My take: Utility and ‘billionaire’ bills

 Sadly, some legislators appear to be playing the blame game,  citing everything from "corporate greed"  to the state's renewable energy targets.

The blowback from charges related to renewables is understandable. It’s due in part to Delmarva Power's more transparent billing format. While significant, my bill's $15 renewables charge has little to do with customers seeing soaring charges.

It's especially true for homes and small businesses that use natural gas, a heating source that has not seen big price hikes. That may change in the coming months.

As noted earlier, failing heat pump systems that move to expensive electric heat during bitterly cold days could be the main culprit in the sky-high bills.

It would be a good idea for legislators to drill down on the real reasons for higher utility bills rather than build false hope that legislation will have any immediate impact.

Billionaires bill update

On the issue of legislation that would overhaul Delaware's incorporation law to make things more friendly to the Musks and Zuckerbergs of the world, a Tuesday report suggests the Delaware State  Bar Association may not be "all in" with the changes.

Bloomberg Law (paywall) reported a state Bar Association committee took no position on the bill. The Bloomberg report was based on a lawyer talking off the record..

The impact of the association's stance remains unclear as the bill moves through the legislative process and what many view as likely approval. Opponents were in Dover today to tell their story.

The opposition, which dismisses the legislation as the "billionaires' bill,"  includes small investors, pension funds, and others worried that shareholder rights will be shredded and open the door for Musk to get his $56 billion payday. The bill’s sponsor denies the Musk claim. Others see loopholes.

Last week, members of the bar who represent shareholder interests gave their reasons for opposing the bill in a letter to legislators. - Doug Rainey, chief content officer.