Delmarva Power seeks electricity, gas rate increases

DOVER (AP) — Delmarva Power is asking Delaware regulators to approve higher base rates for the company’s electric and natural gas customers.

Under rate proposals unveiled Tuesday, a typical residential customer’s electric bill would increase by $10.23 per month, more than 7 percent higher than the existing rate.

The company is also seeking to increase its natural gas rates, which would result in a typical residential customer paying $13.55 more per month, more than 10 percent higher than the current rate.

The company says electricity rate hike would generate about $63 million annually to recover the costs of system improvements that have reduced the frequency and duration of power outages.

It says the higher natural gas rates would generate $21.5 million annually to improve service and ensure the integrity of the gas system.