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Learn about electric supplier choice

Almost 20 years ago, the Delaware General Assembly passed a bill that opened the Delaware market to competition with regards to the generation, supply and sale of electricity in the state.

That law gave people the opportunity to shop for energy products and services among a variety of providers, which ultimately could mean lower monthly energy bills as well as other added value benefits, such as smart thermostats or getting your energy supply completely from renewable energy sources.

Which supplier is right for you? Only you will know, and only by comparing prices and packages.

  • Take control of your monthly electric bills.
  • Do your research, investigate the options and be proactive.
  • You can choose to stay with the supply obtained by Delmarva Power or contract with a separate supplier.
  • Doesn’t it make sense to choose the option that reduces your electric bill?

For more information on electric customer choice in Delaware, please visit https://depsc.delaware.gov/customer-electric-choice.

Delaware Public Service Commission Releases Final Report on Delmarva Power’s Electric Supply Auction

February 24, 2017, the Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) released The Liberty Consulting Group’s Final Report assessing the conduct and results of Delmarva Power’s electric Standard Offer Service (SOS) reverse auction process for the 2017-18 procurement year. Delmarva Power successfully secured all of the outstanding needs for full-requirement service for their electric customers – those who have not chosen an alternative supplier. The procurement process used a reverse auction process that relies upon bidders’ awareness of the actions of other bidders in an attempt to drive prices down for both Delmarva Power and customers. The prices for all customer types this year achieved record lows. Of the twelve companies interested in this year’s RFP, eight were eligible to bid. Of the six actual bidders, three won a portion of Delmarva Power’s SOS needs. The winning suppliers were DTE, Exelon, and TransCanada. Delmarva held two separate auctions, one in November 2016 and one in January 2017, in which they received and ranked bids for four different customer classes. In total, Delmarva Power acquired approximately 407MW of Peak Load energy for full-requirement SOS service, 49MW less than last year. Contracts from this year’s Residential, Small Commercial and Industrial (RSCI), bids will replace those procured in the 2013-14 auctions. The average winning bid for this class was approximately 8.5% lower than last year. For the Medium (MGS), Large (LGS), and Primary (GS-P) general service customers, Delmarva Power sought 12-month contracts. Average winning bids for these classes were approximately 4.6% to 10.1% lower than last year. This means, based on the bid prices alone, there will be roughly a 3.9% reduction in the average monthly bill for residential, small commercial and industrial customers and approximately a 3.65% reduction in the average monthly bill for Small General Service customers. Medium General Service customers will see a decrease of about 2.75%, Large General Service customers will see a decrease of approximately 4.1%, and General Service customers will see a decrease of nearly 3.95% to their average monthly bill (not including various other costs subject to change to on the bill).


PSC seeks Public Comment on Proposed Renewable Energy Regulations

The Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) voted unanimously to reopen Regulation Docket 56 on Thursday, February 2, 2017. The PSC is seeking public comment regarding amending procedures for freezing the minimum cumulative solar photovoltaic and eligible energy resource requirements under 26 Del. C. §§ 354 (i) and (j).

The Delaware Public Service Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed regulation change on Thursday, April 6, 2017 during its regularly scheduled meeting in Dover. Written comments will be accepted until Monday, April 24, 2017. Please see the public notice for additional information.


Delaware Public Service Commission Approves Chesapeake’s $2.25 Million Customer Rate Increase

On December 20, 2016 the Delaware Public Service Commission approved a settlement agreement in PSC Docket 15-1734 permitting Chesapeake Utilities to recover an additional $2.25 million in revenues and earning a 9.75% return on equity. The increase represents an approximate $5.66 per month or 13.1% increase for the typical 120 Ccf residential heating customer. According to Chesapeake’s application, the increase is driven by increasing delivery costs, decreases in natural gas consumption and capital investments to replace existing bare steel pipelines.

In December 2015, Chesapeake filed an application seeking a rate increase of $4.7 million dollars as well as several new service offerings including a multi-family housing program, temporary gas storage tank program, a municipal natural gas infrastructure expansion program and a poultry house transportation program, among others. The agreement grants Chesapeake a rate increase of $2.25 million dollars and a return on equity of 9.75% effective January 1, 2017. However, because the PSC allowed Chesapeake to put interim rates totaling the originally requested amount of $4.7 million dollars into effect in July 2016, Chesapeake customers will receive a refund. Chesapeake will file a rate refund plan with the PSC by the end of January.

