Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

Delaware

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Summary of Investment Plan

Under Delaware's CO₂ Budget Trading Program Regulations, and as directed by Senate Bill No. 263: An Act to Amend Title 7 of the Delaware Code Relating to RGGI and CO₂ Emission Trading Program:

• 65 percent of the state's auction proceeds are directed to the new Sustainable Energy Utility, the entity tasked with providing energy efficiency and renewable energy programs for households and businesses.
• 15 percent of auction proceeds is directed to low income consumers through programs administered by the Department of Health and Social Services. These programs include the federally funded and state administered Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the federally funded and state administered Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) programs.
• Up to 10 percent will be used for greenhouse gas reduction projects selected by the Secretary following a periodic competitive proposal process. Projects must result in quantifiable and verifiable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in Delaware not otherwise required by federal or state law and not receive funding from any other state sources.
• The remaining 10 percent may be used to administer RGGI and climate change programs in DNREC.

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Investment Highlights

In 2009, Delaware invested $2.2 million of its RGGI proceeds to weatherize 1,300 low-income homes across the state. 

In 2010, Delaware invested RGGI proceeds to provide rebates of up to $200 for the purchase of an Energy Star-qualified clothes washer, dishwasher, room air conditioner, or gas water heater. With the help of RGGI, as well as other funding sources, the program provided more than 15,900 rebates for energy efficient household appliances to Delaware consumers. These rebates are:

• Reducing consumer energy costs by more than $366,000 per year;
• Avoiding 1,196 tons of CO₂ pollution per year.

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More Information

For more information on Delaware's investment of auction proceeds, please see:

• Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU)
• The Delaware Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
• The Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP) 
• State Press Releases on the Investment of Auction Proceeds

For general information on Delaware's participation in RGGI, please consult state regulations.