Gov. Meyer names a new public advocate to protect utility users from ‘unfair rate hikes’

Gov. Matt Meyer has named environmental lawyer Jameson Tweedie as his nominee for state public advocate.  

Tweedie has spent several years working on climate and energy issues in Delaware, including in the Environmental Unit at the state Department of Justice and the state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Climate, Coastal and Energy Division.  

The state public advocate lobbies for “the lowest reasonable rates for residential and small commercial utility consumers” – rates that would maintain fairness, consistency and continue to provide “reliable utility service.”  

Meyer feels Tweedie will not only “hold utility companies accountable by aggressively challenging unfair rate hikes” but also fight for accessibility and transparency for Delawareans.  

“[Tweedie] will work to maintain consumer-friendly policies and ensure our state’s most vulnerable populations are not left behind as we continue to meet our state’s energy needs,” Meyer said in a statement.  

The nomination comes at a time when Delaware’s largest water provider, Artesian Water Co., is seeking a 13% rate increase and legislators are calling on the Office of Public Advocate to help reduce electrical power costs, following a wave of complaints over skyrocketing Delmarva Power bills.

Meyer has also recently named Joshua Sanderlin as his nominee for state marijuana commissioner. 

Both Sanderlin and Tweedie now await consideration from the state Senate.  

Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com.