Delaware
Why Delaware lawmakers want to put more money into energy bill assistance

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
When higher energy bills hit Delawareans’ wallets this winter, many of those struggling were ineligible for the assistance available.
Those who make 60% of the state’s median income or less qualify for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, but with costs rising across the board, more people are struggling to make ends meet.
For a single person, the income limit for LIHEAP is $37,740, according to 2025 guidelines.
That’s why Delaware House Rep. Debra Heffernan introduced House Bill 50, which funnels more money to LIHEAP while also creating a Delaware Energy Fund to aid households whose income is less than 350% of the federal poverty level. For a single-person household to qualify, they would need to make $54,775 or less.
“One part of it adds money to the LIHEAP program that comes from the Alternate Compliance Program that Delmarva pays into,” Heffernan said. “The second part of the bill creates a new Delaware Energy Fund, which is going to be able to help customers with more moderate income.”
The act would sunset three years after being enacted.
The infusion of additional funds to Delaware’s LIHEAP and the creation of a new heating assistance fund for moderate-income earners comes amid soaring energy costs in the First State caused by a combination of increased charges and greater energy use.
Heffernan said the infusion of additional funds into LIHEAP is also important given the looming cuts to federal funding.
Where does the legislation stand?
The heating assistance bill was moved out of the House Natural Resources & Energy Committee on March 12 and was placed on the ready list for the full House of Representatives to vote on.
Once HB 50 has been acted on by the House, it will then move to the state Senate for consideration.
The Delaware General Assembly is not in session this week as lawmakers host bond hearings.
Existing energy assistance
Delaware offers several assistance programs for residents struggling with energy costs.
The Delaware Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded program under LIHEAP that provides financial assistance to households for their energy bills. It also assists with energy crises, weatherization and energy-related home repairs. The state’s LIHEAP assistance is run through Catholic Charities of Wilmington.
For Delaware households at or below 60% of Delaware’s median income seeking help with energy costs, the state offers these options:
Winter Heating Fuel Assistance
Homeowners and renters are eligible for help on home energy bills between Oct. 1 and March 31. Eligible sources include electricity, natural gas, oil, kerosene, propane, coal, and wood.
Crisis Assistance
This assistance is available year-round and can be received in addition to seasonal fuel benefits. Households must show they are experiencing a crisis, such as having received a shut-off or disconnect notice or being behind on utility bills.
Summer Cooling Assistance Program
Households who have previously applied for LIHEAP, within the program year, that need help with offsetting the electrical costs to cool their home are eligible. The program also offers a single-room in-window air conditioner to those who can demonstrate a need.
Weatherization Assistance Program
This free program is administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and helps identify energy savings. It provides assistance in weatherproofing and improving energy efficiency in homes. Call (302) 735-3480 to learn more about the program.
To apply to any of these programs, apply online or contact Catholic Charities or call the following numbers depending on your location for assistance:
- New Castle County: (302) 654-9295
- Kent County: (302) 674-1782
- Sussex County: (302) 856-6310
Got a tip? Contact Amanda Fries at afries@delawareonline.com, or by calling or texting 302-598-5507.

Delaware
Salisbury motorcyclist killed in car crash near Millsboro May 25

A 58-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a car crash in Millsboro early May 25.
A Toyota Sienna was traveling south on Millsboro Highway, just north of the Delaware/Maryland state line, around 2:30 a.m., a Delaware State Police news release said. The Toyota entered the northbound lane as it navigated a curve, striking a Victory motorcycle and causing the operator to be ejected, police said.
The motorcyclist, a 58-year-old Millsboro man, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police will identify him after his family and relatives are notified.
The driver of the Toyota, a 48-year-old man from Salisbury, Maryland, was not injured, nor was one of his three passengers. Two passengers were taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Anyone who witnessed the collision should contact Sgt. A. Mitchell at 302-703-3269, send a Facebook message to Delaware State Police or contact Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Delaware
University of Delaware sends off class of 2025

