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HB 393

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PROTECTIONS FOR PUBLIC UTILITY CONSUMERS.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Rich Collins and 15 co-sponsors

HB 393 strengthens Delaware public utility consumer protections, improving service reliability, billing fairness, dispute resolution, and safeguards for vulnerable customers.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 393

Bill Summary: HB 393 (Delaware, 153rd Session)

Title

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PROTECTIONS FOR PUBLIC UTILITY CONSUMERS

Purpose and Intent

HB 393 seeks to modify existing protections for public utility consumers in Delaware. While the full text is not provided here, the bill is introduced to update, strengthen, or clarify consumer protections under Title 26 (Public Utilities) of the Delaware Code. The bill has been assigned to the Natural Resources & Energy Committee and is sponsored by multiple members of the House, indicating a broad interest in utility consumer protections.

Primary Objectives (inferred)

  • Enhance protections for ratepayers and utility customers.
  • Address issues related to utility service quality, billing practices, or dispute resolution.
  • Provide updated consumer rights or new enforcement mechanisms within the public utility framework.

Key Provisions (Summary Based on Typical Scope)

Note: Specific sections and language are not provided in the summary. The following outlines common elements often included in amendments to Title 26 and what to look for in the bill text:

  • Consumer Rights Enhancements

    • Clearer standards for service reliability and acceptable outage durations.
    • Expanded rights to complaint resolution and access to dispute processes.
    • Protections related to billing accuracy, timing, and dispute procedures.

  • Billing and Rate Provisions

    • Rules governing how utilities must bill customers, including late payment charges, forgiveness or relief programs, or caps on certain charges.
    • Provisions for affordable energy programs or assistance for low-income households.

  • Disconnection Protections

    • Criteria and notice requirements before service disconnection.
    • Safeguards for vulnerable customers (e.g., medical conditions, extreme weather).

  • Transparency and Consumer Information

    • Requirements for consumer notifications about rate changes, outages, or service interruptions.
    • Access to clear, understandable billing statements.

  • Enforcement and Penalties

    • Mechanisms for enforcing consumer protections, including penalties for violations.
    • Role of the Public Service Commission or other state agencies in oversight.

  • Procurement, Resource Planning, or Infrastructure Considerations (if related to utility planning)

    • Provisions affecting how utilities plan investments in infrastructure, energy efficiency programs, or renewable resources, and how these plans engage consumers.

  • ARB/Administrative Changes

    • Administrative rulemaking or procedural adjustments to reflect new protections.

Affected Parties

  • Public Utility Customers/Ratepayers

    • Residential and small business consumers who receive electricity, natural gas, water, or other regulated utility services.

  • Public Utilities and Providers

    • Utilities subject to Delaware’s public utility statutes, including potentially electric, gas, water, and telecommunications entities.

  • State Oversight Agencies

    • Delaware Public Service Commission (or equivalent) responsible for implementing, enforcing, and adjudicating consumer protection provisions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Assignment

    • Introduced on 2026-04-30.
    • Assigned to the Natural Resources & Energy Committee in the House.

  • Legislative Path

    • As a bill amending Title 26, it will undergo committee review, potential amendments, and hearings.
    • If advanced, it would move to the full House for a vote, then to the Senate for consideration, and finally to the Governor for enactment.

  • Effective Dates

    • The bill text should specify effective dates for new protections (e.g., immediately upon enactment or a delayed effective date to allow utilities and agencies to implement).

Additional Considerations for Readers

  • To understand the exact scope and impact, review the full text of HB 393, including:
    • The precise changes to statutory language in Title 26.
    • Definitions added or revised (e.g., “critical medical device,” “emergency exception,” “customer,” “disconnection”).
    • Any new or expanded programs for customer assistance or energy efficiency.
    • Implementation timelines and any mandated reports or rulemakings.

If you would like, I can incorporate the bill’s specific sections and language once the full text is available, providing a more granular section-by-section analysis.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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