Energize Delaware Seeks Industry Input on Battery Storage Strategies

Energize Delaware, the trade name of the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (DESEU), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) on battery energy storage systems (BESS). The state-backed nonprofit utility is gathering technical and market input to help the State of Delaware develop strategies and programs that support storage deployment. Responses are due December 18, 2026, and can be sent to info@deseu.org. The RFI is an information-gathering exercise, not a request for proposals or an award announcement.

For battery manufacturers, project developers, system integrators, and related service providers, the RFI is an opportunity to inform how Delaware approaches storage development. Respondents can provide information about systems, services, market conditions, and other relevant considerations raised in the RFI. Although participation does not guarantee a future procurement, industry input may help the state identify program needs and design initiatives that could create downstream opportunities for suppliers and implementation partners.

The inquiry builds on Delaware’s broader interest in renewable energy and storage. An earlier study cited in the source reporting indicated battery storage could contribute to the state’s efforts to increase the share of electricity derived from renewable sources. Storage can hold electricity for later use and help manage peak demand, a potential operational consideration as solar projects grow. The RFI therefore touches both clean-energy program development and the practical integration of storage into the state’s evolving electricity landscape.

Existing state and utility activity provides additional context for market participants. DelawareSHINES is a state program intended to increase rooftop solar and battery storage use. Delmarva Power has expressed interest in installing storage systems and has identified space at substation sites; the source notes that the utility is barred from generating electricity under electric utility deregulation. These examples indicate potential areas of interest, but they should not be interpreted as commitments to procure equipment or services. Contractors should use the RFI to offer substantiated capabilities and market insight while monitoring for any later program announcements or solicitations.

The DESEU was created by the State of Delaware in 2007 and offers energy audits, financing, and other services. The source reports that it uses proceeds from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) cap-and-trade agreements aimed at reducing pollution. That institutional background may matter to firms assessing how state energy programs are organized and funded. For procurement teams, the immediate action is to review the RFI, determine whether their technical or commercial experience is responsive, and submit information before the stated deadline; there is no immediate award opportunity described in the notice.

• RFI subject: Battery energy storage systems and related market information.
• Issuing organization: Energize Delaware, the trade name of the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility.
• Purpose: Inform state strategies and programs intended to promote battery storage development in Delaware.
• Response deadline: December 18, 2026.
• Submission contact: info@deseu.org.
• Procurement posture: Market research only; the notice is not a solicitation, contract, or award.
• Potential respondents: Battery storage companies, system integrators, developers, and related service providers.
• State context: DelawareSHINES supports increased rooftop solar and battery storage use.
• Utility context: Delmarva Power has expressed interest in storage and has substation sites with room for systems, according to the source.
• Action for industry: Submit relevant technical and market input, then monitor for future Delaware initiatives or solicitations.