Data Center Signal is tracking 4 clips about Delmarva Power data center developments across 1 states, including DE.
Delaware lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at establishing higher electricity rates for large energy users, such as data centers. The goal is to prevent the technology industry from passing infrastructure expansion costs onto residential customers. This new bill would also grant the Delaware Public Service Commission authority over electric grid connections.
Delaware lawmakers have introduced legislation to mandate higher electricity rates for data centers consuming over 50 megawatts monthly. The bill aims to protect residential ratepayers from bearing the costs of infrastructure expansion driven by data center demand, giving the Public Service Commission oversight. This comes amid concerns about rising electricity bills and the strain on the power grid caused by increasing data center activity.
A new analysis by Siemens Energy for the State of Delaware indicates that a doubling of energy demand by 2029 due to new data centers could increase wholesale electricity prices by over 80%. This has led to a proposed large-load "tariff" for energy-intensive facilities, while a DNREC ruling restricting data centers near the shoreline is likely to be appealed.
Delmarva Power is set to increase electricity bills for Delaware customers again in 2026 due to higher energy supply costs and the need for infrastructure upgrades. State regulators are expected to approve this increase. Growing electricity demand, largely driven by data centers, is a significant factor in these rising costs, with Delmarva Power currently working with five developers for new data centers in the state.