Utilities setup and providers in Delaware: Major utility providers: Delmarva Power, Chesapeake Utilities. Contact providers early for smooth setup. Electricity deregulated; choose your supplier. Natural gas available in urban areas. Consider budget billing options. Understand peak/off-peak rates. Check energy efficiency programs. Water services typically city-managed. Sewer services vary by municipality. Internet and cable: Comcast, Verizon.
Major utility providers: Delmarva Power, Chesapeake Utilities.
Delmarva Power, a subsidiary of Exelon, provides electric and gas services to Delaware, with recent rate adjustments resulting in refunds for electric customers due to lower approved rates. The company also offers various assistance programs and resources for managing energy bills. Meanwhile, Chesapeake Utilities, a subsidiary of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, distributes natural gas to numerous customers in Delaware and Maryland through an extensive network of distribution mains. They are focused on expanding services, including renewable natural gas, to support a more sustainable future.
Contact providers early for smooth setup.
To ensure a smooth setup of utilities in Delaware, it is crucial to contact providers early. Key utility providers include Chesapeake Utilities for natural gas, Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation and Delmarva Power for electricity, and Tidewater Utilities and Artesian for water, among others. For more information on utilities in Central Delaware, visit the Choose Central Delaware website.
Electricity deregulated; choose your supplier.
In Delaware, the supply portion of electric service was deregulated in 1999, allowing customers to choose their electric supplier from over 100 certified providers, while the distribution remains handled by utilities like Delmarva Power and the Delaware Electric Cooperative.
Natural gas available in urban areas.
Natural gas in Delaware is distributed by Chesapeake Utilities, serving about 100,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers across New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties, including urban areas such as Middletown, Dover, and Georgetown. To learn more about their service areas, visit the Chesapeake Utilities website.
Consider budget billing options.
The Town of Smyrna and Delaware Electric Cooperative provide budget billing options designed to assist customers in managing their electric bills more effectively. This system helps to avoid the seasonal peaks in electricity payments by spreading the costs evenly throughout the year. By utilizing a 12-month average of previous usage to determine the [monthly budget charge](https://smyrna.delaware.gov/352/Budget-Billing), it offers a more predictable and manageable billing experience for consumers.
Understand peak/off-peak rates.
In Delaware, the Time Of Use (TOU) rate program distinguishes between peak and off-peak hours. Peak hours are typically from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (or 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. during daylight savings) Monday through Friday, with all other hours considered off-peak. This approach allows customers to lower their bills by using electricity during off-peak times. To learn more about how this program can benefit you, visit the Time Of Use page for detailed information and guidance.
Check energy efficiency programs.
Delaware provides numerous energy efficiency initiatives through collaborations with utilities. Among these offerings is the Green Energy Program, which grants renewable energy rebates. Additionally, the Energy Efficiency Investment Fund caters to non-residential entities, while the Energize Delaware programs are designed to support residential energy efficiency improvements and offer various financing mechanisms.
Water services typically city-managed.
In Delaware City, DE, water services are not typically city-managed; instead, the water supply and distribution system is owned and operated by Artesian Water Co., which handles meter reading, billing, treatment plant operation, and repair services.
Sewer services vary by municipality.
Sewer services in Delaware vary significantly by municipality, with different cities and towns managing their own sewer services, each with their own contact information and operational details. For more comprehensive information on the sewer and water services offered across different locations, you can visit the Sussex County DE Website to learn more about how each city and town handles these essential services.
Internet and cable: Comcast, Verizon.
In Delaware, Comcast's XFINITY provides cable internet access to a substantial 84.8% of homes, delivering impressive speeds up to 1,519 Mbps, while also offering fiber internet to a modest 1.9% of residences, capable of speeds up to 1,325 Mbps. Meanwhile, Verizon serves 61.5% of homes with robust fiber internet reaching speeds of up to 939 Mbps, and additionally, extends its services to 35.7% of homes through fixed wireless service, delivering speeds up to 248 Mbps. Further information about the options available in this area can be explored on the ISP Reports website.