DELMARVA - Less than two weeks after dozens of Delawareans expressed frustration over a potential power bill increase, they may be in for even more sticker shock.
Delmarva Power, and its parent company Exelon, have increased their rate increase to go from the original $68.6 million to $75.8 million, a 12 percent increase, which the Delaware Division of the Public Advocate said would be the largest in Delaware history.
In a filing with the Delaware Public Service Commission, said the $7.2 million increase would cover increased operations and maintenance costs.
According to Delmarva, that would lead to a 4.93 percent increase on residential bills using an average of 834 kWh/month.
In a social media post, the DDPA wrote: "At a time when energy affordability is a real concern for Delaware families, the Public Advocate believes this larger request warrants serious scrutiny. Delawareans should not be asked to pay more on their electric bills to increase the profits of a billion-dollar corporate holding company and its shareholders. The Public Advocate will rigorously review this case and oppose any amounts that are unjust, unreasonable, or imprudent."
Delmarva also said they are modifying their non-demand rate period program, switching from the current peak hours of 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST (10-9 EDT) to 2 p.m. - 8 p.m. in all seasons.
According to Delmarva, just 107 of their 307,000 residential customers are enrolled in the plan aimed at having customers avoid the peak hours of air conditioning use.
"Shortening the on-peak hours to align with actual system peaks enhances price signals to better recognize that the Company’s investment in the distribution system is significantly impacted by peak system demands, encouraging more effective load shifting that would be more likely to reduce those peaks," Senior Manager of Rate Administration Joshua Masters told the DPSC.
After an Aug. 19 public hearing was marred by technical issues, a second opportunity will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m.
It will be held in person at the Delaware Public Service Commission at 861 Silver Lake Road in Dover, with a virtual option available.Â
Exelon's stock is down 10.6% over the past 6 months, but is up 23.7 percent over the past 5 years, despite the recent struggles.
The DSPC last approved an interim increase on July 9, and if they don't make a final determination on Delmarva's rate increase by Dec. 9, there would be an additional increase to $4.50/month put into place.
