ABOUT AGENCY
Delaware’s Division of the Public Advocate (DPA) was established in 1978 after energy price shocks resulted in sharply rising electricity rates and a public outcry for relief for customers in gerenal and the disadvantaged and elderly in particular. Since then, various utility industries have gone through major changes in the way they operate. Federal and state legislation affecting the energy, telephone, cable television, and water industries has led to an increased pace of utility regulatory cases across the nation.
The DPA represents consumers whenever PSC-regulated utility companies in Delaware seek changes in the delivery of services or changes in rates for electric distribution, natural gas supply, water services, or local exchange telephone services. Although the DPA represents all consumers of regulated utility services, it focuses on residential and small business consumers.
The fundamental mission of the DPA is to advocate the lowest reasonable rates for consumers, consistent with the maintenance of adequate utility service and consistent with an equitable distribution of rates among all classes of consumers. We who work in the DPA strive to carry out this mission in a diligent, principled, and compassionate manner.