As a result of the settlement agreement, Chesapeake’s monthly Customer Charge will increase to $13.50 for residential customers. In addition, the settlement agreement allows Chesapeake to establish a multi-family housing program and a temporary gas storage tank program. The company agreed to withdraw its request for a municipal natural gas infrastructure expansion program, poultry house transportation program and natural gas compression service. Finally, the company is now able to extend its customer bill payment due date from ten (10) days to twenty (20) days, allowing customers more flexibility regarding making payments.

Other participating parties included the Delaware Division of the Public Advocate, the Delaware Association of Alternative Energy Providers, the Federal Executive Agencies (representing Dover Air Force Base) and Delmarva Power & Light Company. Additional information found by reviewingPSC Order 8982 or in the PSC electronic filing system, DelaFile, by searching on Docket 15-1734.


Delaware PSC Supports Del Tech Pathways to Prosperity Program

On Monday, November 28, 2016, Delaware Public Service CommissionChairman Dallas Winslow joined Delaware Governor Jack Markell, Governor-elect John Carney and other dignitaries at the Delaware Technical Community College Stanton campus to highlight the Pathways to Prosperity program.

The Pathways to Prosperity program is offered at each Del Tech campus and offers career training in 12 high demand job areas, include energy efficiency. Students learn skills in energy management which will lead to greater energy efficiency in buildings, cost savings and improved environmental impact.

Chairman Winslow emphasized that jobs in the energy efficiency field will continue to grow as cost savings and environmental impacts become more important to businesses and residential customers.

The program is partially funded by a $720,000 donation from Delmarva Power. The donation was one of the conditions of the recently approved merger between Delmarva Power’s parent company, PHI, and Exelon Corporation. As part of the merger settlement agreement, the Delaware Public Service Commission approved funding for various workforce development initiatives, energy efficiency projects, and direct refunds to customers.

Created in 1949 to regulate investor-owned public utilities, the Delaware Public Service Commission works to ensure safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, wastewater, and water services for Delaware consumers.


New Webpages – Cybersecurity and Customer Electric Choice

The Delaware PSC recently developed two new webpages to provide the public with even more information about utilities in Delaware. The first page is the Cybersecurity page where we have questions posted that each regulated utility will have to answer on a yearly basis. This is to provide customers with a general overview of the efforts being made by each utility and to show customers that the utilities are constantly working on measures to make their facilities more secure.

The second page is the Customer Electric Choice page where we’ve listed the Active Electric Suppliers in Delaware. This page is designed to provide Delmarva Power electric customers with information on what a supplier is, what questions they should ask before signing up, and which suppliers are currently offering services in Delaware. There is a table with web links and phone numbers for customers to reach out to the suppliers to find out what the current offerings are for both residential and small commercial customers.


Delaware PSC Releases Important New Electric Supplier Rules

The Delaware Public Service Commission Staff, the Delaware Division of the Public Advocate, the Retail Energy Supply Association and other interested parties have been reviewing the Commission’s regulations that apply to Delaware’s certified electric suppliers. On Tuesday, November 1, 2016 the Commission authorized important changes to those regulations that will impact suppliers and their customers, along with Delmarva Power customers. The new regulations will be published in the Delaware Register in December and will be available for public comment for 30 days following publication.

Some of the important changes that suppliers and customers should be aware of include the following:

  • New supplier applications will require both a Certificate of Good Standing and a Delaware Business License.
  • Contracts with variable rates will be limited to monthly price changes.
  • Introductory price offerings will be limited to three (3) months and clearly stated in the contract and contract summary.
  • Having financial guarantees submitted by a Parent Company of an applicant have been eliminated as a security option.
  • Broker bonding requirements (which we do not currently have) to ensure agents work according to state regulations will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
  • Products that encourage renewable energy development/generation and any environmental benefits of such generation that cannot be delivered to PJM will require a Commission waiver.
  • Customers will be able to switch suppliers in three (3) business days
  • Suppliers can disclose a customer’s billing, payment, and credit information for the purpose of facilitating billing, bill collection and credit reporting.
  • Customers will have three (3) business days to rescind a contractual supply agreement.
  • Customers wishing to withhold their Delmarva Power account information from suppliers will have to renew their opt-out every three years.

