Delaware’s Energy Crossroads: A Practical Path to Reliable Power
By: Kenneth J Reuter JR, Guest Contributor
Delaware faces a growing energy challenge: electricity demand is increasing while in-state generation remains inadequate. The result is greater dependence on imported electricity, pressure on residential and commercial electric bills, and increasing concern about long-term grid reliability.
The state needs an energy strategy centered on one fundamental objective: reliable, affordable, 24/7 electricity.
I offer this perspective based on more than 40 years of experience in the electric power generation, transmission and distribution industries. My background includes U.S. Navy training in electrical and nuclear technologies, a degree in Economics and Business from the University of Delaware, and an Executive MBA from Northeastern University. I have also served in senior executive roles with global energy equipment manufacturers supporting nuclear, fossil, offshore wind and solar generation.
I participated in Delaware’s Nuclear Energy Task Force (NETF), and that experience reinforced my concern that Delaware is moving too slowly to address a problem requiring immediate action.
Where the Nuclear Energy Task Force Fell Short
The NETF began its work in October 2025 but did not release its summary until August 4, 2026—after the General Assembly had adjourned. Its conclusion that small modular reactors (SMRs) could not contribute to Delaware’s electricity needs until the late 2030s effectively pushes meaningful nuclear action well into the future.
For an issue this technical and consequential, the task force should have been organized around specific areas of expertise: nuclear technology and manufacturers, potential sites, environmental and safety considerations, permitting, federal-state coordination and public communications.
That did not happen.
Most concerning, nuclear equipment manufacturers were not brought before the full task force to discuss available technologies, production capacity, project timelines and siting requirements. Westinghouse and another leading nuclear company were identified as willing to present, yet neither was invited. An opportunity to tour the nearby Salem/Hope Creek nuclear facilities was also not pursued.
Delaware cannot make informed decisions about nuclear power without directly engaging the companies designing and building nuclear plants and evaluating potential sites within the state.
Delaware Needs Reliable Generation
Delaware imports a substantial share of the electricity it consumes, while demand continues to grow. Sussex County, in particular, is experiencing rapid population and housing growth while conventional generation has declined following the retirement of generating units at Indian River.
Wind and solar can be components of Delaware’s energy portfolio, but they do not independently provide the dispatchable, around-the-clock generation needed to meet baseload demand.
At the same time, Delaware’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) should be reassessed to determine whether current policies unnecessarily constrain the ability of existing natural-gas generators to increase production when Delaware needs it most.
Energy and environmental policies must be balanced against reliability, affordability and economic growth.
A Practical Path Forward
Delaware should pursue a two-track strategy: address the immediate generation shortage while simultaneously building the infrastructure needed for long-term energy security.
First, establish a cabinet-level energy office. Delaware needs dedicated leadership staffed by professionals with direct experience designing, building, operating and servicing power-generation systems. Energy policy is too important to remain fragmented across agencies.
Second, revisit RGGI. Delaware should evaluate whether modifications could allow existing generators to increase output while maintaining reasonable environmental protections.
Third, expand combined-cycle natural gas generation. Modern combined-cycle plants provide efficient, relatively low-emission, dispatchable electricity and can be deployed faster than nuclear facilities. Additional capacity could help bridge Delaware’s generation gap.
Fourth, begin nuclear planning now. Delaware should evaluate both SMRs and larger proven reactor technologies such as the AP1000. That means engaging manufacturers, identifying potential sites, addressing permitting requirements and coordinating with federal agencies today—not years from now.
Finally, Delaware should evaluate offshore wind, solar and every other generation source based on reliability, cost and its contribution to the overall grid—not political preference.
There is no single solution to Delaware’s energy problem. But there is a clear priority: Delaware must produce more reliable electricity.
The longer we wait to build dependable, dispatchable generation, the fewer options we will have—and the more Delaware families and businesses will ultimately pay.
Kenneth J. Reuter, Jr. is a veteran energy executive with 40 years of experience in electric generation, transmission and distribution and currently serves as an energy consultant through Resilience Energy, LLC.