducing energy consumption
In addition to the consultation, residents can receive assistance with installing LED lighting, efficient showerheads, door sweeps, furnace filters, smart power strips and other energy-saving devices.
For more information or to schedule a free Home Energy Checkup, visit Energize Delaware’s website.
You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.
The Delaware Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Monday, April 20, 2026 results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from April 20 drawing
09-17-36-47-64, Powerball: 26, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Play 3 numbers from April 20 drawing
Day: 2-2-8
Night: 4-8-2
Check Play 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Play 4 numbers from April 20 drawing
Day: 5-8-5-9
Night: 8-8-4-8
Check Play 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Multi-Win Lotto numbers from April 20 drawing
02-04-06-10-11-25
Check Multi-Win Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from April 20 drawing
05-07-31-41-43, Star Ball: 07, ASB: 02
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Play 5 numbers from April 20 drawing
Day: 1-5-6-0-1
Night: 0-6-7-5-5
Check Play 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky?Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
-
Sign the Ticket: Establish legal ownership by signing the back of your ticket with an ink pen.
-
Prizes up to $599: Claim at any Delaware Lottery Retailer, in person at the Delaware Lottery Office, or mail your signed ticket and claim form; print your name/address on the ticket’s back and keep a copy/photo for records. By mail, send original tickets and documentation to: Delaware Lottery, 1575 McKee Road, Suite 102, Dover, DE 19904.
-
Prizes up to $2,500: Claim in person at Delaware Lottery Retailer Claim Centers throughout Kent, Sussex and New Castle Counties.
-
Prizes of $5,001 or more: Claim in person at the Delaware Lottery Office (business days 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with a photo ID and Social Security card.
-
For all prize claims, directions to the Delaware Lottery Office are available online or via mapquest.com for a map.
Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Delaware Lottery.
Can I claim a jackpot prize anonymously in Delaware?
Fortunately for First State residents, the Delaware Lottery allows winners remain anonymous. Unlike many other states that require a prize be over a certain jackpot, Delawareans can remain anonymous no matter how much, or how little, they win.
How long do I have to claim my prize in Delaware?
Tickets are valid for up to one year past the drawing date for drawing game prizes or within one year of the announced end of sales for Instant Games, according to delottery.com.
When are the Delaware Lottery drawings held?
-
Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
-
Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
-
Play 3, 4: Daily at 1:58 p.m. and 7:57 p.m., except Sunday afternoon.
-
Multi-Win Lotto: 7:57 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
-
Lucky for Life: Daily at 10:38 p.m.
-
Lotto America: 11:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday
Missed a draw?Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Delaware Online digital operations manager. You can send feedback using this form.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware Lottery Powerball, Play 3 Day winning numbers for April 20, 2026
MUNCIE, IN — Five individuals and one organization were recognized for their contributions to Delaware County during the annual ViVA (Very Important Volunteer Award) luncheon on April 14, according to a community announcement.
The event, hosted by the Muncie Noon Rotary Club in partnership with the Muncie Sunrise Rotary Club, has been a tradition since 1993. The ViVA Awards celebrate those who dedicate their time and resources to uplift the community.
Vickie Armstrong Oliver, Ken Glaub, Dottie Kreps and Beth Kroehler each received individual ViVA Awards for their volunteer efforts and commitment to various causes.
The Muncie Central High School Alumni Association was presented with the 2026 ViVA Organizational Award. Since 1995, the association has supported the high school through philanthropy and historical preservation.
The association has awarded more than $76,000 in scholarships to seniors and nearly $39,000 in teacher grants. It has also financed various campus needs, including the restoration of the school’s Abraham Lincoln statue. The board maintains a public Memorabilia Room to preserve the school’s legacy.
Linda Gregory received the Edmund F. Ball Lifetime Achievement Award for her lifelong dedication to service in the community.
The ViVA Awards luncheon served as a reminder of the generosity and compassion that define Delaware County’s volunteer heritage, according to the announcement.
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
The Delaware Marathon Run Fest on Sunday ended with a photo finish that proved nothing is over until it’s over.
In a video taken by the Instagram user @aktiv8edleem and shared with NBC10, a runner is seen jogging in the lead with his arms raised as if he’s won. But then, another man sprints up the final stretch and passes him for the win.
-
Politics1 minute agoByron Donalds cracks down on persistent border blind spot leaving US vulnerable to overstays
-
Health7 minutes agoHealthy diets spark lung cancer risk in non-smokers as pesticides loom
-
Sports13 minutes agoPGA Tour signals new era with axing of Hawaii events from schedule
-
Technology19 minutes agoAlexa+ lets you order food like a real conversation
-
Business25 minutes agoNew lawsuit alleges Uber is violating drivers’ rights. Here’s how
-
Entertainment31 minutes agoReview: Trigger warning? ‘For Want of a Horse’ gives new meaning to the term ‘animal lover’
-
Lifestyle37 minutes agoMore is more in this L.A. ‘barn’ exploding with thrifted finds and maximalist flair
-
Politics43 minutes agoFormer state Controller Betty Yee drops out of the governor’s race