We need more reliable energy

February 9, 2026

Delaware State Senate Republican Caucus

AI data centers consume massive amounts of electricity, driving up demand while supply struggles to keep pace. Basic economics tells us this has contributed to driving up energy prices.

Republicans in the General Assembly have long advocated for a diverse, reliable energy portfolio that includes traditional baseload generation, nuclear, and renewable energy. Unfortunately, the unrealistic rush to “net-zero” has forced dependable power sources offline without a real plan to replace them.

Here’s what Senate and House Republicans have supported and introduced to strengthen the grid and help lower energy costs:

- HB 186, introduced by Rep. Kevin Hensley and Sen. Pettyjohn, is a bipartisan bill creating a targeted, capped tax credit to incentivize the construction of up to three high-efficiency combined-cycle natural gas power plants that would add dependable baseload power, improve energy security, and stabilize prices.

- Senators Hocker and Pettyjohn are actively working with stakeholders to determine what it would take to bring the Indian River Power Plant in Dagsboro back online.

- Senator Richardson authored SCR 18, which created the Delaware Nuclear Energy Feasibility Task Force that is currently exploring how nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactors, could be deployed in Delaware.

- In 2021, our caucus unanimously supported community solar legislation (SB 2) to expand renewable options while maintaining grid reliability.

Delaware families and businesses deserve energy they can afford and count on. Republicans are working to strengthen the grid and put reliability and affordability first.