Utility Setup, Payments, Bills, Rates and More

Setting Up or Closing Utility Accounts

To set up new utility services, such as electric, water, sewer, or trash, please review either the Residential (Residencial) or Commercial (Comercial) Service Requirements and complete one of the following applications:

English:

Spanish:

Creole:

Please visit the Customer Service office located at 119 S. Walnut Street with your completed application, drivers license or state issued picture ID, social security number, and the lease signed by all parties or settlement paperwork. All individuals listed on the documentation must be present to sign up for services. Fees include a deposit and connection fees. Commercial customers are invited to use our step-by-step guide on opening a business and setting up services here.

To close or transfer an account, we require requests in writing or in person. Be sure to include the service location, date of requested turn off or transfer, and forwarding address. Transfers will be processed within two business days. You may fax this request to us at (302) 422-1120 or email us at customerservice@milford-de.gov.

Utility Payments

For our customer’s convenience, utility payments can be made several ways:

Log in each month and pay online.
Have your payments automatically deducted from your checking or savings account.
Place in the drop box at City Hall.
Use our drive-up window at the Customer Service Office. No need to walk in!
Come into the office and pay in person.

Understanding Your Bill

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Rates

Electric Rates Other Utility Rates

Electric Usage Guide

This guide from our partners at Efficiency Smart estimates the annual kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage and energy costs of common household products. Hours in use are based on a typical four-person household. Your hours of use may vary. Annual kWh may vary depending upon model, age, and use. Annual cost is based on an average of 12 cents per kWh. Appliances with annual operating costs of $100 or more are bolded. To estimate the annual cost of operating an appliance not listed, multiply the annual kWh by your utility’s kWh rate or by the average rate of 12 cents. Click here to view the guide. Other efficiency resources can be found here.

Power Cost Adjustment

The City of Milford, a community electric utility powered by the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation (DEMEC), will be increasing the current Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) by $0.00238 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for a total of $0.01438 beginning in January. Customers will see this increase on their February City of Milford utility bills.

This power cost increase is primarily due to a DEMEC budget adjustment. The passthrough results in a 1.7 percent increase in electric bills for the average household and small business accounts in Milford. Commercial accounts in Milford can expect an increase ranging from about 1.5 to 2.2 percent depending on demand, load factor, seasonality, and time of use.

Even with this rate increase, customers are paying less than they were five years ago (see attached chart). Additionally, the City’s overall electric rate continues to be the third lowest rate in the state of Delaware, trailing only the City of Lewes and the City of New Castle.

Green/Renewable Energy Fund Program

The City of Milford, through the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation, Inc. (DEMEC) and the Delaware Energy Office, provides a fund to support green/renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency technologies, or demand side management programs. The rules of practice and procedure for application and disbursement of Municipal Green Energy Fund grants for renewable energy projects in Delaware are outlined in the Municipal Utilities Green/Renewable Energy Fund Program effective January 1, 2007, as amended.

Current Green Energy Rate: $.000356 per kilowatt-hour (kWh)

Delaware Public Utility Tax

The State of Delaware imposes a public utility tax of 4.25% on electric distribution to non-residential customers (2.00% for manufacturing, food processing, and agribusiness companies) pursuant to 30, Del. C., Ch 55. The City of Milford is required to collect the utility tax on behalf of the State and remit the tax to the Department of Revenue monthly.

Payment Arrangements and Delinquent Accounts

Payment arrangements may be made provided the arrangement clears the existing utility bill within a timely manner and before calculation of the next bill. Arrangements will be made only with the customer whose name is on the account. Payment arrangements must be made by 4:30 p.m. the day prior to disconnection. Payments in the drop box after 4:30 p.m. will not be taken into consideration.

Payment arrangements by phone are accepted. Should there be a dispute over the arrangement, it may be necessary for the customer to sign a payment agreement in person.

If arrangements are not kept as promised, the property will be disconnected the following business day. No further arrangements will be made with a customer for 12 months once an arrangement is broken.

ALL DELINQUENT BALANCES MUST BE PAID IN FULL TO PREVENT DISCONNECTION OF UTILITY SERVICE. Delinquent notices are mailed the Wednesday after the bill is due. Payment is due within nine (9) days after the due date to avoid disconnection. Failure to receive a notice does not relieve you of your payment responsibilities.

Disconnection of utilities begins at 8:00 a.m. on the day specified on the delinquent notice. Upon disconnection, payment in full of past due amounts and administrative fees will be required for re-connection.

Medical Certification Program

This program enables customers with a medical necessity for electric and water to make arrangements ahead of time to prepare for extended outages. We understand the inconvenience and hardship that loss of power presents. If termination of electric service will adversely affect the health or recovery of a customer, the customer can have a Delaware licensed healthcare provider fax or email a completed City Certification of Medical Need form and a Medical Certification form to us. Forms are effective for 120 days, per Delaware Code.