Between energy costs spiking last year and higher Delmarva Power electricity rates kicking off earlier this month, utility affordability remains top of mind for consumers and lawmakers.

In a press conference June 15, Gov. Matt Meyer called on the Public Service Commission to “freeze rates immediately” ahead of an interim hike set for July, as well as implement penalties for delayed action on solar power. The Democrat also announced he will join a petition to stop the “gouging” on ratepayers with the company’s 10.5% return on equity, or money invested in power infrastructure.

Delmarva Power said in a statement that afternoon it shares these affordability concerns, but investments have already been made to “strengthen reliability.” The company said it remains focused on efforts to drive down its supply costs, which it argues have driven 90% of consumer bill increases since 2024.

Meyer’s calls also join several bills passed last year and this session – ranging from rate regulations to expanding eligibility for energy credits – with many already signed into law. Yet, residents remain frustrated and unlikely to feel any impact quickly.

Looking even farther ahead, lawmakers are also still considering future energy sources to help relieve heavy consumer burden.

So, what have Delaware leaders done so far – and what’s left to tackle?

More: Delmarva Power supply rates are rising, what the state can do about it

What legislation has passed, with more still on the table

There are 14 pieces of legislation centered on energy and utilities now filed in the General Assembly in 2026 alone, according to state Sen. Stephanie Hansen.  

Some highlights include: 

• Senate Bill 239, which lifts the 8% cap on net energy metering 
• Senate Bill 326, which looks to limit Delmarva’s infrastructure spending, enhance rate transparency and utility communication and caps how much utilities can claim with interim rates, to name a few provisions. This bill builds off previous legislation signed into law last year, which limits yearly capital costs retrievable by Delmarva, as previously reported by Delaware Online/The News Journal.  
• House Bill 310, which would exempt data centers from corporate tax breaks or fee reductions granted to new businesses under the state’s Blue Collar Jobs Act, according to Hansen, a co-sponsor of the bill.  
• House Bill 233, which mandates certain utilities to set “a separate rate class” for large energy users. Primary bill sponsor Rep. Frank Burns told attendees during a June 15 press conference this bill would take all the expenses created by large-scale data centers, “puts them in a bucket” and ensures those centers pay that price. Without it, the Pike Creek Democrat said, Delawareans would see an estimated 80% increase on their electric bills.

The Wilmington Police Department (WPD) is investigating a shooting incident that left a 4-year-old boy and a teenager injured Sunday night, June 14, 2026.

The shooting occurred at approximately 6:39 p.m. on Sunday when Wilmington Police located the teen and boy on the 1400 block of West 3rd Street in Wilmington, Delaware, officers say.

Both victims were found in stable condition and were transported to a local hospital.

According to police, the 18-year-old victim had exchanged gunfire with multiple people during the incident and was found to be wanted for an unrelated incident. Charges against the teen for the shooting are pending, officials say.

The incident continues to be under investigation, and further details will be released.

The WPD asks that anyone with information on this incident contact Detective Johnnie Everett at (302) 576-3972, or send information to Delaware Crime Stoppers at (1-800) TIP-3333 or at delawarecrimestoppers.com.

Additionally, the WPD Victim Services Unit and Youth Response Unit are available to provide support, free counseling, and other services to victims of crime and traumatizing events. To contact the Victim Services unit, call (302) 576-3622, and to contact the Youth Response Unit, call (302) 576-3183.