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DelawareHS 1 for HB 116153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITY RATES.

Sponsored By: Debra Heffernan (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

20% utility discount for low‑income households

Delaware allows electric and natural gas utilities to offer a low‑income rate with a 20% discount on the standard residential distribution charge, if approved by the Public Service Commission. DHSS checks eligibility each year based on Medicaid, LIHEAP, SNAP, Weatherization, TANF, or similar programs. Utilities must include a bill insert about the rate and give applicants referrals to energy efficiency programs like Energize Delaware. The utility recovers the discount’s cost through the existing low‑income program fund line item on bills. The Commission reviews any approved discount every five years for re‑authorization.

Ban on unfair utility rates statewide

The law bans unjust, unreasonable, unduly preferential, or discriminatory utility rates and practices across Delaware. The Public Service Commission enforces this rule. Approved low‑income discount rates are allowed as a specific exception.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Debra Heffernan

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Frank Burns

    Democratic • House

  • William Bush

    Democratic • House

  • Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha

    Democratic • House

  • Franklin D. Cooke

    Democratic • House

  • Daniel Cruce

    Democratic • Senate

  • Krista Griffith

    Democratic • House

  • Stephanie L. Hansen

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kyra L. Hoffner

    Democratic • Senate

  • Larry Lambert

    Democratic • House

  • Melissa Minor-Brown

    Democratic • House

  • Eric Morrison

    Democratic • House

  • DeShanna U Neal

    Democratic • House

  • Trey Paradee

    Democratic • Senate

  • Melanie Ross Levin

    Democratic • House

  • Claire Snyder-Hall

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. HS 2 for HB 116 - Signed by Governor

    7/16/2025Governor

  2. HS 2 for HB 116 - Passed By House. Votes: 26 YES 14 NO 1 VACANT

    6/30/2025House

  3. HS 2 for HB 116 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 15 YES 6 NO

    6/26/2025Senate

  4. HS 2 for HB 116 - - Passed By Senate. Votes: 18 YES 3 NO

    6/26/2025Senate

  5. HS 2 for HB 116 - Reported Out of Committee (Environment, Energy & Transportation) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits

    6/25/2025Senate

  6. Substituted in House by HS 2 for HB 116

    6/24/2025House

  7. HS 2 for HB 116 - Assigned to Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee in Senate

    6/10/2025Senate

  8. HS 2 for HB 116 - Passed By House. Votes: 26 YES 13 NO 2 ABSENT

    6/10/2025House

  9. Substituted in House by HS 2 for HB 116

    6/5/2025House

  10. Reported Out of Committee (Natural Resources & Energy) in House with 4 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits

    5/15/2025House

  11. Adopted in lieu of the original bill HB 116, and Assigned to Natural Resources & Energy Committee in House

    5/13/2025House

Bill Text

  • Current

    5/13/2025

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