How Delmarva Power compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs Delmarva Power, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware Electric Cooperative | 14.22 | 104,839 | -3.01 | -$325 |
| City of Milford | 15.17 | 7,169 | -2.06 | -$223 |
| City of Dover | 15.52 | 21,601 | -1.71 | -$185 |
| Town of Middletown | 17.12 | 9,071 | -0.11 | -$12 |
| Delmarva Power (this page) | 17.23 | 275,018 | — | — |
| City of Newark | 18.99 | 11,888 | +1.76 | +$190 |
5 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with Delmarva Power. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than Delmarva Power customers at the same usage. Territories are fixed by address — these gaps measure cost differences between areas, while the supply portion is separately shoppable in Delaware (see below).
Where Delmarva Power customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | Delmarva Power premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kent | Delaware Electric Cooperative | 14.22 | +$325 |
| Sussex | Delaware Electric Cooperative | 14.22 | +$325 |
| New Castle | Town of Middletown | 17.12 | +$12 |
Multiple utilities in one county means adjoining territories, not household choice — you cannot switch wires companies. In Delaware you can shop the supply portion regardless of county.
Rate trend and size
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price, ¢/kWh | 15.73 | 17.23 | +9.6% |
| Residential customers | 272,780 | 275,018 | +0.8% |
Ownership: Investor Owned. Including delivery-only/third-party-supply accounts, Delmarva Power serves 301,950 residential customers in DE. Statewide context: Delaware electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a Delmarva Power bill
Delaware has residential electric supply choice: Delmarva Power delivers the power and bills a default supply rate, but you may buy the supply portion from a licensed competitor instead. Compare offers against the price to compare on the state's official shopping site: depsc.delaware.gov.
Electric choice in Delmarva territory. No residential gas supply choice.
Counties served (DE, EIA-861 2024)
Kent · New Castle · Sussex
Head-to-head comparisons
Questions people ask
- Is Delmarva Power more expensive than other Delaware utilities?
- Delmarva Power customers paid an average 17.23 cents/kWh in 2024 — 6% above the Delaware volume-weighted average of 16.32 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from Delmarva Power?
- You cannot switch the wires company — distribution territory is fixed by address. Delaware does allow supply choice, so you can buy the supply portion of the bill from a licensed competitor via depsc.delaware.gov if its offer beats the price to compare.
- How many customers does Delmarva Power have?
- 275,018 residential customers in Delaware in 2024 across 3 counties, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: investor-owned.