Delmarva, Chesapeake request gas rate hikes for customers

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Delmarva Power & Light and Chesapeake Utilities Corp. have filed for increases that could take effect on Nov. 1.

The Delaware Public Advocate's Office plans to review the proposed increases to ensure they are justified, but regulators have limited ability to block the increases.

Delaware’s two major natural gas providers are seeking significant rate hikes that could hit household budgets as winter approaches.

On Aug. 28, Delmarva Power & Light filed with the state Public Service Commission to raise its “gas cost rate” by about 43%. Days later, on Sept. 2, Chesapeake Utilities Corp. submitted a request to increase its “gas sales service rate” by roughly 30%. Both companies want the new rates to take effect Nov. 1, pending final approval.

If approved, Delmarva estima