Bill > SB60

This bill amends Delaware utility regulations by establishing clear prohibitions on how regulated utilities can use customer funds. Specifically, the bill prevents utilities from recovering costs related to lobbying, political activities, charitable contributions, and certain advertising expenses through customer rates. The bill defines advertising broadly as communications intended to promote a brand, influence public opinion, or create goodwill, while providing exceptions for legally required, safety-related, or consumer education advertising. Utilities are prohibited from using customer funds for organizational dues that support lobbying, political campaign contributions, and charitable giving, including donations to 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations. The bill includes specific definitions and detailed examples of prohibited expenses to provide clarity. Additionally, the bill contains a severability clause, which means that if any part of the law is found to be invalid, the remaining parts of the law can still be enforced. The overall aim of the bill is to ensure that utility customers are not indirectly funding activities unrelated to core utility services through their monthly rates.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=141867