Delaware is approaching a critical moment for its electric grid as rising demand collides with declining in-state power generation, raising concerns about reliability and affordability. PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator responsible for Delaware and much of the Mid-Atlantic, has warned that brownouts or blackouts could occur by June 2026 if electricity demand continues to outpace available supply.
This increase is being driven by the rapid growth of data centers and by people switching their cars, heating, hot water and cooking from gasoline, natural gas, oil and propane to electric. At the same time, Delaware has closed major power plants that could reliably generate electricity when needed, including the Indian River power plant near Millsboro in early 2025.
State climate policies add to this pressure. Delaware’s Climate Action Plan and the Climate Change Solutions Act of 2023 require steep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, which will require a broad shift away from traditional fuel sources over time. As more homes, businesses and vehicles switch to electric power, strain on the grid is expected to grow.
PJM has cautioned that without new reliable power added in time, the region faces higher electricity costs and greater reliability risks. Wind and solar energy cannot provide steady power on demand. They depend on the weather, so grid operators must back them up with resources that can run whenever needed.
Two pieces of legislation now before the General Assembly would directly address rising electricity costs and growing reliability concerns. Senate Bill 65 would remove Delaware from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, reducing compliance costs that are passed on to consumers through their power bills. House Bill 80 would roll back renewable energy mandates to help stabilize prices and give PJM more flexibility in how it maintains reliability.
Together, these decisions will shape whether Delaware can meet rising energy needs while keeping the lights on and electric bills within reach for families and businesses across the state.
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