Senator Harris McDowell has unveiled a proposal to increase Delaware's use of renewable energy over the coming decade by expanding Delaware’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and creating a new community solar market.

Created in 2005, Delaware’s existing RPS requires utilities to acquire 25% of their retail electricity from renewable sources, such as wind or solar energy by 2025, and the industry is on pace to meet that goal.

The proposal would gradually increase Delaware’s standard each year to a new goal of 40% by 2035. The proposed legislation seeks to reach the 2035 goal in part by creating incentives for communities to invest in their own solar energy generating facilities through a section of the legislation that would be known as the Community Sustainable Energy Authorities Act.

Senator McDowell hopes to formally introduce the RPS bill when the Legislature returns to session, and the draft bill currently has at least 14 co-sponsors in the Senate and the House.

Let Governor Carney and your state legislators know that you support this expansion, and urge their support as well.