Rep. Bill Carson

This Act requires the Delaware Public Service Commission to ensure that all regulated utilities do not use customer funds to subsidize unregulated activities for example, lobbying activities, political contributions, charitable contributions, and certain advertising and public relations activities. This Act places a cap on annual capital expenses in the amount of $125 million for electric distribution companies. This Act also contains a severability clause.

Maddy summarySB 61 requires Delaware's representatives on the PJM Interconnection (a regional electricity grid operator) to publicly disclose their votes during PJM meetings or when considering specific matters. This applies directly to Delaware's utility regulators or officials serving on PJM's governing body. The bill mandates that all votes cast by Delaware representatives be made publicly available, increasing transparency about how the state participates in regional energy decisions. The policy change is procedural, focusing solely on disclosure requirements without altering voting rules or outcomes.

Public utilities are regulated monopolies. Practically speaking, a public utility has no competition in its service territory and, therefore, does not face the economic risks that a for-profit, non-utility company must face. By law, a public utility is authorized the opportunity to earn a reasonable rate of return on the costs it incurs in operating its business. Under the current Public Utilities Code, in determining the rates that public utilities may charge customers, the Delaware Public Service Commission must apply the “business judgment rule” standard in deciding which costs may be included in a utility’s rate base. Forty-eight (48) states in the United States apply the “prudence” standard when setting utility rates, not the "business judgement rule" standard that is applied in Delaware. The more costs that are included in rate base, the higher the rates that are charged to utility customers. Under the “business judgment rule” standard, the Public Service Commission may not disallow the inclusion of a cost in rate base, even though the cost was incurred imprudently. For example, a utility may decide to expand the size of its facilities, but overbuilds those facilities at a cost of $3 million, even though a smaller $1 million expansion would be adequate to serve its customers and anticipated future growth. Under the business judgment rule, the Public Service Commission is not able to deny recovery of any part of the cost of the expanded facility and it will be included in rate base. Consequently, customer utility bills have been increasing and could continue to increase significantly. Amending the Public Utility Code so that the “prudence” standard applies, would give the Public Service Commission the ability to deny, in whole or in part, certain expenses and costs, which can lead to less frequent and less impactful rate increases.

Maddy summaryHB 189 designates the Red Knot shorebird as Delaware's official state migratory bird. This symbolic bill amends Delaware Code to formally recognize the Red Knot, a migratory species, as the state's representative bird. It has no regulatory or financial impact, as it solely changes a ceremonial designation. The bill directly affects Delaware's identity and symbolic representation of its natural heritage. This is a procedural measure with no substantive policy changes or direct effects on residents or regulations.

This House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill No. 50 creates the Delaware Energy Fund to provide assistance to consumers whose household income is less than 350% of the federal poverty level. Under 2025 federal guidelines, 350% of the federal poverty level for a single person is $54,775 and for a family of four is $112,525. The Delaware Energy Fund will be administered by the SEU and recipients of assistance from the fund will also be required to participate in energy savings and efficiency programs. Only one assistance payment may be made per application. The Act also directs the Department of Natural Resources Environmental Control to transfer 30% of the funds generated by alternative compliance payments and solar alternative compliance payments to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The Substitute also changes existing code language to require, rather than allow, 5% of CO2 allowance proceeds to be directed to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The Act sunsets 3 years after its enactment.

This Concurrent Resolution directs the State Farmland Advisory Evaluation Commission to complete a study on how other states assess property and structures devoted to agricultural, horticulture, and forest use and report its findings and recommendations by March 2, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 103) designates November 2025 as "Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month" in Delaware. It is a non-binding resolution expressing the state legislature's recognition of autoimmune diseases and their impact on residents. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or impose requirements; it solely aims to raise public awareness during that month. It directly affects Delaware residents by highlighting autoimmune health issues through official state recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 14-20, 2025, as "Adult Education and Family Literacy Week" in Delaware through a symbolic resolution. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect specific individuals or programs. The resolution serves only to recognize and promote awareness of adult education and family literacy initiatives within the state. It is a procedural designation with no binding policy changes.

This resolution designates the month of October 2025 as “Liver Cancer Awareness Month” in the State of Delaware, to raise awareness of the risks, prevention, and impact of liver cancer, and to honor those affected by the disease.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates July 26, 2025, as "Americans with Disabilities Act Day" in Delaware. It recognizes the anniversary of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act's enactment without creating new laws, policies, or funding. The designation is purely ceremonial, encouraging state agencies and organizations to observe the day. It directly affects Delaware's state government and public institutions through this symbolic recognition. No concrete policy changes or financial impacts are associated with this resolution.