Delaware Electric Co-op tops most appealing brand list
Delaware Electric Cooperative has been ranked as the most appealing brand among America’s residential electric cooperatives, according to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Utility Brand Appeal Index Study.
A member-owned electric utility powering more than 300,000 people in Sussex and Kent counties, the cooperative achieved the highest brand appeal score of all utilities surveyed in the study.
For years, DEC members have ranked the Greenwood-based not-for-profit utility as one of the best in the country, and the prestigious J.D. Power recognition further demonstrates the cooperative’s reputation as a national leader in providing transparent communications and excellent service to its members.
DEC President and CEO Rob Book said, “I would like to thank each of our 180 employees for working hard every day to provide our members with affordable, reliable energy and friendly service. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our employee team, who work 24 hours a day to keep the lights on for central and southern Delaware.”
Surveying more than 155,000 consumers from utilities across the country, the study analyzed how well utilities relate to their consumers, accounting for company reputation, marketing execution and consumer trust.
Book said the cooperative currently offers members the lowest electric rates in the state, has achieved several consecutive years of record reliability and returned $10 million to members in billing credits over the last year.
“Our not-for-profit business model means we’re focused on people, not on profits. Our goal is to provide affordable and sustainable power to those we serve while making strategic investments in our electric distribution system that reduce the number of outages. I strongly believe our ranking in the J.D. Power study is a result of our focus on doing what’s right for the people and places we power,” said Book.
Co-op officials said while they appreciate the recognition, the ranking will not alter their innovative approach to serving members. Book said the cooperative will continue with plans to upgrade substations, power lines and electrical equipment to meet increasing energy demand in southern Delaware and invest in Beat the Peak programs that help keep electric rates stable.
