Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC)?

The Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) is the state agency responsible for regulating Delaware’s public utilities. The PSC oversees utility rates, service standards, and infrastructure investments to help ensure safe, reliable, and reasonably priced utility services.

Does the PSC own or operate utilities?

No. The PSC does not own, operate, or manage utility companies. Utilities are private or municipal entities responsible for providing service. The PSC serves as an independent regulator that reviews utility operations and decisions.

What should I do if my utility bill is incorrect?

If you believe your utility bill is inaccurate, contact your utility company directly. The utility has access to your account information and is often able to resolve billing concerns quickly.

If you are not satisfied with the utility’s response, contact the Delaware Division of the Public Advocate (DPA), which assists consumers with utility billing and service complaints.

📞 DPA: (302) 241-2555

📞 Toll-Free: 1-888-607-2427

📧 public.advocate@delaware.gov

🌐 https://publicadvocate.delaware.gov/file-a-complaint/

What is the difference between the PSC and the DPA?

The PSC is the neutral decision-maker in utility proceedings.

The Division of the Public Advocate (DPA) represents the interests of utility customers and advocates on their behalf during regulatory proceedings.

The PSC and DPA have different roles, but both are important parts of Delaware’s utility regulatory system.

For assistance with utility billing or service complaints, contact the DPA:

📞 (302) 241-2555

📞 Toll-Free: 1-888-607-2427

📧 public.advocate@delaware.gov

🌐 https://publicadvocate.delaware.gov/consumer-information/

How do I navigate through the regulatory system?

The Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Delaware Division of the Public Advocate (DPA) work together as part of Delaware’s utility regulatory system but have different roles.

🔹 Contact your utility company first if you:
• Have a question about your bill
• Need to report an outage
• Need to start, stop, or transfer service
• Want to set up a payment arrangement

🔹 Contact the Delaware Division of the Public Advocate (DPA) if:
• You have a billing or service complaint that was not resolved by your utility
• You need assistance navigating a utility issue
• You are looking for information about utility assistance programs
• You want an advocate to help address a consumer concern

📞 DPA: (302) 241-2555
📞 Toll-Free: 1-888-607-2427
📧 public.advocate@delaware.gov

🔹 Contact the Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) if you want to:
• Learn about utility regulation in Delaware
• Follow utility rate cases and regulatory proceedings
• Participate in public hearings
• Submit comments on matters before the Commission
• Learn how utility decisions are made

The PSC serves as a neutral regulator, reviewing evidence, hearing from interested parties, and making decisions based on Delaware law and the public record. The DPA serves as an advocate for utility consumers. Different roles, one shared goal: helping ensure Delaware residents receive safe, reliable utility service through a fair and transparent process.

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