Gov. John Carney signed a resolution Thursday urging federal regulators to accept a new cost share agreement for the controversial Artificial Island energy transmission line.
The two plans favored by Delaware would cut the state’s share of the $279 million project by nearly 90 percent.
“Either of these other two methodologies would greatly benefit Delaware. [Rate payer] bills would go from $2 to $4 extra a month for the next 40 years to 30, 40 cents,” said Drew Slater, the Delaware Public Advocate.
The Artificial Island project is intended to boost regional energy stability by laying a transmission line across the Delaware Bay from New Jersey to the First State.
Energy giant PJM’s original plan would have Delaware pay 90 percent of the project costs while only receiving 10 percent of the benefit.
The two alternative plans offered by PJM in early June would reduce Delaware’s share of the project costs to either 10 percent or 7 percent.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission still has to approve the new cost share structure.
Delaware leaders are planning to request a rehearing in August.
