Delaware – Delaware lawmakers have taken a step toward easing the burden of high utility costs for residents, with the House approving a proposal to establish the Delaware Energy Fund. The bill aims to offer direct financial support to moderate-income households struggling with rising energy bills. The program would be overseen by the state’s Sustainable Energy Utility, and would be funded using Delaware’s share of proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a collaborative effort among states to reduce carbon emissions.
The legislation, introduced by two state lawmakers, also boosts funding for the existing Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides support to lower-income households. Under the proposal, families earning up to 350% of the federal poverty level—roughly $112,500 for a family of four—would be eligible for aid through the new fund. Participants would also be required to engage in programs promoting energy savings and efficiency as a condition of receiving assistance. The bill includes a three-year sunset clause, meaning the program would need to be renewed after that period to continue. With House approval secured, the legislation now heads to the Senate for further debate and consideration.
