DE SB190

Authorizes the Public Service Commission to approve individual or joint utility rates for low-income residential customers qualified under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or equivalent programs.

Limits low-income rate discounts to a maximum of 25% below average customer class usage rates, with estimated savings of $10-15 per month for Delmarva Power customers.

Requires that low-income rate discounts recover at least the incremental cost of providing utility services and that the discount cost be recoverable from customers in the same standard tariff rate class.

Maintains existing provisions requiring utilities to prove the necessity of fuel adjustment changes at public hearings and allows the Commission to determine deferred fuel balance adjustments for Delmarva Power & Light Company (as of September 30, 1999) and Delaware Electric Cooperative (as of March 31, 2000).

Preserves the Commission's authority to authorize special economic development rates for customers representing at least 25 jobs and/or $2 million in capital expenditures, provided the rate recovers incremental costs and is in the public interest.