Delaware Electric Co-op achieves reliability milestone in 2024
Delaware Electric Cooperative is celebrating a record-breaking run of reliability, with the last two years marking unprecedented improvements in reliable service to its members. In 2024, DEC achieved its most reliable year to date, seeing service interruptions dramatically reduced and power restored faster than ever before, exceeding all previous records.
"This exceptional performance is the direct result of our team’s dedication and tireless focus on keeping our members’ lights on," said Dwayne Street, DEC chief operating officer. “This milestone is the result of years of work to improve the co-op's infrastructure, technology and operations, ensuring that members experience fewer interruptions and faster recovery times when outages do occur.”
Compared with 2023, which marked DEC’s previous record year for reliability distinction, DEC in 2024 experienced a 17% reduction in outages and restored power 10% faster. The average outage duration was just 61 minutes in 2024, far below the national average for power outages.
“Our tree trimming and vegetation management programs have played a key role in reducing outages,” said Jesse Spampinato, DEC vice president of operations. “Delaware’s coastal location and vulnerability to nor’easters and tropical storms can lead to significant tree damage. Yet, through proactive maintenance and investments, we’ve been able to greatly reduce the impact of these storms on our system.”
"We are always striving to improve the service we provide to our members," said Rob Book, DEC president and CEO. "We know how crucial reliability is, and thanks to the dedication of our employees and ongoing system upgrades, we’ve been able to achieve a new standard of performance. This record is a direct result of decades of strategic investments in our infrastructure, and it’s a testament to the hard work of everyone at DEC. Even more important, we’ve been able to improve reliability for members while also offering the lowest electric rates in Delaware."
Delaware Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric utility powering more than 300,000 people in Sussex and Kent counties.
