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Delaware   Delaware Profile

State Profile and Energy Estimates

Changes to the State Energy Data System (SEDS) Notice: In October 2023, we updated the way we calculate primary energy consumption of electricity generation from noncombustible renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal). Visit our Changes to 1960—2022 conversion factor for renewable energy page to learn more.

Profile Overview

Quick Facts

  • Delaware produces less energy than any other state and used less energy than all but three other states, but still used 80 times more energy than it produced in 2021.
  • In 2022, natural gas fueled 87% of Delaware's total in-state electricity generation, up from 51% in 2010, while the state's coal-fired generation fell from 46% to 2% during the same period.
  • About 44% of Delaware households rely on natural gas for home heating, 35% use electricity, about 10% use propane, and 9% use fuel oil or kerosene.
  • Delaware's renewable portfolio standard requires that 40% of the state's electricity retail sales come from renewable energy sources by 2035, with at least 10% coming from solar energy. In 2022, about 6% of Delaware's total in-state net generation came from renewable resources, including 4% from solar energy.
  • In 2022, Delaware’s industrial sector was the state's largest natural gas-consuming sector, accounting for 37% of the natural gas delivered to consumers. Industry has used more natural gas than the state's electric power sector since 2019.

Last Updated: January 18, 2024

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