As more community solar power fields sprout up across the county and state, more residents will have the opportunity to save on their energy costs.

Discounts start at 10%, rising to 20% for low- to moderate-income residents. Legislation passing the Senate June 10 by a 17-3 vote with one absent would merge the community solar bill into the regular utility bill, such as the monthly bills sent to Delmarva Power and Light customers.

Bill sponsor Sen. Stephanie Hansen, D-Middletown, said combining charges into one bill is easier for residents. Currently, she said residents who subscribe to a community solar provider pay two bills, one to the utility company and the other to the community solar company.

“This situation is confusing and inconvenient, and could act as a barrier for people to sign up for community solar projects,” she said.

SB 326 also requires the community facility to certify that at least 15% of participants are low- to moderate-income residents.

Cost savings for Delmarva Power customers could be a welcome remedy as rates increased starting June 1, adding up to about $15 per bill for customers using 811 kilowatt hours. The increase was approved temporarily in April by the Delaware Public Service Commission, the state’s utility regulating body, to make up for high energy costs paid by Delmarva Power last winter.

This fall, analysis will be done on the anticipated cost of energy over the winter months, and the commission will determine the rate Delmarva Power can charge customers to cover costs. Delmarva Power is seeking a rate increase to cover $67 million in delivery costs.

This comes following last winter’s cold snap, which resulted in high energy bills for customers across the state.

The bill now heads to the House for consideration.

Bill proposes pharmacy savings

A bill aimed to lower prescription costs for consumers by limiting charges passed on to pharmacies by pharmacy benefits managers unanimously passed the Senate June 9.

Senate Bill 271, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola, D-Newark, would protect consumer access to low-cost medication and limit audit reimbursements to PBMs by pharmacies. 

The bill now heads to the House for consideration.