Mandatory Utility Green Power Options

Summary

Delaware's rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities may opt out of the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) if they establish a green energy fund and a voluntary green power program. The Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC) and the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation (DEMEC), a joint action agency and wholesale electric company representing the state's nine municipal utilities, have opted out of the RPS requirements in favor of voluntary programs. Delaware Electric Cooperative The DEC, which serves roughly 75,000 members in Kent and Sussex Counties, began offering a green power program on June 1, 2007. The DEC currently offers green power subscriptions in 100 kilowatt-hour blocks at a monthly premium price of $0.20 per block. Contracts last through May of each year and expire thereafter. Customers must re-enroll each year to participate. The green power is supplied by a landfill gas facility. Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation The DEMEC began offering a voluntary green power program to its customers on June 1, 2006. DEMEC currently offers green power subscriptions in 100 kilowatt-hour blocks at a monthly premium price of $0.21 per block. Customer contracts last one year (June 1 - May 31). The amount of green energy blocks is limited, and subscriptions are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The quantity that can be purchased is limited to a customer’s lowest monthly consumption in the preceding twelve months. To enroll in the program, customers should contact the appropriate DEMEC member utility directly. DEMEC municipal utility members include: Newark, New Castle, Middletown, Dover, Smyrna, Seaford, Lewes, Clayton and Milford. These utilities serve a combined population of 100,000 and have a combined peak load of 435 megawatts.