While Delmarva Power still provides a default electric supply service, the Delaware Legislature made the provision for customers to choose among certified electric suppliers when it passed the Electric Utility Retail Customer Supply Act of 2006. Since that time about 10% of residential customers and about 50% of commercial and industrial customers have taken advantage of the opportunity to purchase competitive supply. For a typical Delmarva Power residential bill the supply charges make up approximately 65% of the total bill. “It’s important for customers to have competitive electric supply options and we need to make sure the rules and regulations are consistent and helpful in promoting customer choice in Delaware,” stated PSC Chairman Dallas Winslow, “Our revised regulations should help encourage customers to consider shopping for electric supply and potentially save money on their electric bills.”

To view the entire list of proposed changes, go to http://regulations.delaware.gov/services/current_issue.shtml and look for the December 2016 Register of Regulations after December 1st. Comments on the proposed revised regulation may be submitted to: Toni Loper Public Service Commission 861 Silver Lake Blvd, Suite 100 Dover, DE 19904
Or

Toni.Loper@delaware.gov


Update on Delaware Exelon/Pepco Merger Benefits

On Tuesday, October 18th, the Delaware Public Service Commission (DE PSC) finished allocating the additional $27.1 million received from the Exelon/Pepco merger. In a previous meeting on September 20th the DE PSC decided to divide the benefits as follows:

  • DNREC Energy Efficiency (Large Commercial & Industrial) – $8.0 million
  • DNREC Energy Efficiency Investment Fund – $4.0 million
  • Delmarva Power Energy Efficiency Low Income – $2.0 million
  • DEDO Economic Development – $6.0 million
  • Arrearage Management Plan – $3.1 million

This left $4 million to still be allocated. The Commissioners requested that the parties present more detailed information on their ideas for how this remaining amount should be used. Therefore, during yesterday’s meeting, the parties returned to discuss how their proposals will benefit Delawareans the most. The end result was allocating the remaining $4 million to the DNREC Energy Efficiency Investment Fund in an effort to help more businesses become energy efficient.

In total, the Exelon/Pepco merger has brought nearly $72 million in benefits to ratepayers. A large focus of the DE PSC and other parties involved was to help customers save money, encourage economic development, assist low-income customers, and support energy efficiency efforts in Delaware.

Details on the merger settlement can be found by searching for Docket No. 14-193 in our

Delafile e-filing system

.


Delaware PSC Approves Final Pepco/Exelon Merger Benefits

DOVER – When the District of Columbia Public Service Commission gave the final approval needed for the Exelon Corporation and Pepco Holdings, Inc. merger, the two companies became one in March of this year. Upon that approval, the “Most Favored Nation” clause in the Delaware settlement became effective. This clause assured that if any other state involved in the merger was given a better deal to obtain approval of the merger, Delaware would receive a comparable offer. The “Most Favored Nation” clause and other jurisdictional settlements resulted in an additional $27.1 million allocated to Delaware for public interest projects.

On September 20, 2016 the Delaware Public Service Commission (DE PSC) held a publicly noticed hearing on the final settlement of the Exelon-PHI merger. Funding opportunities such as energy efficiency programs, economic development funding, and public interest projects were discussed.

The Commission’s final decision on the allocation of the additional $27.1 million is as follows: • DNREC Energy Efficiency (Large Commercial & Industrial) – $8.0 million • DNREC Energy Efficiency Investment Fund – $4.0 million • Delmarva Power Energy Efficiency Low Income – $2.0 million • DEDO Economic Development – $6.0 million • Arrearage Management Plan – $3.1 million

The remaining $4.0 million was proposed to be set aside for public interest projects. The Commission felt that more details were needed regarding how projects would be selected and what qualifications would be required. Therefore, the final $4.0 million from the settlement will be allocated at a later time. A reversion of funds was also agreed to so that if any of the above funding has not been fully allocated within 5 years it will revert to the Arrearage Management Plan for Delmarva Power customers.

