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On September 30, 2026, vetoes retail energy consumer protection bill.  More specifically, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer vetoed HB 393  entitled An Act To Amend Title 26 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Protections For Public Utility Consumers.  As written the bill would have placed limitations and consumer restrictions on unregulated retail electric suppliers for residential customers.

As previously reported, the bill had passed both houses without any opposition. It remains unclear if the General Assembly will attempt a veto override.

Meyer explained his reasoning for the veto in a statement:

Meyer in his veto message said he supports protecting consumers from deceptive sales practices and surprise increases, but the effect of the legislation would be to discourage competition in the residential market and actually strengthen Delmarva Power’s “monopoly.”

“Delawareans should not have to choose between consumer protection and consumer choice,” the Governor said.

“Delaware families are already being squeezed by rising electric bills, and the last thing we should do is take away their choices and strengthen Delmarva’s monopoly. I support the goal of HB 393: protecting consumers from deceptive sales practices, surprise rate increases, and unfair contracts. But we have already seen what happened when Maryland adopted these same restrictions: competitors left the residential market and consumers were left with fewer choices. Delaware should learn from that experience, not repeat it. The Public Service Commission can and should put strong consumer protections in place without shutting down competition. Families struggling to pay their bills need to be protected from both predatory practices and monopolies, not either or.”