South New Castle News

Set 15 years ago, the goal for Delaware has been to derive 25 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2025 but with only five years to go, Delaware will not meet the 2025 goal, says an article in the University of Delaware Review. 

Delaware utilities are currently required to increase the percentage of electricity derived from renewable resources every year. 

Sen. Harris McDowell III (D-1), who chairs the energy committee, says the goal of his bill is to give the state more flexibility as it works to increase its commitment to clean, renewable power. 

McDowell introduced legislation this summer to give businesses more options for generating electricity. Under his legislation the responsibilities for meeting the state’s solar energy goals would move to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. 

McDowell’s bill also moves the mandate for the change to renewable energy sources from 2025 to 2035. The end result would have Delaware operating with 40 percent renewable energy by 2035, with at least 7 percent of the energy coming from solar technology.