MYTH VS. REALITY

February 20, 2026

Delaware Senate Republicans

Delaware joined RGGI in 2008, a mandatory carbon cap program requiring power plants to purchase emissions allowances.

Alternative Compliance Payments are often described as something other than a “fine,” and technically that is true. Utilities are not being punished for illegal behavior; the payment is written directly into the Renewable Portfolio Standard as a compliance option. However, that distinction does not change the underlying reality. ACPs exist solely because the state mandates that a certain percentage of electricity must come from renewable sources.

If that mandate did not exist, there would be no renewable quota to fall short of and no Alternative Compliance Payment to make. While supporters of green energy mandates may debate terminology, the payment is a state-created penalty mechanism triggered by the renewable energy requirement itself.

These policies stem from state-level energy mandates passed through legislation and they directly impact ratepayers.

Delaware families deserve transparency when it comes to energy costs.