University president talks about how UD has recovered from COVID pandemic
University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis discusses how the school has recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. 11/4/22
Damian Giletto, Delaware News Journal
- University of Delaware’s class of 2025 features more than 6,400 graduates.
- Dennis Assanis thanked the community at his final commencement as UD’s president.
- Action News anchor Matt O’Donnell was the guest speaker.
The University of Delaware class of 2025 is off into the real world.
The university community of administrators, faculty, staff, graduating students and their loved ones poured into Delaware Stadium in Newark on a crisp morning May 24 to celebrate this year’s graduating class. Almost 6,500 graduates make up the class.
Of the total number, more than 4,800 are undergrads, and more than 1,600 are graduate students. About 42% of the class are Delawareans. UD President Dennis Assanis gave this class a unique distinction in his speech.
“Congratulations to the amazing class of 2025,” he said to the crowd. “The best class to ever graduate from the University of Delaware.”
It’s his last commencement ceremony as the president of the university. He has served as president since 2016 and oversaw the expansion of the Science, Technology and Advanced Research Campus; introduced new research opportunities; and oversaw the elevation of the school’s athletic program into Conference USA.
“Over the years, we’ve been so impressed and so inspired by the drive, the dedication to the amazing talents of UD students,” he told students. “Thank you for the transformative and memorable time that we spent together.”
He thanked the university community and ended his remarks by taking a selfie from the stage with the students in the background.
He was awarded an honorary doctorate at the ceremony. Other people who received honorary distinctions were Wilmington Mayor John Carney, former MBNA executive John Cochran III, biologist and former UD Provost Robin Morgan, professor emerita of theatre and dance Lynette Young Overby, and ABC Action News anchor and guest speaker Matt O’Donnell.
O’Donnell was tasked with this year’s guest speaking gig, following Joe Flacco in 2024, former astronaut Mae Jemison in 2023 and then-leader of the free world Joe Biden. O’Donnell’s speech related to students at his alma mater, UD, and challenged them to continue being authentic.
“You are doing these things because you are trying to experience what we took from you as parents when we gave you smartphones way too early and stopped allowing you to go out on your own; you are seeking authenticity,” he said in his speech. “You might be the anxious generation, but personally, I define you as something different. You are the disruption generation.”
One graduate, Devin Jiang from Brandywine Hundred, is looking toward the nation’s capital. At UD, he said he learned about politics and its inner workings and has worked in the White House and state Legislature during his Blue Hen tenure. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 2024, the second Chinese-American to represent Delaware. He is now a staff assistant for Delaware’s senior senator, Chris Coons.
“I just want to learn as much as I can about the federal government and represent Delaware on the national stage,” he said in an interview.
Shane Brennan covers Wilmington and other Delaware issues. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at slbrennan@delawareonline.com.
Delaware
5 most snake-infested lakes and ponds in Delaware. What you need to know before going out

Slithery intruder makes appearance on beach
A huge snake was spotted making its way across the beach in Ocean City, Maryland. Luckily, the reptile was not venomous.
If you head to Rehoboth Beach and walk into the Atlantic Ocean, you know there’s something in the water.
From sharks to jellyfish, you know you’re entering their house and proceed cautiously.
But what about Delaware’s lakes? No, there aren’t any sharks, but other nightmare fuel is lingering in the water.
Delaware’s lakes and ponds have snakes floating and slithering in the water. While the danger level might not be as high as Florida’s, it’s still something to watch out for.
Here’s a look at the five most snake-infested lakes and ponds in Delaware, according to worldatlas.com.
Lums Pond
The pond, located in Lums Pond State Park, has numerous varieties of snakes. However, the inlets and small islands are perfect for northern water snakes to bask in the sun. The snakes thrive on fish and amphibians and benefit from the surrounding forest and wetlands.
Trap Pond
Trap Pond, located in Trap Pond State Park, is noted for its cypress swamp. The bald cypress trees and the tree’s root structure provide a great hiding place and basking spot for eastern garter snakes and northern water snakes.
Silver Lake
Located in Dover, Silver Lake is lined with trees and vegetation, making it a great place for snakes. The northern water snake is seen here, but eastern kingsnakes are also occasionally seen in the wooded areas of the lake.
Garrison Lake
Garrison Lake is a popular spot in Kent County for fishing and boating. The marshy areas and dense vegetation are perfect habitats for northern water snakes, eastern garter snakes, and eastern rat snakes. The wetlands are attractive to snakes due to the abundance of prey and the availability of cover.
Red Mills Pond
Red Mills Pond, located near Lewes, has a rich biodiversity supporting numerous amphibians and small mammals, which attract snakes. Among the snakes you may see in and around the pond are the northern water snake, eastern ribbon snake and eastern ribbon snake.
The above snakes are nonvenomous. However, you will still want to use caution around them.
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