NEWS HEADLINES: Green Energy Nightmare – Unthinkable Fallout Created

Delaware residents slammed with 350% electricity bill hikes as green energy mandates create perfect storm with freezing winter temperatures.

At a Glance

• Delaware residents are facing shocking electricity bill increases of up to 350% this winter
• State green energy mandates require 40% renewable power by 2035, while currently 87% of Delaware’s electricity comes from natural gas
• Delmarva Power has paid $26 million in fines for failing to meet renewable energy requirements
• Republicans blame green policies for price hikes, while Democrats defend renewable transition
• The utility has suspended late fees and disconnections for January and February 2025 due to the crisis

Green Energy Dreams Meet Cold Reality

While Delaware Democrats continue championing their progressive climate agenda, everyday citizens are getting the bill — literally. Delaware households opened their mailboxes this winter to discover electricity charges that would make anyone’s blood run cold. Some residents report seeing their power bills skyrocket by a staggering 350 percent, all while the state rigidly pursues its mandate to reach 40 percent renewable energy by 2035 despite having minimal green infrastructure in place.

The timing couldn’t be worse as unusually frigid temperatures grip the state, forcing heating systems to work overtime. Delmarva Power’s own Vice President of External Affairs, Phil Vavala, admitted the cold snap had a “tremendous impact” on energy consumption. Meanwhile, the state’s radical green policies have effectively blocked new natural gas plants while shuttering its last coal-fired facility, leaving Delaware increasingly dependent on importing power from neighboring states at premium prices.

Political Battle Lines Drawn Over Energy Crisis

As expected, Delaware’s political establishment is divided on what’s causing the astronomical bills. Republican leaders Senator Gerald Hocker and Representative Bryan Shupe aren’t mincing words about where they place the blame. They’re pushing legislation to redirect Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) revenues back to suffering ratepayers and calling for a complete review of the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standards that are driving up costs.

“Delawareans are facing an unsustainable rise in electricity rates, placing an undue financial burden on families and businesses. We and our colleagues have heard from countless constituents pleading for relief, and we are committed to taking action.” – Gerald Hocker and Bryan Shupe

Meanwhile, Democrats like Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee Chair Stephanie Hansen are working overtime to deflect blame from their green agenda. Despite natural gas generating 87% of Delaware’s electricity while renewables account for a measly 6%, Hansen insists green energy policies aren’t responsible for the crisis. This defense comes even as Delmarva Power has been slapped with $26 million in fines for failing to meet the state’s unrealistic renewable energy requirements.

The Human Cost of Energy Policies

Delaware families are facing real hardships because of these ideologically-driven policies. The situation is so dire that Delmarva Power has been forced to suspend late payment fees and service disconnections for January and February 2025. Some residents found their bills quadrupled despite minimal usage. The disconnect between policy and reality couldn’t be more stark when you hear from Delawareans like Leigh Rieley.

“We were very surprised to see it go from like 90 bucks to nearly 400 and, we’re not in it — no one is using the house.” – Leigh Rieley

The frustration has reached such a fever pitch that town halls are packed with angry residents, petitions are circulating, and a dedicated Facebook group has formed to organize citizen opposition. The common thread in all these grassroots efforts is simple: working families cannot afford to be guinea pigs in Delaware’s green energy experiment, especially during the coldest months of the year when reliable, affordable power is most critical.

A Warning for the Nation

What’s happening in Delaware serves as a cautionary tale for the rest of America. PJM, the regional grid operator responsible for power distribution across multiple states, has already issued warnings that fossil fuel plant retirements are significantly outpacing the development of “green” alternatives. This imbalance threatens both price stability and grid reliability across the entire region. Delaware’s current crisis could soon become a nationwide phenomenon if similar policies continue to be pushed through.

“Based on Delaware law, we are required to meet the state’s renewable energy requirements by incorporating a blend of renewable resources into the energy procured and passed along to customers.” – Delmarva spokesman

The cruel irony is that while Delmarva Power’s parent company Exelon continues to champion climate initiatives in political circles, it’s the everyday citizens who can’t afford to heat their homes who are paying the real price. As temperatures remain low and bills remain high, Delaware residents are learning the hard way that green energy mandates come with very real costs — costs that politicians seem all too willing to impose on others while they enjoy the warmth of their well-heated offices.