Three additional benefits that were granted in other jurisdictions were included in the final settlement. First, Exelon will make $3.0 million available at capital market rates for any government agency wishing to develop renewable generation. Second, Exelon will develop or assist in the development of five megawatts of renewable generation. Third, Exelon will consider the possibility for one micro-grid project in Delaware, deferring full implementation until progress is made in other jurisdictions.

Chairman, Dallas Winslow, stated, “I am pleased that we were able to allocate these additional benefits to the advantage of all Delaware citizens and look forward to seeing great results from these projects.”

The approved benefits were considered to be in the public interest and allocated to provide benefit to all Delaware citizens while providing opportunities for state agencies and non-profits to create additional benefits for Delaware. Details on the merger settlement can be found by searching for Docket No. 14-193 in our Delafile e-filing system at: www.delafile.delaware.gov.


Direct Energy Supports Wilmington’s Ronald McDonald House

August 17, 2016 – On Wednesday evening, several Direct Energy Super Heroes and employees delivered “Lightning Bolt” Ice Cream to show their support for the seriously or chronically ill or injured children receiving medical treatments at local area hospitals and the Ronald McDonald House staff.


Department of State Accepting Comments on Regulations until October 1st

Dover, DE (August 8, 2016) – The Delaware Department of State held three public hearings last week, one in each county, as part of Governor Jack Markell’s effort to modify or eliminate regulations that may be outdated or unnecessarily burdensome. Members of the public are still encouraged to submit comments online until October 1, 2016. Department of State agencies with regulations subject to review include:

• Human Relations Commission
• Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
• Division of Arts
• State Banking Commissioner
• Boards and Commissions of the Division of Professional Regulation
• Public Service Commission

The public is also invited to comment on any policies or programs within the Department of State including the Division of Archives, Division of Corporations, Commission of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of State’s Office. Please see http://sos.delaware.gov/divisions.shtml

for a complete listing of agencies associated with the Department of State. Comments can be submitted online or by sending mail to:

Regulatory Comments
Office of the Secretary
Delaware Department of State
401 Federal Street
Dover, DE 19901

It is extremely important that the public is involved in this process,” Secretary of State Jeff Bullock stated. “We want to hear from folks who have experienced the effect of these regulations and see how we can make the process more efficient.”

The Department of State’s regulatory review is being conducted in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (

29 Del. C., Ch. 104, § 10407

). This Act provides an opportunity for the Department to review regulations on the books, and streamline or eliminate those that might be outdated, inconsistent or no longer serve their intended purpose. After October 1st, when all comments are received, the Department will consider the public’s input in addition to its own evaluation and begin the process for amending or repealing regulations accordingly.


July 29, 2016 – Reminder: Department of State Announces Public Hearing Schedule for Review of Agency Regulations

Dover, DE – The Delaware Department of State would like to remind people that it will hold public hearings next week in all three counties as part of Governor Jack Markell’s effort to strengthen Delaware’s economy by modernizing and streamlining regulations that may be outdated or unnecessarily burdensome, while maintaining the state’s commitment to improving public health and environmental performance.

The Department of State’s public hearings are being conducted in accordance with Regulatory Flexibility Act (29 Del. C., Ch. 104, § 10407). Agencies with regulations subject to review include:

  • Human Relations Commission
  • Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
  • Division of Arts
  • State Banking Commissioner
  • Boards and Commissions of the Division of Professional Regulation
  • Public Service Commission

The public is also invited to comment on any policies or programs within the Department of State including the Division of Archives, Division of Corporations, Commission of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of State’s Office.

The Department’s hearings are scheduled for:

  • Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016, 12:30pm, at the Carvel State Office Building, 4th Floor Conference Room, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington, DE 19803
  • Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2016, 12:30pm, Secretary of State’s conference room, Townsend Building, 401 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901
  • Thursday, Aug 4, 2016, 12:30pm, at the Georgetown Public Library,123 West Pine Street, Georgetown, DE 19947

The Regulatory Flexibility Act provides an opportunity for state agencies such as the Department of State to review regulations on their books, and streamline or eliminate those that might be outdated, inconsistent or no longer serve their intended purpose. After formal comment, the Department will consider the input received in addition to its own evaluation and begin the process for amending or repealing regulations accordingly.

