An “energy emergency” is an actual or impending shortage or curtailment of usable, necessary energy resources, such that the maintenance of necessary services, the protection of public health, safety and welfare, or the maintenance of a basically sound economy is imperiled in any geographical section of the state.

The Delaware Energy Security Plan guides timely and coordinated notification to state government, private sector entities, institutions, the media and residents in the state if an energy emergency should occur, and defines appropriate actions to be taken, including enactment of regulations, rules, laws and other actions by the state.

The Delaware Energy Security Plan

The Delaware Energy Security Plan is a comprehensive manual for state government leaders charged with the responsibility of ensuring the health, welfare and safety of the residents of the state during periods of energy emergencies.

The plan describes the state’s response if an energy shortage of a substantial nature occurs or appears imminent.

Energy security planning helps achieve robust, secure, resilient and reliable energy infrastructure. Delaware must be able to restore services rapidly in the event of any disaster.

Energy security accounts for responses to disruptions as they occur (extreme weather, infrastructure failure) as well as long-term measures that reduce overall risk to and vulnerabilities of critical energy infrastructure.

Which Agencies Are Involved?

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and the Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) work in close consultation during energy emergency shortages.

DNREC’s Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy is the lead agency for energy emergency planning. The DEMA director is the primary advisor to the governor in an emergency/energy crisis.

Enabling Legislation

The state enabling legislation for the plan (20 Del.C. Chapter 31) provides for development of standby state energy conservation plans to reduce energy demand by regulating public and private consumption of energy during a severe energy supply interruption.

Federal authority for preparing the Delaware Energy Emergency Response Plan is based on the U. S. Public Law 94-163, Section 362.

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