SB 326: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

This bill builds on the customer protections created in Senate Bill 60 in 2025, as follows: 1. Increases transparency in rates and communications by public utilities. 2. Requires regular management audits of certain public utilities and regulatory accounting reviews with each rate case proceeding. 3. Provides greater consistency in the data used by public utilities in rate case proceedings. 4. Limits how much utilities can collect in interim rates before the Commission has ruled on a rate increase request. 5. Prohibits public utilities from recovering certain expenses from ratepayers. 6. Requires the Commission to provide rationale for its decisions in accepting settlement agreements. 7. Puts limits on Delmarva Power’s infrastructure spending, which is a major driver of rate increases. Delmarva Power is operating its electric distribution system at a level far in excess of reliability standards set by the Commission. In support of its parent company’s strategic goal to increase earnings by increasing rate base, Delmarva Power’s annual capital spending leads to frequent rate increase requests to the Commission. Part of Delmarva Power’s capital spending includes “non-mandatory projects,” which by definition are projects that are not required to maintain system reliability. This bill limits the amount of non-mandatory capital expenses the company may recover from ratepayers in rates and is indexed to the company’s rate base, i.e. the value of all its capital assets. Limiting non-mandatory cost recovery will in no way impact Delmarva Power’s ability to restore service after storms nor impact its vegetation management (tree trimming) program.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 10

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. July 13, 2026Signed by Governor
2. June 30, 2026Passed By House. Votes: 30 YES 11 NO
3. June 30, 2026Amendment HA 1 to SB 326 - Stricken in House
4. June 30, 2026Reported Out of Committee (Natural Resources & Energy) in House with 8 On Its Merits
5. June 29, 2026Amendment HA 1 to SB 326 - Introduced and Placed With Bill
6. June 17, 2026Assigned to Natural Resources & Energy Committee in House
7. June 16, 2026Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 NO
8. June 16, 2026Amendment SA 1 to SB 326 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 NOT VOTING
9. June 9, 2026Reported Out of Committee (Environment, Energy & Transportation) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits
10. June 8, 2026Amendment SA 1 to SB 326 - Introduced and Placed With Bill
11. May 18, 2026Introduced and Assigned to Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee in Senate