An Act To Amend Title 7 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative And Co2 Emissions Trading Program Auction Proceeds.
Summary
Senate Bill 64 amends Delaware’s law governing Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and CO2 emissions trading program auction proceeds. The bill keeps the existing allocation structure for auction revenue largely intact through 2025, directing funds to the Sustainable Energy Utility, low-income energy assistance and weatherization programs, greenhouse gas reduction projects, and program administration costs.
The main change begins on January 1, 2026: any auction proceeds above the amount generated in 2025 must be redirected to a rebate program intended to reduce electricity costs for retail electric customers. DNREC would be responsible for adopting regulations and administering the rebate program, while Delmarva Power and Light would receive the rebate funds and pass them through to customers as bill reductions. The bill also allows annual review and adjustment of the percentage allocations to the SEU and low-income programs by a committee of DNREC, the SEU board chair, and program managers for WAP and LIHEAP.
Impact
SB64 would amend Title 7, Section 6046 of the Delaware Code, changing how RGGI CO2 allowance auction proceeds are handled. It preserves current statutory funding priorities up to 2025 levels, but requires any revenue above that baseline to be used for direct electricity bill relief rather than existing program categories. The bill would affect DNREC, the Sustainable Energy Utility, low-income energy assistance programs, and Delmarva Power and Light, and would create a new rebate mechanism for retail electric customers.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and synopsis, the measure appears to be framed as a consumer-relief and ratepayer-focused adjustment to the RGGI revenue structure. No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no documented public debate or formal vote history to indicate broader support or opposition. The synopsis suggests the sponsor’s intent is to limit growth in program spending and return excess auction revenue to electricity customers through bill reductions.
Contention
The likely point of contention is the redirection of any RGGI auction proceeds above 2025 levels away from existing climate, efficiency, and low-income assistance programs and toward customer rebates. Supporters would likely emphasize immediate utility bill relief for retail electric customers, while opponents may argue that diverting surplus revenue could reduce funding for energy efficiency, weatherization, greenhouse gas reduction projects, and low-income assistance. Another possible issue is the bill’s reliance on Delmarva Power and Light to distribute rebates, which may raise administrative or implementation questions.