Sussex Shores Water Rate Case: What Customers Need to Know and How to Participate

If you are a Sussex Shores Water Company customer, you may have heard about the company’s request to increase water rates. The Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) is reviewing that request, and customers will have opportunities to learn more and provide input.

What Is Sussex Shores Asking For?

On August 11, 2026, Sussex Shores Water Company filed an application with the PSC requesting an increase in its water base rates.

The company is seeking an additional $644,896 in annual operating revenue, which represents a 29.46% increase over its existing base rates.

The proposed increase would affect both fixed charges and water usage charges. For example, the quarterly fixed charge for a 5/8-inch connection would increase from $95.14 to $123.46. The proposed rate for the first 5,000 gallons of water would increase from $3.97 to $5.15 per 1,000 gallons.

Other proposed increases would apply to larger meter sizes, public fire hydrant service and private fire protection.

Why Is There a Rate Case?

When a regulated utility in Delaware wants to change its base rates, it must go through the PSC. A rate case gives the Commission and participating parties an opportunity to review the utility’s request and the evidence supporting it.

The process includes a review of the utility’s expenses, investments, revenues, operations and financial assumptions. Parties may submit questions and expert testimony. The Commission then considers the evidence before deciding what rates, if any, should be approved.

The utility’s requested increase is not automatically granted. The PSC can approve the request in whole or in part, reject it, or approve a different amount or allocation among customer classes.

What Is the Public Advocate’s Role?

The Delaware Division of the Public Advocate (DPA) represents the interests of utility consumers in proceedings before the PSC.

In a rate case, the DPA reviews the utility’s filing from a consumer perspective. This can include examining the utility’s costs, investments, revenues, financial assumptions and proposed rates.

The DPA can participate in discovery, submit expert testimony, question witnesses during hearings and present arguments to the Commission. This helps ensure that the interests of customers are considered as part of the Commission’s review.

Where Does the Sussex Shores Case Stand?

On September 2, 2026, the PSC issued Order No. 11089, suspending the proposed rates and related tariff changes while the Commission conducts further investigation and schedules public comment sessions and formal evidentiary hearings.

Sussex Shores has also indicated that it intends to ask the PSC for authority to place a portion of its proposed increase into effect on an interim basis, subject to refund, no earlier than 90 days after the August 11 filing.

Any interim rate request is separate from the Commission’s final decision on the overall rate case.

How Can Customers Participate?

Customers do not have to be experts in utility regulation to participate. There are several ways to follow the case and provide input.

1. Review the Application

The Sussex Shores application and supporting documents are available through the PSC’s DelaFile system.

Search for PSC Docket No. 26-0814.

Reviewing the filing can help customers understand the reasons Sussex Shores gives for the requested increase and the proposed changes to different charges.

2. Attend Public Comment Sessions

The PSC will hold public comment sessions as the case moves forward. These sessions give customers an opportunity to tell the Commission how the proposed rates could affect them.

Customers should check the PSC’s website for announcements about public comment sessions, including dates, times and locations. Public meeting information is also available through the State of Delaware Public Meeting Calendar.

Public comments become part of the public record and provide the Commission with information about customers’ experiences and concerns.

3. Stay Informed

Rate cases can take time. The process may include discovery, written testimony, public comment opportunities, hearings and legal briefs before the Commission issues a final order.

Customers can follow the Sussex Shores proceeding through DelaFile by searching for Docket No. 26-0814 and reviewing new filings as they are posted.

What Happens Next?

The PSC will continue its investigation and establish opportunities for public participation and formal hearings. The evidence developed throughout the proceeding will form the record that the Commission uses to make its decision.

At the end of the process, the PSC may approve all, some or none of the requested increase. The Commission may also determine a different allocation of any approved increase among customer classes.

What Customers Should Know

The proposed 29.46% increase is a request, not the final rate.

Customers can review the filings, attend public comment sessions and stay informed as the case moves forward. These opportunities allow customers to share their experiences and make sure the Commission hears from those affected by the proposed rates.

The DPA will continue to represent the interests of utility consumers as the case moves forward. Customers can follow the case in DelaFile under PSC Docket No. 26-0814 and watch for announcements about upcoming public comment sessions and hearings.