Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine Facilities HB 186

February 6, 2026

Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, Senate Republican Whip

Delaware is facing an energy reliability and affordability challenge, and that's why I joined Representative Kevin Hensley in sponsoring HB 186, bipartisan legislation that would encourage the construction of high-efficiency, in-state power generation that can come online in the near future.

Modern combined-cycle natural gas facilities are proven, reliable, and can be built and operational years faster than technologies like small and micro modular nuclear reactors. I strongly support nuclear as part of Delaware’s future energy mix and I thank my colleague Senator Bryant Richardson for spearheading that effort with SCR 18.

HB 186 is about addressing today’s energy needs while we continue planning for tomorrow. By incentivizing limited, high-efficiency power generation here in Delaware, this bill would:

- Strengthen grid reliability across Delaware and the PJM region

- Reduce reliance on out-of-state power and transmission costs

- Help stabilize electric bills for Delaware families and businesses

Senator Hocker and I are also actively engaging with stakeholders on what it would take to restore generation at the Indian River Power Plant. Every responsible option should be on the table.

Delaware needs an all-of-the-above energy strategy and HB 186 is a practical, near-term step toward reliability, affordability, and energy security.