“This review process provides us with the opportunity to evaluate how we can make our existing regulations more efficient,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock. “We look forward to receiving specific and thoughtful comments from the public and business community in this effort.”

In addition to participating in the public hearings, members of the public are also encouraged to submit comments online. Comments relative to the Regulatory Flexibility Act will be accepted through October 1, 2016.


June 28, 2016 
– Direct Energy Announces a Special Supplier Offer

The State of Delaware offers customer choice to Delmarva Power and Delaware Electric Cooperative customers when it comes to purchasing their energy supply. Among the over 50 suppliers, certified by the Public Service Commission to offer residential and small commercial energy supply, Direct Energy Services, LLC, has just announced several new energy supply products with special multi-year fixed price offers, including other customer benefits. The new offers are the result of the State Legislature actively seeking longer term contracts that can help save money for energy consumers.

Section 68 of Senate Substitute No. 1 for Senate Bill 160 of the 148th General Assembly created the Electricity Affordability Committee and tasked the Committee to evaluate “an opt-in electricity affordability program for residential and small business customers … based on the potential benefits derived from a combination of a multi-year fixed price per kWh offer, value added products and services to help customers better manage their overall energy bills, and other potential consumer benefits” and “to select and contract with a [Delaware Public Service Commission]-certified energy provider” if the Committee “determines that a program will offer these benefits to residential and small business customers”. Pursuant to this legislation and at the request of the Committee, the Public Service Commission issued a Request for Proposals seeking an energy provider that could offer a program meeting all of these requirements. After reviewing all of the proposals, the Committee selected Direct Energy as submitting the best offers. With the approval of the Committee, the Secretary of State entered into a contract with Direct Energy Services, LLC to move forward with offering the selected products.

The Direct Energy offering is the first of its kind to offer longer term fixed energy prices coupled with other customer benefits for residential and small commercial customers starting July 1, 2016. “Electric Retail Supplier Exclusively Contracted by the State of Delaware” means that Direct Energy Services, LLC is the only electric supplier contracted with the state to provide a designated fixed rate offer and services to residential and small commercial customers for two years. The Direct Energy offering is one more tool that customers can use to manage their electric utility bill through the use of a third party electric supplier. As innovation continues in the utility industry, customers are encouraged to research what options are available to reduce energy use and manage costs.

Delmarva Power and Delaware Electric Cooperative customers can still purchase their electric supply from any of the PSC certified suppliers making offers.  Customers may choose to use a certified electric supplier or remain with their utility’s standard supply rate. Any customer receiving their electric supply from a third party supplier will continue to receive a bill from their local utility (Delmarva Power or Delaware Electric Cooperative). Should a customer experience a power outage or emergency, they should call their local utility.


June 7, 2016
– Artificial Island Project Updates

There are a lot of numbers being thrown around in regards to the cost of the Artificial Island transmission project. Given that there are so many pieces to this puzzle, we thought it would be best to create a page on our website that lays out the details. As we continue our fight against the cost allocation of this project and as the project continues to evolve .


May 19, 2016 
– Staff Consultant Report on SOS Procurement Approach

In April 2015, London Economics International (“LEI”) was retained by the Staff of the Delaware Public Service Commission (“PSC” or “Commission”) to undertake a review of Delmarva Power and Light Company‟s (“Delmarva”) current Standard Offer Service (“SOS”) supply procurement approach, consider potential alternative options for SOS procurement going forward, and present recommendations. This report
, the final in a series of papers and presentations, lays out LEI‟s findings and recommendations. The PSC Staff is in the process of reviewing the report before deciding on next steps. Written comment period deadline extended to Aug. 31, 2016.


April 1, 2016 
– April is Safe Digging Month!

The Delaware Public Service Commission proudly joins Miss Utility of Delmarva in celebrating the month of April as Safe Digging Month. Delaware’s one-call system is designed to keep people safe regardless of whether the project is big or small. When digging it is important to know what lines might lie beneath the surface. Every year tragic events occur due to unsafe digging practices. Anyone can call 811 to ask utilities to come out and mark a property before digging starts. Know what’s below, call before you dig. For more information, please visit
http://www.missutilitydelmarva.com/.


March 3, 2016 
– Q&A with Commissioner Mike Karia:

How long have you lived in Delaware?

