The Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation (DEMEC) announced that the City of Dover has been added as an associate member.
With the addition of Dover, Smyrna-based DEMEC will represent all nine community-owned electric utilities in the state of Delaware. This partnership will give Dover access to services and programs and offer economies of scale in pricing.
Dover is the largest municipally owned utility in the state. Unlike other towns and cities in Delaware, Dover has its own generating plants. Other cities and towns buy their electric power through DEMEC. The Dover utility has 25,000 customers.
DEMEC also operates a small generating plant that is fired up during periods with heavy demand, typically in the summer. Member municipalities have sponsored or built solar energy projects, and DEMEC buys wind power energy from a site in Pennsylvania.
“We are excited to have DEMEC as an extension of our staff and to increase opportunities for the City of Dover. We are especially excited about DEMEC’s Joint Lineworker Training Yard and the educational program they offer our apprentice and journeyman lineworkers,” said David Hugg, Dover city manager.
According to a DEMEC release, the City of Dover will benefit from joint advocacy efforts, shared resources, training, networking opportunities, and increased assistance through mutual aid during severe weather emergencies.
“DEMEC and our members have always supported one another, and we are excited to have Dover on the team. As we chart a path forward for Delaware’s energy future, DEMEC will continue to advocate for the benefits of public power and working together,” stated Kimberly Schlichting, DEMEC CEO.
