Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new rate increase take effect?The delivery rate increase took effect with electricity usage on and after December 2, 2009.
What is this rate adjustment line item on my bill?There was a delivery rate increase that took effect with electricity usage on and after December 2, 2009. The one-time rate adjustment (on billing cycles 3 thru 13) is needed to reflect the new delivery rate which you were not charged on your last bill.
Is there anything customers can do to mitigate the rate increase?Delmarva Power offers a popular budget billing option, which helps customers better manage their energy costs by keeping their monthly payment the same every month. It works like this: your annual energy usage is divided by 12 to determine a monthly budget bill amount. Delmarva Power periodically reviews customer usage and may adjust the budget amount if customers are using more or less electricity. If not, the budget amount remains the same. In addition, customers are encouraged to use energy wisely to save on costs.
You can also access the My Account feature, Delmarva Power’s online energy audit tool. With My Account, you can:
- find ways to save energy and money;
- compare and analyze your bills;
- understand why your bill has changed;
- see where your dollars go.
Delmarva Power will work with customers who may be having difficulty in paying their utility bills. We offer payment plans and support other social service assistance programs (i.e., Good Neighbor Energy Fund) to help make it easier to pay your bills.
Why are delivery rates being increased?Delmarva Power is doing its best to manage its operating costs. Our costs to operate the business, continually make upgrades to maintain safe and reliable electric service and satisfy the increasing growth and demand for power.
Why is Delmarva Power increasing its delivery rates in Maryland but not in Delaware?Delmarva Power’s delivery business is separately regulated by the Maryland and Delaware Public Service Commissions. That means our rates and pricing structure are set and determined by the respective Public Service Commissions in those states.
When seeking a rate increase in its delivery business, Delmarva Power must provide sufficient data that justifies the request. We are also asking for a delivery rate increase in Delaware and the Delaware Public Service Commission is expected to make a decision on that request by May 2010.