I have lived in Delaware since 1974 – so for 42 years. I came from Newark, NJ where I worked for the City of Newark. Prior to that, I was in New York City working for E.F. Hutton & Company.

What lead you to becoming a Commissioner?

I have worked for the City of Dover for 25 years as Finance Director. My work also included handling Electric and Water rate studies and, for a few years, customer service as well. I also worked on public and legislative aspects of rates. So, when Governor Jack Markell’s office called me for this assignment, as a Public Service Commissioner, I was very excited. It was a perfect match between the needs of this assignment and my deep and wide hands on experience. I felt as if this was my cup of tea.

If you could meet any person who would it be?

That person would definitely be Gandhi. His passion for all people and his message of non-violence are very commanding. He was funny, as well. He led millions of people not only towards independence but also towards a better life. We studied his biography as a text book during my second year of college in India, and that has left a very deep impression on my mind and heart.

What do you like best about being a Commissioner?

I very much enjoy working as a group with my fellow commissioners on many aspects of Delaware’s electric and water utilities and all related items that come before us. I feel very comfortable that we make very good decisions that benefit the customers and all Delawareans, thus contributing to their well-being. I also enjoy working with the people who work for the commission. They have high professional standards and they work very hard to provide us with the information we need to make decisions. Overall, being a commissioner is a good challenge that is satisfying my mind and soul.


February 12, 2016
– Q&A with Commissioner Harold Gray:
Q: How long have you lived in Delaware?
A: I’ve lived in Wilmington 40+ yrs., where I started my career as a chemist, engineer, and manager for Hercules Inc. I was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and received a Chemistry degree from Howard University. I later worked as an IT consultant, started a global IT company, raised money for United Way of Delaware, and then served as Director of the Economic Development office of Wilmington.
Q: What lead you to becoming a Commissioner?
A: I served three terms on the Delaware Environmental Appeals Board and became familiar with the quasi-judicial nature of state Boards and Commissions. I submitted an application to fill a vacant seat on the Public Service Commission. As Wilmington’s Economic Development Director, I also had the opportunity to work on projects with Governor Markell, his staff, and other County, State, and Federal officials. Governor Markell appointed me to the Public Service Commission in 2014. I resigned from the Environmental Appeals Board, when the State Senate confirmed my appointment to the PSC.
Q: If you could meet any person who would it be?
A: Neil Armstrong (deceased), the first man to walk on the moon. I once spent two days with Capt. Alan Bean, astronaut, lunar module pilot, and fourth man to walk on the moon’s surface. The experiences he shared were simply “out of this world.” I can only imagine what Neil Armstrong experienced in his “one small step for man…” journey.
Q: What do you like best about being a Commissioner?
A: I am proud to have been appointed to the position. The scope of challenges with utilities, technology, economics, safety, reliability, security, infrastructure, and other state and federal integration is sometimes daunting. The best part of the Commissioner’s role is the need for continuous learning and analysis. The topics, technologies, and challenges brought to the Commission are dynamic, require diligence and constant interaction with staff, Commissioners from other states, the DE Public Advocate, Legislators, and rate payers whose public interest we are responsible to protect.


February 9, 2016 
– INVITATION TO BID:
The State of Delaware, Delaware Public Service Commission (“PSC”), seeks assistance from qualified firms or individuals (“offerors”) to provide professional public utility consulting services regarding an application filed by Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (“Chesapeake”) which requests a general increase in natural gas rates (PSC Docket No. 15-1734). This request for proposals (“RFP”) is issued pursuant to 29 Del. C. §§ 6981 and 6982(b)

The successful offerors will be required to assist in the evaluation of cost of service and rate design study; rate base, revenue requirement, revenues, expenses, and other general rate case issues; capital structure, cost of capital, cost of equity, and overall rate of return issues. Also, the services needed include providing advice and guidance and acting as an expert resource to the PSC Staff. In summary, offerors will be expected to provide a range of services in the areas specified which would normally be provided by the staff of a larger state utility regulatory commission in the proceeding of a similar matter to its conclusion. Please review the RFP in its entirety for a more thorough review of the background and scope of services sought by the PSC by visiting the State of Delaware’s procurement website located at www.bids.delaware.gov
and by searching for the RFP entitled “Public Utility Consulting Services for a General Increase in Natural Gas Rates.” The RFP is also available by visiting the PSC’s website page located at www.depsc.delaware.gov/rfp.shtml . Paper copies of this RFP will not be available.

