(Photo: WBOC)DOVER, Del. (AP)- Delaware's Public Service Commission has approved a $22 million annual rate hike on Delmarva Power customers in the First State.
Delmarva Power initially asked for a distribution rate increase of about $33 million last year, a request that generated more than 1,500 comments in opposition.
The PSC staff recommended that Delmarva be allowed an increase of about $16 million, while the Public Advocate, charged with representing the interests of consumers, recommended an increase of $17.5 million.
In August, the parties settled on an increase of $22 million, and a hearing examiner recommended last month that the settlement be approved by the PSC.
Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday for the rate increase, which, among other things, would cover the costs of installing so-called "smart meters."
