WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SJR 1

DIRECTING ALL ELECTRIC UTILITIES IN DELAWARE THAT OFFER NET METERING TO SOLAR CUSTOMERS TO CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN A COST-BENEFIT STUDY AND ANALYSIS OF NET METERING, INCLUDING COST BURDENS AND COST SHIFTING, UNDERTAKEN BY THE DELAWARE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY UTILITY, AND EXTENDING THE REPORTING DATE.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Stephanie Hansen and 5 co-sponsors

Delaware extends electric utilities' participation in net metering cost-benefit study to determine whether solar credits fairly allocate grid maintenance costs between customer classes.

Signed by Governor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJR 1

Legislative bill overview

This bill requires Delaware electric utilities offering net metering to solar customers to continue participating in an ongoing cost-benefit study conducted by the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility. The legislation extends the reporting deadline for this analysis, which examines whether net metering creates cost shifts or burdens on non-solar ratepayers.

Why is this important

Net metering—where solar customers receive credits for excess electricity sent back to the grid—is a key policy affecting solar adoption rates and electricity costs across rate classes. This study directly informs whether Delaware maintains, modifies, or eliminates net metering policies, making it consequential for both renewable energy incentives and utility rate structures.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation debate: The study explicitly examines "cost shifting," reflecting ongoing tension between solar advocates (who say net metering fairly compensates renewable generation) and utility/non-solar ratepayer advocates (who argue solar customers avoid certain grid maintenance costs)
  • Study design and objectivity: The bill doesn't specify study methodology, raising questions about whether the analysis will be interpreted as pro-solar or anti-solar depending on assumptions about grid infrastructure costs
  • Regulatory uncertainty: Extended timelines for cost-benefit studies can delay policy decisions, creating investment uncertainty for solar installers while utilities remain in compliance limbo

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

Sign in to ask a question.