Interested qualified professionals are encouraged to apply for consideration. To be considered, all proposals should be sent (preferably via electronic email) to psc@delaware.gov in either Microsoft Word or PDF format with the words “Bid Enclosed – Contract No. STA16120PSCCUCRATE” in the subject line. Alternatively, proposals may also be submitted with one paper copy and one electronic copy on CD, DVD media disk, or USB memory drive.

All properly sealed and marked proposals must be sent to the PSC and received no later than 4:00 PM (Local Time) on February 23, 2016.

Proposals may be delivered by Express Delivery (e.g., FedEx, UPS, etc.), U.S. Mail, or by hand delivery to: Jason R. Smith, Public Utilities Analyst, Delaware Public Service Commission, 861 Silver Lake Blvd., Suite 100, Dover, DE 19904. Applicants are directed to clearly print “BID ENCLOSED” and “CONTRACT NO. STA16120PSCCUCRATE” on the outside of the bid submission package.

The PSC will base its selection of professionals on a weighted average of criteria that will be used to rank applicants under consideration. The criteria will be: (1) Demonstrated ability to understand and perform the tasks in an expeditious and professional manner and understand the description of the work product to be produced; (2) demonstrated knowledge and understanding of public utility regulatory proceedings of a similar nature; (3) quality of the staffing plan, qualifications, and past experience of the personnel assigned to work on the project, and the specific approach proposed for the project, including the time requirements for different phases of the project, if any, and the presence or absence of the briefing of PSC Staff at the conclusion of the proceedings; (4) total price of the proposal and its components; (5) responses and recommendations of the offerors’ listed references; (6) prior experience of the PSC with the offerors’ work product; and (7) overall impression of the offerors from the form of the proposal and from services previously performed for the PSC, if any.

Based upon this criteria, the PSC shall determine all applicants that meet the minimum qualifications to perform the required services. The PSC shall then interview at least one of the qualified offerors. The PSC may negotiate with one of the offerors without terminating negotiations with another offeror and may negotiate with one or more offerors during the same period. At any point in the negotiation process, the PSC may, at its discretion, terminate negotiations with any or all of the offerors. The PSC may require the offeror with whom it is negotiating to execute a truth-in-negotiation certificate stating the wage rates and other factual unit costs supporting the compensation are accurate, complete, and current at the time of contracting. Pursuant to 29 Del. C. § 6986, the PSC may award a contract for a particular professional service to two or more offerors if the PSC makes a determination that such an award is in the best interest of the State of Delaware.


February 8, 2016 
– Q&A with Commissioner Joann Conaway:
Q: How long have you lived in Delaware?
A: I have lived in Delaware for all of my 74 years. I grew up in Wilmington’s 9th Ward, attended Christ Our King grade school and Ursuline Academy for High School. Then, I went on to Goldey Beacom for college. I got married in 1960, moved to Bridgeville, DE in 1967, and now live outside of Georgetown, DE. I was a stay at home mom for 25 years, then trained and coordinated volunteers for Delaware Hospice Southern Division, and then I became a Realtor.
Q: What led you to becoming a Commissioner?
A: I was asked to serve as a Commissioner by Governor Ruth Ann Minner. I accepted the invitation and the rest is history.
Q: If you could meet any person who would it be?
A: I would love to meet the Pope.
Q: What do you like best about being a Commissioner?
A: The best part of being a Commissioner is serving the people of Delaware.


January 29, 2016 
– Invitation To Provide Proposals

Sealed proposals for the following will be received by the Delaware Public Service Commission, 861 Silver Lake Boulevard, Suite 100, Cannon Building, Dover, Delaware, 19904 on behalf of the Electricity Affordability Committee until 4:30 pm, Friday, February 26, 2016 and thereafter shall be publicly opened, read and recorded:

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – ELECTRIC SUPPLIERS SEEKING TO CONTRACT WITH THE STATE TO OFFER AN OPT-IN ELECTRIC SUPPLY PROGRAM THAT INCLUDES THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS DERIVED FROM A COMBINATION OF A MULTI-YEAR FIXED PRICE PER KWH OFFER, VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO HELP CUSTOMER BETTER MANAGE THEIR OVERALL ENERGY BILLS, AND OTHER POTENTIAL CONSUMER BENEFITS.

