The Delaware Public Service Commission regulates only the distribution of natural gas to Delaware consumers. The delivery and administrative costs associated with natural gas distribution are determined in base rate proceedings before the Commission. The recovery of costs associated with the natural gas used by customers is determined annually as part of fuel adjustment proceedings. As a result of this process, rates for natural gas will typically change at least once a year. Fuel adjustment rates for natural gas may also change during the annual recovery period when the projected recovery of gas costs exceeds limits set for the over or under-collection of gas costs. Occasionally, natural gas distribution companies are permitted by their tariff to collect additional fees, often called ‘riders’, to recover unanticipated or extraordinary expenses. For instance, both regulated natural gas distribution companies have an ‘environmental rate rider’ to recover costs associated with the clean up of pollution from old manufactured gas sites. These rider rates are determined in separate proceedings before the Commission.
The Commission does not regulate the costs charged by propane gas providers: questions related to propane costs should be directed to the specific provider. The Commission does administer the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Program for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Opens in new window which relates to the operation of both propane and natural gas distribution systems.
A complete list of all natural gas related cases filed with the Commission is available on the Commission’s Regulated Utility Filings. Cases filed after July 7, 2014 are available through the DelaFile E-filing system Opens in new window page.
Following is a list of cases that have, or are likely to, generate a significant amount of public interest. To assist the public with participation in these matters, summaries with docket numbers are provided below along with a link to our Delafile system for related documents.
Docket No. 23-1161 – Delmarva Gas Cost Rate
On August 30, 2023, Delmarva Power & Light Company (“Delmarva”) filed an application seeking approval for a decrease in its Gas Cost Rates and Pressure Support Fee, an increase in its Balancing Fee, and changes to the Transition Cost Adjustment Charge. Delmarva’s application also includes a refund of an over-recovery balance of $9,793,458. The application is available through the Delafile E-filing system.
All case related documents are available for review by appointment at the Commission Office in Dover, Delaware, or at the Office of the Public Advocate in Wilmington, Delaware.
PSC Docket No. 12-292 Opens in new window – (Filed June 25, 2012), Archived
PSC Docket No. 13-383 Opens in new window – (Filed October 1, 2013), Archived
PSC Docket No. 12-546 – (filed December 7, 2012), Archived
On December 21, 2010 Order No. 7882 Opens in new window was approved by the Commission. The order grants Delmarva Power & Light Company’s Motion to consolidate PSC Docket No. 09-277T, the Company’s application to institute a modified fixed variable rate design for gas customers, and 10-237, its gas base rate case. Documents related to the dockets can be found below.
PSC Docket No. 10-237 Opens in new window – (filed July 2, 2010), Archived
Natural Gas Regulation Archives
Related Topics: assistance, Delaware Public Service Commission, natural gas, PSC, public utilities