The average residential electricity rate in Delaware (DE) is $0.1398 per kWh as of April 2026, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). This is far below the national average of $0.1805/kWh, ranking Delaware #20 out of 51 (all 50 states plus Washington DC), where #1 is the cheapest and #51 is the most expensive. The average Delaware household consumes 930 kWh per month, resulting in a monthly electric bill of approximately $130 and annual electricity costs of about $1,560.
Delaware is heavily dependent on natural gas for electricity generation, making its rates sensitive to gas price fluctuations.
This comprehensive guide covers Delaware electricity rates, historical trends, utility providers, bill calculation, solar savings potential, and actionable tips to reduce your electric bill. All rate data is sourced from the US EIA and updated monthly. Use our electricity cost calculator for personalized estimates.
Delaware residential electricity rates have increased 17% over the past six years. The table below shows the trajectory compared against the national average.
| Year | Delaware ($/kWh) | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $0.1199 | $0.1322 | -9% |
| 2022 | $0.1280 | $0.1492 | -14% |
| 2024 | $0.1350 | $0.1680 | -20% |
| Apr 2026 | $0.1398 | $0.1805 | -23% |
Delaware has a deregulated electricity market. The primary delivery utilities are: Delmarva Power, Delaware Electric Cooperative, City of Dover.
Delaware generates electricity from: Natural gas 85%, Solar 8%, Other 7%.
Your monthly electric bill = kWh Used × Rate per kWh. The average Delaware household uses 930 kWh/month.
Delaware is a deregulated state. Delmarva Power customers can shop for competitive generation rates through third-party suppliers.
Universal strategies: adjust thermostat 2-3 degrees (saves 5-10% on HVAC), switch to LEDs (see our LED savings calculator), unplug phantom loads (saves $100-200/year), and run major appliances during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use pricing. For larger investments, consider a heat pump, better insulation, or a smart thermostat.
Delaware receives 4.3 peak sun hours/day. A 6 kW system produces ~7,722 kWh/year, saving ~$1,080/year. With the 30% federal ITC, payback is typically 8-12 years. Use our solar panel calculator and solar ROI calculator for personalized estimates.
| State | Rate ($/kWh) | Avg Bill | Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware (DE) | $0.1398 | $130 | Deregulated |
| Maryland (MD) | $0.1598 | $145 | Deregulated |
| New Jersey (NJ) | $0.1830 | $129 | Deregulated |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | $0.1698 | $137 | Deregulated |
Data source: US Energy Information Administration (EIA), Electric Power Monthly, April 2026. Rates shown are average residential rates and may differ from your specific utility tariff. Solar estimates assume a 6 kW system with 82% efficiency factor. Always verify current rates with your utility provider.