The Electricity Affordability Committee (“EAC”) is seeking proposals from qualified electric supply companies to provide a contracted beneficial offering to Delaware customers seeking to purchase electric supply under Delaware’s customer choice program. Vendor will be required to contract with the State to provide a multi-year fixed price per KWh electric supply and other benefits which the company believes will provide value to their customers. The successful vendor will be expected to implement their proposed program in 90 days and to coordinate such implementation with the Delaware Public Service Commission.

Request for proposals is available on http://www.bids.delaware.gov/. A copy can be picked up at 861 Silver Lake Blvd., Suite 100, Cannon Building, Dover, Delaware 19904 or requests for a copy to be mailed can be obtained by calling (302) 736-7500 between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The cost for a copy of this request for proposals is $.10 per page.

The Electricity Affordability Committee may extend the time or change the location for the opening of bids from that described above. The EAC will provide no fewer than five calendar days’ notice of any changes by certified mail to those bidders who requested copies of the Request for Proposal.


January 29, 2016 
– Q&A with Commission Chair, Dallas Winslow:
Q: How long have you lived in Delaware?
A: I was born and raised in Delaware, a proud graduate of Brandywine High School, Dickinson College, and Duquesne University School of Law. I have practiced law in Delaware since 1972 serving at one time or another as a Deputy Attorney General, Assistant Public Defender, New Castle County Attorney, and in the private practice of law.
Q: What led you to becoming a Commissioner?
A: As a Delaware State Senator, I became aware of the Public Service Commission’s work through being the co-prime sponsor of Delaware’s electricity restructuring law. I never expected to be serving as a Commissioner, but my constituents decided that I needed a change of employment. After my electoral loss, Governor Minner was kind enough to appoint me to the Commission in 2005 and the Senate thankfully consented.
Q: If you could meet any person who would it be?
A: Bill Gates
Q: What do you like best about being a Commissioner?
A: Being a commissioner is one of the most challenging and interesting jobs I have ever had. The best part of the job is the interaction with the many staff members, industry members, and legal counsel who appear before us. I am constantly impressed with their integrity and expertise. They are a joy to work with and make the job of Commissioner much easier.


January 15, 2016 
– NARUC and State Commissions Observe Dr. King Holiday as a National Day of Utility Service

Washington—The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners continues to advance the spirit of its 2008 resolution designating Dr. Martin Luther King Day (January 16, 2016) as a Day of Utility Service and has issued the following statement:

“As service to others was a cornerstone of Dr. King’s values, it is quite fitting that we continue to seek methods that serve to improve the lives of all American consumers. Our ‘Anybody Can Serve, So Let’s Conserve’ campaign encourages all citizens to get involved in community service activities and to engage in a utility act of service in their homes and neighborhoods: turn down thermostats, weatherize homes, change to energy-efficient bulbs and install water-saving devices. These are important measures that provide long-term benefits, individually and collectively.”
—NARUC President Travis Kavulla of Montana

The resolution was originally adopted at the Winter Committee Meetings in Washington, D.C., on February 20, 2008, and is located on NARUC’s website.

Contact: Regina L. Davis, 202-898-9382,
rdavis@naruc.org


January 7, 2016 
– Rain by: Cynthia Barnett
Chairman Dallas Winslow recently finished reading Rain by Cynthia Barnett. The book is written by an award-winning environmental journalist and seeks to have the reader look at rain in a way they never did before. Chairman Winslow stated, “The book takes you back to the beginning of time describing weather conditions up until present day climate change. It explores man’s reactions to rain from the unscientific days of the past to the more scientific era we’re in now. It contains a plethora of interesting facts and gets you thinking about the real importance of rain and policy considerations around rain. If you read the book, you will think of rain differently.” Please share any books that you’d like to recommend for the Commissioners.



Picture of a Wind Farm, a Greenhouse, a Home, a Water Processing Tower, Two Solar Pannels with Wildlife and Trees
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